When you’re out in the woods, carrying a backup handgun isn’t about looking prepared—it’s about being prepared. Rifles are the main tool for most hunts, but when things get up close and fast, or when you’re walking in areas with predators, having a reliable sidearm matters. The guns hunters actually carry for backup aren’t chosen on looks or brand hype. They’re chosen because they’ve proven to work when it matters, with enough power to stop a threat and enough durability to handle rough conditions.
From revolvers chambered in magnum cartridges to semi-autos that deliver high capacity, these are the handguns you’ll actually find on hunters’ belts. They balance power, control, and reliability in a way that makes sense when you’re deep in the woods. Whether it’s protection against dangerous game, finishing a wounded animal, or dealing with the unexpected, these are the handguns hunters trust as their last line of defense.
Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan
The Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan is one of the most carried backup revolvers in bear country. Chambered in heavy calibers like .44 Magnum and .454 Casull, it was built specifically for hunters and outdoorsmen who might face dangerous game at close range. The shorter barrel makes it more portable than a standard hunting revolver while still delivering tremendous stopping power.
Hunters choose the Alaskan because it’s built like a tank. The solid stainless-steel construction can handle constant exposure to wet, dirty conditions without flinching. Recoil is stiff, but the weight of the revolver helps soak it up, making it manageable compared to lighter options. When you’re in thick brush or on a trail where surprises can happen fast, the Alaskan offers the kind of confidence you want in a sidearm. It’s not meant for casual plinking—it’s meant to be carried as serious insurance when your rifle isn’t within reach.
Glock 20
The Glock 20 in 10mm Auto has become a favorite backup handgun for hunters because it balances capacity with serious power. The 10mm cartridge delivers energy levels close to magnum revolvers, but with the advantage of carrying up to 15 rounds in a magazine. That combination makes it an attractive choice for hunters who want both firepower and reliability.
The polymer frame of the Glock 20 makes it lighter than steel revolvers, so it’s easier to carry all day without weighing you down. Hunters also appreciate that it functions reliably in harsh environments. Whether it’s rain, snow, or dust, the Glock 20 keeps running. Many guides and backcountry hunters in bear territory specifically recommend it because it gives you quick follow-up shots without sacrificing power. For those who want a backup that can deal with both predators and finishing game, the Glock 20 is a trusted choice that shows up in the woods more than you might expect.
Smith & Wesson Model 629
The Smith & Wesson Model 629 is one of the most popular .44 Magnum revolvers hunters carry into the field. Built on the large N-frame, it has the strength to handle the heavy loads that are often chosen for backup defense against big animals. Hunters appreciate its balance of size and power, giving them confidence without being impossible to carry.
The stainless-steel finish makes it resistant to rough weather, and the revolver’s simple design ensures reliability when you might not have the luxury of cleaning it often. Hunters often carry shorter-barreled versions of the 629 for quicker handling, especially when walking in dense woods. While it has heavy recoil, the weight of the revolver makes it more controllable than smaller magnums. For many, the Model 629 is the definition of a backup sidearm in bear or hog country—capable of ending a dangerous situation with one or two well-placed shots.
Taurus Raging Judge
The Taurus Raging Judge is an unconventional choice, but hunters do carry it as a backup because of its versatility. Chambered to handle .45 Colt, .454 Casull, and .410 bore shotshells, it covers multiple roles in the field. With heavy .454 Casull loads, it delivers power on par with the most serious hunting revolvers. With .45 Colt, it’s easier to control while still offering solid performance.
Hunters often like the ability to load shotshells when snakes or small pests are a concern, making the Raging Judge a flexible option in the woods. It’s a large, heavy revolver, but the recoil-absorbing grips and sturdy frame make it manageable even with the hottest loads. While it isn’t the most common sidearm you’ll see, those who carry it appreciate having a backup handgun that can adapt to multiple threats in the field, whether that’s predators, pests, or dangerous game at close range.
Colt Anaconda
The Colt Anaconda is a big .44 Magnum revolver that hunters still trust today, especially since its re-release. Known for its accuracy and smooth action, it has the kind of power needed for backup in the woods. Many hunters prefer it for its sturdy build and ability to handle heavy loads without issues.
Carrying an Anaconda does mean dealing with some extra weight, but that weight also works in your favor when shooting. Recoil is more manageable, and follow-up shots are quicker than you’d expect from such a powerful revolver. Hunters who regret selling theirs often cite how reliable it was as a backup gun. With modern versions back on the market, more hunters are strapping them on for protection in areas where large predators roam. The Anaconda isn’t just a collector’s piece—it’s still a practical, hard-hitting revolver that earns its place as a trusted backup in the field.
FNX-45 Tactical
The FNX-45 Tactical shows up as a backup handgun for hunters who want both capacity and stopping power. Chambered in .45 ACP, and able to run .45 +P loads, it delivers heavy-hitting performance while giving you a 15-round magazine. That’s a lot of firepower compared to traditional revolvers, which is one reason some hunters choose it as their backup sidearm.
The FNX-45 is built with a threaded barrel and optics-ready slide, which some hunters appreciate for versatility. More importantly, it’s durable and reliable in tough environments. The polymer frame keeps weight manageable, and the grip design makes it easier to control recoil than smaller .45s. For hunters who want the reassurance of high capacity with each pull of the trigger packing serious punch, the FNX-45 Tactical is an option that continues to gain ground in the hunting community as a dependable sidearm in the woods.
Ruger Blackhawk
The Ruger Blackhawk is a single-action revolver that has remained a backup favorite for hunters for decades. Chambered in calibers like .357 Magnum, .41 Magnum, and .45 Colt, it offers plenty of options depending on your hunting environment. What makes the Blackhawk a standout is its tank-like build—it can handle some of the hottest handloads safely, giving hunters confidence in its stopping power.
While single-action operation means it’s slower than a double-action revolver, many hunters still carry it because of its simplicity and strength. The solid frame and traditional design make it nearly indestructible in rough field conditions. Hunters who choose the Blackhawk often load heavy hard-cast bullets for deep penetration, making it suitable for defense against large animals. If you’re comfortable with single-action operation, the Blackhawk is one of the most reliable sidearms you can strap on as backup in the woods.
Springfield XD-M Elite 10mm
The Springfield XD-M Elite in 10mm is another semi-auto that has earned its way into hunters’ holsters. With a 16+1 capacity and the power of the 10mm cartridge, it provides both firepower and stopping power in one package. Hunters often choose it for backup in areas with hogs or black bears, where multiple quick shots might be more valuable than raw power from a revolver.
The XD-M Elite has features that make it more controllable with heavy loads, including a well-designed grip and recoil system. The durability of the platform also helps it stand up to harsher outdoor use. While some hunters still lean toward revolvers for their simplicity, many are finding that the XD-M Elite gives them the right mix of capacity, reliability, and power. For a modern semi-auto that can pull double duty in the woods, the Springfield XD-M Elite 10mm has earned its spot as a practical backup option.
Freedom Arms Model 83
The Freedom Arms Model 83 is one of the strongest revolvers ever built, and hunters who carry it know they have a backup that can stop anything in North America. Chambered in cartridges like .454 Casull and .475 Linebaugh, it’s capable of producing staggering energy levels. While it’s expensive and not as common as other revolvers, those who own one often consider it their ultimate backup gun.
The craftsmanship of the Model 83 makes it incredibly accurate, and the heavy-duty design ensures it can handle hot loads for years. Hunters who spend time in grizzly or moose country often choose it because they trust it to deliver when nothing else will. Carrying it isn’t light work—it’s big and heavy—but for those who prioritize absolute stopping power in a backup, the Freedom Arms 83 is a revolver that has proven itself many times over in the field.
Kimber K6s DASA
The Kimber K6s DASA is a compact revolver that still finds its way into hunters’ kits as a backup. Chambered in .357 Magnum, it doesn’t offer the same power as the larger magnums, but it provides a balance of portability and capability that many hunters find appealing. It’s lighter and easier to carry all day, while still giving you respectable stopping power with the right loads.
Hunters who carry the K6s often do so when weight is a concern, such as during long hikes in rough terrain. It’s built solidly enough to take magnum loads without issues, and its small size makes it quick to draw if needed. While it may not be the first choice for stopping big bears, it’s still a reliable sidearm for dealing with medium-sized threats or finishing wounded game. For hunters who want a backup that won’t weigh them down, the Kimber K6s DASA fills that role well.
Desert Eagle .44 Magnum
The Desert Eagle in .44 Magnum is a rare but real choice for hunters who want semi-auto firepower with magnum performance. It’s heavy, large, and not the easiest to carry, but it delivers a unique combination of stopping power and magazine capacity. For those willing to deal with the bulk, it offers the ability to fire powerful rounds quickly.
Hunters who take the Desert Eagle as a backup often do so in areas with large predators, where they want every bit of extra firepower they can carry. The gas-operated system helps tame recoil, making it more controllable than you’d expect. While it’s not practical for everyone, those who do strap on a Desert Eagle value its ability to deliver magnum performance in a semi-auto package. It may be unconventional, but in the right hands, it’s a backup handgun that hunters genuinely take into the woods when they want maximum punch.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
