Lever action rifle for bear protection

As already stated any bear any where 45-70
1rKbRaJ.jpg
 
medvedqc said:
monday thread ....
Click to expand...

I think there are more closet lovers of "What's the best bear defense" threads than you think.
Funny really, the 30-30 on up will work well once you realize that they find the noise it makes more scary than the power of the rifle your holding.
 
I know the OP stated "rifle", but if bear protection is all you want then a shorter barrel 12g like the mossberg 590A1 14" would be my choice.. you can work the action without changing your fireing grip.. hard cast heavy lead slugs are serious bear medicine to be sure. That being said the Marlin "jurassic" lever in 45-70 sher is purdy!
 
SHELL SHUCKER said:
Agreed. The couple of black bear I met felt the same way. Hard to argue a good .44 mag load using hefty hardcast boolits.
Click to expand...

I've had good end to end penetration results with that calibre on Black Bear, using either cast or jacketed bullets in top end loads. However, on the mainland, where you might encounter one of the 'bigger boys', I'd rather have my Marlin GBL .45-70, again with, top end loads in either cast or jacketed. When in doubt, I refer to Elmer Keiths judgement call. ;) "I'd rather be over gunned than the alternative":d.
 
geologist said:
JM marlin 1895GS 45-70.

2.5x Leupold IER in low QD rings so it's easy to switch to the irons.

z05IAgFl.jpg
Click to expand...

Had a GS but, with top end loads and using the heavier bullets the 'todays Marlins' are capable of handling, I found the straight butt stock design can be :redface: a little hard on the fingers. Young Son ;) needed it in the worst way so he now has it and I've replaced it with a GBL. ;) Everybody is happy:p. Back to Bear, I'd like to get out for Island spring Black Bear but my Lady isn't fond of the concept of eating Bear.:( Oh well........
 
Johnn Peterson said:
Had a GS but, with top end loads and using the heavier bullets the 'todays Marlins' are capable of handling, I found the straight butt stock design can be :redface: a little hard on the fingers. Young Son ;) needed it in the worst way so he now has it and I've replaced it with a GBL. ;) Everybody is happy:p. Back to Bear, I'd like to get out for Island spring Black Bear but my Lady isn't fond of the concept of eating Bear.:( Oh well........
Click to expand...

I'm going to try for a spring bear next year in the Qualicum Bay area.
 
Nothing wrong with any Mauser rifle in adequate caliber.
Although I would lean towards thirty caliber and upwards in bore size and power.

Newer bolt rifles also tend to be optics friendly and lighter than your average Mauser carbine as well.
 
Brutus said:
Nothing wrong with any Mauser rifle in adequate caliber.
Although I would lean towards thirty caliber and upwards in bore size and power.

Newer bolt rifles also tend to be optics friendly and lighter than your average Mauser carbine as well.
Click to expand...

That is my preference... Primary bear guide rifle is a Stainless Ruger M77 Mark II .350 Rem Mag, hot loaded with 250 Partitions.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom