handgun characteristics ??? against big bears...

maximus otter said:
2. If you feel you absolutely must carry a handgun, buy a .22LR derringer. Load it with one cartridge. If charged by a bear, fire it into your head. ;)

maximus otter
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That too. I usually carry a .22 to shoot the guy running faster than me ;) :D
 
Most of you need to know that the Rangers urge tourists to carry pepper spray and tie bells to their shoes to make a continuous noise that bears are alleged to steer clear of. You should also know the difference in types of bears near by based on observing their scat. The black bear scat is in round clumps about the size of golf balls to baseballs, sort of a flaky external texture and usually piled up near trees. The grizzly bear scat smells like pepper spray and has little bells in it.
 
It's easy to tell a black from a grizz when you're in a tree. The blackie climbs the tree and mauls you, the grizzly knocks it over and mauls you. :thumbup:
 
fracmeister said:
Most of you need to know that the Rangers urge tourists to carry pepper spray and tie bells to their shoes to make a continuous noise that bears are alleged to steer clear of. You should also know the difference in types of bears near by based on observing their scat. The black bear scat is in round clumps about the size of golf balls to baseballs, sort of a flaky external texture and usually piled up near trees. The grizzly bear scat smells like pepper spray and has little bells in it.
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lol thanks for the laugh i needed it its been "one of those days" lol.
 
KnifeAddictAK said:
Around here, every knows the MINIMUM in pistol is a .44 mag.
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If, I were hunting the thing, I would agree; otherwise just about anything is an advantage over bare hands and even a small caliber can discourage an attack if you can hit the beast. It may not be as sure a guarantee as a stabalized 120mm gun; but, few things ever are.

n2s
 
Dead easy!!!

If there's a bear don't be there!

The ultimate self defense!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
not2sharp said:
If, I were hunting the thing, I would agree; otherwise just about anything is an advantage over bare hands and even a small caliber can discourage an attack if you can hit the beast. It may not be as sure a guarantee as a stabalized 120mm gun; but, few things ever are.

n2s
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Ehhh... I'd have to disagree. There have been cases where a hunter shot a bear, it charged and he shot 4 more rounds (All in .338) to finally stop the bear. While skinning the bear out, they found 6 .38 slugs in the bear (Body and head) and 3 30-06 rounds.:eek:

.44 minimum. 12 ga depending on location/terrain.
 
Knifeaddict as an old timer up here I could not agree with you more.I stopped in the knife shop where you worked last fall and they said you were working construction. Did you ever start making knives ?
 
I'd get the bear spray and the most powerful pistol I could shoot comfortably. And a dog.

Dog's are great pets and if you don't already have one you should get one regardless IMO ;)

I remember reading of an incident wherein a little old lady shot & killed a grizzley with one round from a .22LR bolt gun. ...Not liking the odds on that one personally but shot placement definately counts (she hit it in the eye). And we all saw recently where the dude & his pitbull defended themselves from one (there was a story here on the forums awhile back).

So I concur that 1) bear spray is a good idea, 2) the largest gun you can comfortably carry & shoot is the best gun for the job and 3) you should have your dog with you.
 
akivory said:
Knifeaddict as an old timer up here I could not agree with you more.I stopped in the knife shop where you worked last fall and they said you were working construction. Did you ever start making knives ?
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Unfortunately, the dream was put on hold for a year or two. Hopefully down the road.


James, a dog can be useful, but if you read "Alaska Bear Tales", you read a story of where a dog went out, pissed off a bear and came running back hiding behind the owner. The dog brought the bear to him LOL... Poor guy. Can you imagine!!:eek: So if you get a dog, get one that will pick a fight and finish it ;) :D
 
It's a shame the 41 Mag didn't catch on in a big way. IMHO, it's easier to shoot accurately from a recoil perspective. Not much difference on the receiving end either with the exception of the 300 grain 44 vs the 250 ??? gr 41.

Razz
 
Here's a link to an interesting article.
http://www.shootingtimes.com/handgun_reviews/rgrRH/

I like the idea of practicing with a light load (the .45 LC can be had in easy to handle, factory Cowboy loads) and beefing up for field carry.

The best advice is to be smart and aware of your situation. The human brain can be an awesome weapon, and a .454 Casull makes a decent backup!
 
bear.jpg


This bear weighed 1,000 to 1,200lbs.

They get bigger.

Best of luck with a handgun.

maximus otter
 
well, handguns have darned sure killed bears before, irregardless of size.

if i was to get between a momma bear and cubs, and mom attacked me, i would be plenty happy to have a handgun, any handgun, to at least have a fighting chance, it amazes me that anyone wouldnt see the point in that.

FWIW i think some folks are just anti gun, or members of PETA.
 
My favorite bear/handgun advice is this: Don't worry about the make, model, or caliber. Whatever you choose, just be sure to file off the front sight, so when the bear shoves it up your keister it won't hurt as much.
 
"When in Rome (or Alaska), as as the Romans do." Afterall, they should know!

Familiarize yourself with tactics to avoid the confrontation if at all possible. Locals can certainly help in that regard. I never hiked alone in Alaska, ALWAYS carried my pistol (Minimum) where I could get to it. Luckily, I never saw a bear UPCLOSE or had to defend against one.
If you are going to carry a pistol then .41 Mag should be minimum. .44 (which is actually .429) and either .45 (ACP or LC) should do fine. Get the heaviest weight bullet (not necessarily the FASTEST) you can carry. Look at Cor-Bons or Buffalo Loads for example. You don't need to hand load in order to have excellent bullets for any large game. Consider a porting process or a compensator to lessen felt recoil. And find some grips that fit your hand and help you control the recoil. Hogue Bantam grips are great. Taurus make some superb gripper grips and Tracker revolvers that would fit you needs. Smith and Wessons Mountain revolvers are superb as well.
Most important though: Have a gun. Carry the gun. Practice with the gun. Did I mention carry the gun.
 
You just need to be able to shoot accurately. If you shoot the bear in both eyes, it can't see you can it?

OK, it's a bit of a joke, but you hear of people who can shoot out the eyes of a gnat!

My favoured weapon would be a .50 cal rifle and half a mile between the bear and me.
 
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