Brush Gun(s)

You’ll see people argue about guns all day every day. Calibers are a part of that argument. To clarify, this isn’t a personal defense post. That’s a topic for another day, and another blog.

No, this is about the Brush Gun.

There is no definitive definition of a Brush Gun, so here goes:

“A long arm or sidearm carried for outdoor utility”.

I have both a sidearm, and a carbine for Brush Gun use. The sidearm is a Smith & Wesson model 66 Combat Magnum chambered in .357 Magnum. Why a wheel gun?

Well, for several reasons.

1. They’re reliable, and not as susceptible to dust and grime as semis. However, they are by no means impervious. You still have to clean them, but they do work with more junk on board than most semi automatics will.
2. Caliber. The great Caliber war is a matter of intense debate. You cannot go onto a firearm forum without .45 ACP and 9mm guys going at it in the comments. It is important to understand that ballistics versus man and beast are entirely different things. Animals react to trauma differently than humans, and generally the larger caliber is better for taking down an aggressive animal. Revolvers generally are chambered in larger calibers.
3. Accuracy. Another great firearm debate is accuracy. Revolver guys will go on about the accuracy of their platform versus semis. Personally, I’ve always been more accurate with a wheel gun. There is something more deliberate about them, plus the weight tends to counter balance the recoil of a heavy load. A plastic semi definitely feel the recoil.
4. It is a tried and true platform that has been improved for well over a hundred years. Self explanatory.

As far as long arm, I carry a Marlin 336 chambered in the venerable 30-30. The 30-30 has some questionable ballistics, but that also largely comes from the fact that it’s fired from a carbine.

However, this is a tried and true round that has taken many an animal in hunting season. Plus, like other platforms, the simplicity of the lever gun makes it more resilient than some other forms of long arms.

Now, lever guns have their disadvantages like tubular magazines which can be stiff to load, levers are hard to cycle laying down, and they tend to use nearly proprietary ammunition (30-30, 45-70, .444 Marlin, etc.).

I’m not going to lie, part of my choice does come down to the level of Americana invested in the Lever Gun. It’s truly an American Legend.

Also, a note on both platforms. Between my wheel gun and my lever gun, I’ve yet to find a jurisdiction where both are not legal, even Commiefornia. ALWAYS CHECK LOCAL GUN LAWS, THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE.

Some may choose a bolt gun over a lever gun, and there are a lot of valid reasons behind that.

Heck, some may even choose the AR15. It’s a easy to handle, relatively low powered (sorry, but it is despite what the media will have you believe), accurate, carbine. Personally, for extended trips, they just require too much maintenance. They don’t like dust, dirt, or grime. They really don’t like sand.

What is the purpose of a Brush Gun?

Quite frankly, predators and critters. There are definitely concerns about predators and critters on a trip. It could be as simple as nuisance animals like coyotes coming for animals or food, or as bad as an angry bear you’ve disturbed.

Obviously, the best course of action is to avoid confrontation, but sometimes confrontation finds you. Predators generally won’t challenge a human, but hungry or angry enough, they will.

Critters, like coyotes, can be a serious problem. Wolves too, depending on where you are. Camp animals can make a tempting target. Some animals will come after your horses, or dogs, before you and you need to defend them as well. Especially if that horse is your ride out.

Pick an appropriate caliber. I don’t generally carry 45-70. It’s a big round. It has some kick. However, if I’m worried about taking down an angry bear, pass me that 45-70. General critters, my 30-30 will be just fine.

Research your choices. Test your choices. Then train with your choices.

Learn Everyday. Teach Everyday. Always Be Prepared.

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