Yep.......always carry a side arm.

Had a cartridge blow out once at the range (factory load) and the case would not extract. Had to use the cleaning rod to tap it out. A total head separation and you might be screwed unless you have a broken case extractor back at camp.

While it's not happened to me in the field, I don't want to be without a needed second/finish-off shot or to be packing a heavy walking stick and run into critters.

Or caught hunkered with my pants around my ankles and my rifle leaning against a stump. I don't know about you, but I haven't practiced shooting a rifle from the pants around the ankles squatting position. Maybe this weekend at the range!

My .41 mag caries comfortably and just might come in handy some day.

Also, I can carry the pistol loaded in the rig should I happen to a opportune moment while on the road.

I've listed to guys argue strongly about whether to carry a sidearm or not & get kinda heated over it. If you wanta carry........carry. If you don't........don't.

No big deal either way.