When you go hiking, it can be quite a challenge knowing what to do and what to carry with you. You probably have a checklist of items you should come with for the hike, like your boots, water, first-aid kit, and navigation tools.
Once you set your foot in the deep woods, your security becomes an issue. It’s like choosing the best online slots on your first day to place a bet. You don’t know what you can expect when on your first-time hike. That’s why you should carry your handgun with you when you go for a hike. You should also bring some gun cleaning kits and a holster to ensure the firearm is in the best shape.
Why you need your handgun when hiking
1. Security from wild animals
You are visiting the wild, and most of the animals here are not used to your sight. If you’ve never seen the lion and its cubs on the trail, you’re going to freeze at the sight of a pride.
You may need your gun to feel safe just in case the animals want to attack you. You are not out to hunt the animals by carrying your handgun. You just want to ensure you are safe while out there and enjoying the benefits of hiking. Just like you carry your handgun when you are out in the busy streets, you should also do the same when you go hiking.
2. Protect your property
When you go hiking, you are probably carrying expensive items in your backpack. You are away from home, and you’re likely to meet criminals on your way. If you’re hiking in areas where smugglers, drug runners, and cartels are active, you should not hesitate to carry your handgun with you.
When shopping for some high-end gear, sleeping bag, and tent, you should not forget to include a licensed rifle. You’ll need it when some robber comes to take away your belongings forcefully.
3. It makes hunting swift
You have your hunting license ready, and you are set for a hike. What you should not forget is a licensed handgun to help you hunt for your food while in the woods. Hunting is such an amazing experience during a hunting season.
All you have to do is ensure you’re hunting with the right tools. You don’t have to leave your rifle at home because you don’t know who’ll be hunting for you in the woods.
How to Take Care of your Handgun
Owning a handgun is undoubtedly an achievement. Once you have your handgun, you must ensure it is always clean and in perfect condition. It’s the only way you can make your handgun last longer. Most rifle owners normally take their firearms to gunsmiths for extensive cleaning.
Taking your gun to a gunsmith for thorough cleaning is never a bad idea. However, you can still clean the rifle in the comfort of your home with these tips. Here are some ways to clean your firearm when you look forward to using it for hunting and hiking this holiday:
Step 1: Consider your safety first
Your gun can also kill you when you point it in your direction. Therefore, when cleaning and inspecting your gun, you should always point it away from you. Safety should always come first when dissembling the gun and cleaning it.
Also, remember to protect your eyes and nose from a harmful chemical used in cleaning the gun. Wear an appropriate mask and gear when cleaning firearms. Lastly, before cleaning or inspecting your gun, you must ensure it is unloaded, and the safety mode is on.
Step 2: Gather all material you need for cleaning the rifle
Before you can disassemble the gun, you must ensure you have all the materials you need for the cleaning. Some common materials used in cleaning a pistol include gun bore cleaner, utility brush; bore snake, cleaning rod, jags, cleaning patches, and lubricant.
Step 3: Disassemble the handgun
When disassembling the pistol, you must ensure it’s clear, and no single round is still in the chamber.
- Remove the gun magazine from the magazine well
- Locate the lock lever on the gun and rotate it clockwise, then slide it forward to the barrel.
- Scrutinize your gun to find out where the barrel and the spring meet. Take care when removing the spring; it’s always under tension. To remove the spring, push it forward to the barrel and try pulling it outwards.
- The barrel is now free to slide out after removing the spring.
Step 4: Clean the barrel and brush the slide
From your cleaning kit, grab the caliber towel and use it to clean the barrel. You can also use a brush to clean the slides.
Step 5: Lubricate and reassemble the pistol.
Use a recommended lubricant for your handgun to lubricate the hammer’s topside, both side of the rail, and the bottom side of the hammer. Once you are done lubricating the handgun, you can now reassemble it and keep it in a safe mode.
Final Thoughts
Hiking and camping come in a lot of fun. However, if you’re hiking, the experience may not be that good if you are not sure of your safety in the woods. While shopping for some quality first aid kit and sleeping bag, you should not forget to get a licensed rifle.
When choosing your handgun for a hike, you want to ensure it is lightweight to avoid adding much weight to your backpack. If you cannot get a lighter pistol, you should cut the items on your backpack. Always ensure you have your handgun with you whenever you explore the deep woods on a hike.
Lastly, ensure the state you are hiking is gun-friendly. Plan your route well to avoid crossing the border to states where carrying handguns is restricted.
