Bush Pilot Revolver ?

[jazaman]

so what now; no pistols as they are too weak, no revolvers as they are too slow, no shotguns as they are too cumbersome...

hand grenades...they fit just right in your pocket...dab them with fish oil and sent it right to the bear...he will gobble them up and you can sit back and enjoy the show.

 

[t-star]

unless there's a good wall between you , EVERYBODY knows grenades cause as just about as much damage to the thrower as the target- it's called a BLAST RADIUS OR CIRCLE for a REASON- any incursion into that circle is going to get shrapnel, and the only to confine it is with an inamimate object-that's why the standoff or blooper became popular- it increases the distance between the thrower and the target , negating the threat to the thrower

 

[Griffoneur]

What danger to the citizenry does someone represent if carrying a handgun 200km from nowhere?

What are the chances of you accidentally shooting an infant that is breastfeeding off his mommy's titty while you are fending of a pissed of bear?

CCW in a populated city is one thing, carrying amongst bears, wolves, and big kitties should not require all these damned hoops.

This whole "wilderness ATC" puckey should be eradicated. We must push for change. The status quo is NOT acceptable.

 

[Camp Cook]

I 100% agree...

If there has to be some regulation have it that you have to prove proficiency and end it there...

 

[ipscgraz]

+ 1

A couple of times I have been in the bush alone thinking that I have a safe full of really good ideas, but not much help because I couldn't have it with me.

 

[boxcoach]

Sounds like there have been some changes since my last permit expired, in the 90s. The last couple of years I had the permit, it did say the weapon had to be carried in plain view. Made it a bit hard when wearing a big parka.

To be truthful, I never really checked to see if we were legal jumping into a helicopter with a loaded weapon. We always put the weapons away, when we headed for town. These days, I suppose air travel is more closely monitored.

The list of occupations eligible for wilderness carry is much longer than you might think. Surveyors, geologists, prospectors, are the obvious, but I know of oil scouts, and wildlife photographers who have permits as well.

A few years after I gave up my permit, I took on a project in Swan Hills, where a handgun would have come in handy. I was alone, with a backpack GPS, a handful of maps, and aerial photos. I had to hike a few kms from main roads, with no one really knowing where I was going. I didn't see any bears(it was a winter project), but my mind was jumping from the task at hand, to wondering about predators, a little too often.

 

[mlehtovaara]

All it will take is someone applying and then being denied an ATC, followed by a trip to the bush and a subsequent bear attack, leaving someone maimed, hopefully not killed.

There would be a #### storm of legal action that could change this, but it would involve being mauled by a bear!

Who's in?

 

[Boomer]

All it will take is someone applying and then being denied an ATC, followed by a trip to the bush and a subsequent bear attack, leaving someone maimed, hopefully not killed.

There would be a s**t storm of legal action that could change this, but it would involve being mauled by a bear!

Who's in?

Nothing to it, fill your pockets with sardines and go for a walk!

 

[Ardent]

Hey,

I need a survival protection revolver from wild life, I can get a carry permit. I need something I can have in a holster on my body during the flight or be very accessible.

6 inch barrel or so, powerful enough to take out a black bear or a grizzly. Reliable and strong. Price of ammo doesn't matter.

I was thinking .357 mag, .44 mag, or .50.

I was thinking ruger, S&W seems to have some failure issues with the upper receiver being to think to handle abuse. I prefer something stainless.

Shotgun, rifle, wont work. If you flip your float plane on the lake and your sinking in pitch dark water, I am sure you do not have time to go looking for your rifle at the bottom of the cargo bay 8 feet behind your back.

Any idea's? Any Experiences? Right now I am pretty sure I might go with a Rugger SP100 ( I think thats the model ) or a S&W 500, or a Taurus Judge.

Thanks!

Where do you work, and for whom and what do you fly?

 

[david doyle]

To be truthful, I never really checked to see if we were legal jumping into a helicopter with a loaded weapon

absolutlely not!

Even the GRC unload to make chopper trips with known bad guys at the landing sight.

I can see having some type of firearm in the chopper for emergencies but strapping on a revovler all day??? The pilots I know work hard and long. Why would they want more discomfort?

 

[rgv]

absolutlely not!

Even the GRC unload to make chopper trips with known bad guys at the landing sight.

I can see having some type of firearm in the chopper for emergencies but strapping on a revovler all day??? The pilots I know work hard and long. Why would they want more discomfort?

+1

maybe because I'm a lousy swimmer, or maybe because I've been in the water without intending to, but a 48 ounce revolver in a shoulder holster is about the last thing I'd want strapped onto me in an upside down Otter.

I somehow suspect the OP is asking a hypothetical question.

 

[Boomer]

It would depend on the nature of the work involved with a specific contract. If the pilot is frequently in and out of his bird several times an hour, taking the gun on and off would be even more tedious

 

[Camp Cook]

I used to swim competitively and my first real job was a lifeguard so swimming is easy for me that is if I'm not hurt to bad.

So for me I couldn't care less if I was in the water with my handgun on my hip/shoulder holster or not...

 

[the judge]

I personally know bear researchers who have or have had ATCs, so if you maintain the people who work directly with bears can't get them, you are mistaken.
QUOTE]

I don't maintain anything, I said I had never heard of a "scientist" getting one. I said that I base that on my own experience in BC and Alberta and added that it may be different in other areas...

 

[trekstor]

Where do you work, and for whom and what do you fly?

Upcoming season will be flying in North Ontario. Depends on who I fly for this season ( still up in the air ), it could be north of pickle lake, Armstrong or Red lake. Could be as low as west of Thunder Bay. Will be most likely a bush Operation in a 180 or 185 on floats. I am in my early stage of the career, so no work is guaranteed. Well see how it goes, but I might also head out looking for work to Manitoba, Alberta or BC if work in Ontario is scares. So far I am optimistic.

I wanted to avoid waiting for the official season to start because knowing how long paper work takes in this country when it involves permits for firearms, the season might be over. Since I am a lower hour pilot, an accident is a higher risk compared to someone who has done 10 seasons. I would think survival skills and equipment is more important at the early stage due to lack of experience. Besides having a fuel leak and almost running out of fuel up in the middle of no where, I never had a serious emergency. The biggest risk is flipping your float plane with low hours. The chances of it happening are low, but it could. I know a few pilots that didn't see a log floating on the lake. The floats ripped right off the Cessna during the landing, and it was only their 2nd or 3rd season. I do have egress training but all that showed me, is I prefer to have a firearm strapped on me all day long. In dark waters of northern Ontario it is hard to see anything. I only got 20 to 30 seconds to exist plus help potential passengers to get out. Firearm is not only for my own safety but customer safety. Most of those who flew a 180, know there is very little room. Accessing a long firearm takes times. I highly doubt the owner will let me add a gun rack into the float plane nor there is room for it between the pilot and co-pilot front seats. So its on me, or in the back where I can't get it. There is no reason to be afraid of flying, but it makes my job easier knowing I am prepared which would be expected of me during an emergency. Like many have said, its for my personal comfort.

Yes many survive a week with out firearms during a search and rescue. SAR could be minimum 48 hours if bad weather persist. ELT only last 48 hours if it works. So I want to be prepared for 7 days of camping out for help. I heard of a SAR in BC, that was searching for a small private aircraft in the mountains. The SAR airplane also crashed into the side of a mountain because of low visibility. The second SAR aircraft also crashed for the same reason. Now you have 3 aircraft down.. It might take 2-3 weeks before they find you. It be nice to use the firearm to hunt some food, because there is no way I can carry 2 to 3 weeks of food and water on top of that fact that I could encounter bears, polar bears if far enough north. During the winter you got tones of big cats up here that could threaten your safety or wolfs. Plus I might have a broken arm or leg so a long firearm is hard to operate crippled.

 

[rosebute]

If you are flying a Cessna, there is room for a small flight bag or briefcase between the front seats. This bag will easily hold your handgun & can be grabbed as you are exiting. People are only going to know if you have a gun if you show it off.

 

[rgv]

Upcoming season will be flying in North Ontario. Depends on who I fly for this season ( still up in the air ), it could be north of pickle lake, Armstrong or Red lake. Could be as low as west of Thunder Bay. Will be most likely a bush Operation in a 180 or 185 on floats. I am in my early stage of the career, so no work is guaranteed. Well see how it goes, but I might also head out looking for work to Manitoba, Alberta or BC if work in Ontario is scares. So far I am optimistic.

I wanted to avoid waiting for the official season to start because knowing how long paper work takes in this country when it involves permits for firearms, the season might be over. Since I am a lower hour pilot, an accident is a higher risk compared to someone who has done 10 seasons. I would think survival skills and equipment is more important at the early stage due to lack of experience. Besides having a fuel leak and almost running out of fuel up in the middle of no where, I never had a serious emergency. The biggest risk is flipping your float plane with low hours. The chances of it happening are low, but it could. I know a few pilots that didn't see a log floating on the lake. The floats ripped right off the Cessna during the landing, and it was only their 2nd or 3rd season. I do have egress training but all that showed me, is I prefer to have a firearm strapped on me all day long. In dark waters of northern Ontario it is hard to see anything. I only got 20 to 30 seconds to exist plus help potential passengers to get out. Firearm is not only for my own safety but customer safety. Most of those who flew a 180, know there is very little room. Accessing a long firearm takes times. I highly doubt the owner will let me add a gun rack into the float plane nor there is room for it between the pilot and co-pilot front seats. So its on me, or in the back where I can't get it. There is no reason to be afraid of flying, but it makes my job easier knowing I am prepared which would be expected of me during an emergency. Like many have said, its for my personal comfort.

Yes many survive a week with out firearms during a search and rescue. SAR could be minimum 48 hours if bad weather persist. ELT only last 48 hours if it works. So I want to be prepared for 7 days of camping out for help. I heard of a SAR in BC, that was searching for a small private aircraft in the mountains. The SAR airplane also crashed into the side of a mountain because of low visibility. The second SAR aircraft also crashed for the same reason. Now you have 3 aircraft down.. It might take 2-3 weeks before they find you. It be nice to use the firearm to hunt some food, because there is no way I can carry 2 to 3 weeks of food and water on top of that fact that I could encounter bears, polar bears if far enough north. During the winter you got tones of big cats up here that could threaten your safety or wolfs. Plus I might have a broken arm or leg so a long firearm is hard to operate crippled.

well trekstor I take back my comment that your question was hypothetical, and wish you luck in your new career. I have a little project out by opikegan lake maybe I'll see you next summer. good luck and watch that glassy water!

 

[trekstor]

If you are flying a Cessna, there is room for a small flight bag or briefcase between the front seats. This bag will easily hold your handgun & can be grabbed as you are exiting. People are only going to know if you have a gun if you show it off.

On 180 you got the fuel selector and manual flap selector right between the front seats. Maybe there is room in a 185.

 

[rosebute]

On 180 you got the fuel selector and manual flap selector right between the front seats. Maybe there is room in a 185.

Now that I think about it you are right. My 206 was a bit wider which gave room between the seats, but a flight bag will still go behind the pilots seat & still be available in an emergency. I had an engine failure in 1992 & crashed mostly tearing both wings off in big trees. fuel was running down the fuselage on both sides & about 8 inches from the exposed battery. myself & my passenger got the hell out of there as fast as we could but I was still able to grab my bag on the way. after 10 minutes with no fire I went back & got the rest of the survival gear out & we waited for half a day for a chopper ride. I was lucky & had time to call a mayday. But no matter what, I was able to defend myself , or hunt.

 

[Ardent]

Upcoming season will be flying in North Ontario. Depends on who I fly for this season ( still up in the air ), it could be north of pickle lake, Armstrong or Red lake. Could be as low as west of Thunder Bay. Will be most likely a bush Operation in a 180 or 185 on floats. I am in my early stage of the career, so no work is guaranteed. Well see how it goes, but I might also head out looking for work to Manitoba, Alberta or BC if work in Ontario is scares. So far I am optimistic.

I wanted to avoid waiting for the official season to start because knowing how long paper work takes in this country when it involves permits for firearms, the season might be over. Since I am a lower hour pilot, an accident is a higher risk compared to someone who has done 10 seasons. I would think survival skills and equipment is more important at the early stage due to lack of experience. Besides having a fuel leak and almost running out of fuel up in the middle of no where, I never had a serious emergency. The biggest risk is flipping your float plane with low hours. The chances of it happening are low, but it could. I know a few pilots that didn't see a log floating on the lake. The floats ripped right off the Cessna during the landing, and it was only their 2nd or 3rd season. I do have egress training but all that showed me, is I prefer to have a firearm strapped on me all day long. In dark waters of northern Ontario it is hard to see anything. I only got 20 to 30 seconds to exist plus help potential passengers to get out. Firearm is not only for my own safety but customer safety. Most of those who flew a 180, know there is very little room. Accessing a long firearm takes times. I highly doubt the owner will let me add a gun rack into the float plane nor there is room for it between the pilot and co-pilot front seats. So its on me, or in the back where I can't get it. There is no reason to be afraid of flying, but it makes my job easier knowing I am prepared which would be expected of me during an emergency. Like many have said, its for my personal comfort.

Yes many survive a week with out firearms during a search and rescue. SAR could be minimum 48 hours if bad weather persist. ELT only last 48 hours if it works. So I want to be prepared for 7 days of camping out for help. I heard of a SAR in BC, that was searching for a small private aircraft in the mountains. The SAR airplane also crashed into the side of a mountain because of low visibility. The second SAR aircraft also crashed for the same reason. Now you have 3 aircraft down.. It might take 2-3 weeks before they find you. It be nice to use the firearm to hunt some food, because there is no way I can carry 2 to 3 weeks of food and water on top of that fact that I could encounter bears, polar bears if far enough north. During the winter you got tones of big cats up here that could threaten your safety or wolfs. Plus I might have a broken arm or leg so a long firearm is hard to operate crippled.

I see, from another pilot, though of the helicopter persuasion, I hope you have your 1000+ hours from flight instructing and early commercial etc. Not many will crack right into floats with just a float rating and 210 hours. We hire every year for the C206, on wheels mind you, with 500 hours and a good attitude. It's a very, very tough business in the present economy. I wish you luck, you're embarking on a very shaky career, with extremely low pay for a very long time in fixed wing, in a bad economy. However, on the bright side, it's a hell of an adventure.

As for ATC, to pull a number out of the air, we have probably about a hundred pilots in the company, not one has an ATC. In fact I've yet to meet one that does in the industry, though they're out there. I've thought about it, even bought a nice 10mm Kimber and was going to go for it, but everybody who applies gets turned down and given a suggestion to carry a shotgun in the aircraft. As well, your employer will almost certainly need to be on board and declare on company letterhead you need to carry a handgun. I see the merits for a handgun, and still like the idea, and may pursue it in the future. But it's not just "I'm a pilot now, what should I carry?". Good luck and rest assured there are other pilots out there suffering the fate of having chosen aviation as a career!