These firearms, featured at SHOT Show 2024 in Las Vegas, would be perfect camp guns for emergency protecting at camp or in the field.
January 28, 2024
By Alan Clemons
What constitutes the best camp gun for handling anything from snakes to potential danger from trespassers? There’s no clear-cut answer. It usually is whatever fits your needs best and could range from a .22 with ratshot for Mr. No-Shoulders to an EDC in 9mm or larger to handle any encounter.
The camp gun has a few requirements, though: always there when needed but not in the way; possibly concealed or worn open-carry; ample enough to handle a problem. A shotgun does some of these things, other than the concealed part, but gets in the way of chores. Rifle? Nah. That leaves revolvers and pistols, both of which come in myriad sizes, options and calibers. Here are a few of the best camp guns from the annual SHOT Show in Las Vegas .
Rossi RM64 With a 4-inch barrel, the Rossi RM64 revolver provides a great balance of concealability and shootability. You’ll get six shots of .357 Magnum or .38 Special+P, which is quite a thumper. The RM64 has an adjustable rear sight and removable serrated blade front sight, hammer block safety and carbon steel construction with satin black finish.
Sig Sauer P226 Nitron The P226 is a longtime fave in the Sig Sauer lineup, and the P226 Nitron works well as a constant companion. It comes in .357 Sig, .40 S&W and 9mm, with a carbon steel barrel, alloy frame and Nitron-coated stainless steel slide fitted with SigLite sights. An integrated rail allows for accessories. You’ll get 10+1 with the 10-round steel magazine. A California Compliant version has a “loaded chamber indicator” and magazine disconnect.
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Bond Arms Stinger .22 Mag Want a little pop in a pocket pistol? The Bond Arms Stinger in .22 Mag provides it. The Stinger has a 3-inch barrel, aluminum frame, cross-bolt safety and B6 Resin extended grip. It’s 5.5 inches long and weighs 14 ounces, with fixed sights and a 7-pound trigger weight. If you’re looking for a spry, dainty piece with light trigger, this isn’t it. If you’re looking for a durable pistol, it’s one to consider.
SAR9 Gen2 SC The new SAR9 Gen2 SC provides concealment, capacity and comfort, with a standard capacity of 12 rounds with a flush fit magazine. Its forged-steel alloy slide with optics-ready cutout will accommodate any Shield RMSc footprint. The striker-fired single-action pistol has a flat-face aluminum trigger with integrated safety, enhanced mid-height night sights, 12- and 15-round magazines. Magazines with 10, 15 and 17 rounds are available for states with capacity restrictions. It has deep serrations with cooling cuts on top and side of the muzzle end, textured serrations in the rear, and a 3.3 barrel length and 4.8 height. The SAR9 Gen2 SC is offered in Black, OD Green, Bronze and Platinum finishes.
Taurus 327 Defender T.O.R.O. The new 327 Federal Magnum is now available in the Taurus Optics Ready Option (T.O.R.O.) revolver series with the new 327 Defender T.O.R.O.327 Federal Magnum delivers terminal ballistics on par with 357 Magnum. But revolvers in 327 Federal Magnum can hold an additional round over similarly sized 357 guns. This additional capacity, plus the ability to safely fire 32 H&R Magnum, 32 Long, and 32 S&W makes the 327 Defender T.O.R.O. an strong consideration for a camp gun.
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CZ Shadow 2 Compact The new CZ Shadow 2 Compact in 9x19sports a light, strong forged 7075 aluminum frame that brings its weight down to 2 pounds. It offers a 3.4-pound trigger pull in single action, shortened reset, 4-inch barrel and 15-round magazine. The slide has deep serrations front and rear, and the rear can accept red dot sights. Standard sights are fiber optic front and rear, which is adjustable. Other features include a large trigger guard, low-profile ambidextrous manual safety and magazine release button.
Bond Arms Rowdy XL The Rowdy XL from Bond Arms is chambered in .45 Colt - .410, long a potent combo for ruining the day of snakes, varmints and bad dudes. The stacked barrel derringer weighs 22 ounces and has an extended grip of B6 Resin that meshes with the blasted-finish stainless steel frame. Barrels and chambering options can be changed easily.
