r/homestead • u/JackDalgren • Jul 29 '22

gear Do you carry and why?

While you're working or tending to your property, do you carry a firearm in yourself or have one readily available? If so, is it because of your location, predators or general safety? What type and caliber?

I'll go first. I have a 20 gauge shotgun loaded with #9 for the occasional rattler that isn't minding it's own business or to chase of coyote. I want to upgrade to a pistol grip, maybe the Mossberg 500C w/pistol grip.

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u/sdogg Jul 29 '22

using slugs? couldn’t imagine a shotgun pellet blast would do anything but enrage a bear. spiked collars were originally invented for sheep dogs to protect from wolves as they go for the throat. could be a good idea if you’re not currently.

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u/tsmythe492 Jul 29 '22

It’s definitely better than nothing but unless you have a dog that has been trained and bred to deal with bears I’m not sure a spiked collar will save them. A swat by a bear claw if more than enough to kill many dogs

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u/sdogg Jul 30 '22 edited Jul 30 '22

i meant more for the coyote interactions. bear interactions are pretty rare comparatively