Do you guys use a bivy sack.

[six]

Just considering buying a bivy sack as I will be hunting August 27th through Sept 3rd. I have a couple of questions for you bivy users.
When I go to bed at night in my tent I put my sidearm and flashlight next to my head well within reach.

1.What do you guys do with your sidearm/flashlight when your inside a bivy sack?

2. How easy is it to get out of a bivy in a hurry if you have a visitor during the night?

3. Considering safety would there be enough room inside the bivy for my flashlight and sidearm?

4. Worst case scenario could you use a firearm to defend yourself while inside a bivy?

Hope I don't sound like a scaredy cat, but I have had my sidearm in my hand pointed at the tent wall during the night while a moose was smelling my tent.

[Heartwood]

When not in foul weather, I keep my bivy opened so really it is just like being in a sleeping bag. I would just keep the gun next to me outside on the ground along with the light. In foul weather when the bivy is all buttoned and zipped, there is still some room to keep a pistol if you don't roll around to much in your sleep. Somtimes I sleep with my hat and headlamp on my head.
I don't hunt in grizzly country and choose not to carry the extra weight of a pistol especially if I'm already carrying a bow. The pistol does give some pease of mind, it just isn't worth the extra weight to me.

[VT Sasquatch]

I use an army surplus Gore Tex bivy sack. I paid less than $50 for it. It has enough room to get out of quickly. I put my flashlight and handgun under my pillow (my stuff sack from my sleeping bag with a sweater/shirt/jacket inside). I like sleeping in a bivy sack in nice conditions but if it is going to rain, I'd much rather carry a couple extra pounds to have a 2 man backpacking tent.

[Tim in Wa.]

I,ve tried several bivys and condensation has always been a problem when I used them.I use floorless shelters and lay my sleeping pad on a piece of tyvec
Tim