Pistol for bears?

LuckyGunner · May 25, 2011

I would prefer to carry a .44 mag or bigger if I knew I was going to come into contact with any non black bears. If that's not an issue and the biggest issue would be a black bear a .357 mag will be sufficient. Not that a 44 mag would be a bad choice for black bear.

I would look for a pre lock S&W. Price will be similar to one of the new ones but with better fit and finish.

HiredHand · May 25, 2011

Verdigris said:
One very important, and often overlooked, aspect of hunting a bear with a handgun is the need to file off the front site. Doing this will make it hurt less when the bear takes the handgun from you and crams it up your @$$!

I thought the handgun was for finishing yourself off before the bear does.

http://www.blm.gov/ak/st/en/prog/recreation/rec_info/bearsafety.html

ripnbst · May 25, 2011

jhawknokc said:
I wouldn't want to be charged by a bear carrying any handgun. They are quick moving targets.

Yes they are moving targets but if you are shooting at a bear then chances are it is running towards you making the target bigger as it gets closer.

criticalbass · May 28, 2011

For a handgun I consider the .44 mag on the low side of marginal. For shotguns, Federal loads a Barnes slug that will penetrate 48 inches of ballistic gel. They had some of 'em at an H&H expo a few years back. That would be my choice. If you can find a Ruger .480 that's also a real player.

.45 ACP just isn't enough. Probably a .357 with solid heavy bullets would be better, but again, below marginal.

Several have mentioned that you need solid core bullets, and that's for sure. Hollowpoint ammo won't penetrate adequately.

Of course if you travel in pairs, anything will do. Just shoot your companion in the foot and run like hell. CB

OrangeToTheBone · May 31, 2011

criticalbass said:
Of course if you travel in pairs, anything will do. Just shoot your companion in the foot and run like hell. CB

Unfortunately for this, my travelling companions are another family and my own wife and three kids.

leadfinger · May 31, 2011

OrangeToTheBone said:
Good options so far and I know that, usually, bigger is better, but do you think .44 mag isn't enough?

I would be comfortable with a 44 mag in Colorado loaded with a heavy Garrett or Buffalo load.

rudyod · Jun 1, 2011

CamaroMan said:
Sounds like justification to aquire a .50AE Desert Eagle. A double tap from that should make sure a bear doesn't mess with you again and if you run into a squad of 'em you can reload quicker than a revolver.

I was wondering when somebody would mention this. Saw one at my local gun shop recently for around $1700. Pricey but had me thinkin' about lay away.

druryj · Jun 3, 2011

saddlebum said:
in Colorado your 357 will be just fine. in fact i once spent a week hiking and camping in Colorado with just a .22 and nothing ate me

Uh...good thing Yogi didn't decide to have you for a pic-a-nic lunch if all you had was a steenkin' .22.

elwoodtrix · Jun 4, 2011

OKMike · Jun 21, 2011

SWEET gun, I'm envious

Chas said:
500 linebaugh, 5 rounds 440gr hardcast flatnose lead

Pistol for bears?

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