Best for safety - bear gun

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Powerstroke2000

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Just wondering what firearm most would consider best for Grizzly bear, for times when hunting in areas where they are? I know in most cases most bears will go in the opposite direction, but just "in case" they decide to harm me, I thought having something other than just my 7mm Mag hunting rifle might be a wise investment!

So far, only once have I been meandering up a mountain trail to find a Grizzly laying about 10' off the trail....where I decided to stop, and head back from where I came from, rather than test out the situation. I've seen what a Grizzly can do to big game, and certainly wouldn't want to "hope" my 7mm would put it down, thus the thought of asking what most opinions might be for a similar situation!
I'm thinking some kind of shortened 12 gauge, but I've never owned a shotgun in my life, so would this be the best choice? I'm thinking "weight" here, as I'm already packing my 7mm.
Or, a pistol of some kind?

Those big bruins are huge, and are a powerful beast, so I appreciate any advice/comments you might have.

Thanks.
 
My first post also, You were lucky to walk away from that Grizz. When I used to hunt in thicker bush. I would carry my, Marlin, 45/70, handloaded with 52grs / 3031 / 400gr speer bullets. A persons reaction time at close range with a charging GRIZZ won't be fast enough. I was lucky a few times at longer distances, due to my use of Hoppes after shave...... alpal
 
Search bear defence for about 10,000 comments.:)
My two bits worth: The rifle you're carrying now is more than enough. The biggest plus to it is that you're used to that rifle, know where it shoots and how to handle it.
If you feel you must have a shotgun when in the bush without your rifle a 12 ga. 870, short bbl. loaded with slugs is the best medicine.

And by the way you're not 'lucky' with that bear encounter. It was routine and far more common than many believe. If you spend a lot of time in grizz country over the years it'll happen again many times and chances are you'll never need to shoot.
 
how well would a .308 with either a 150 or 165 grain bullet work on a grizzly as I'm thinking of doing some hunting in grizzly country and I'm kinda leery of it trying out a .308 on a charging Grizzly. My .308 only likes to shoot 150-165 grain loads.
 
Crazy.kayaker said:
how well would a .308 with either a 150 or 165 grain bullet work on a grizzly as I'm thinking of doing some hunting in grizzly country and I'm kinda leery of it trying out a .308 on a charging Grizzly. My .308 only likes to shoot 150-165 grain loads.
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It'll do just as well as a 577 T-Rex if you hit him in the right place. Hit him in the wrong place and nothing will work.
All time world record plains grizz was shot by a native lady with a single shot 22. In that case 'the right place' was centred on an eyeball at about 6 feet.
 
I know about the record plains grizz and the .22 it's like the most common story around here next to how great Gatehouse is. I only ask cause when I shot my black bear the .308 didn't leave on the other side of the bear, as it bounced around inside messing him up (I found the fragments all over when I was butchering him) Copper Jacket was in one piece lead core was in about 5 pieces....that I found didn't keep it to weight it though I should have. So a .308 with a 150 Gr Hornady Interbond will work?
 
you want a bear stopper, and leave no doudt go with a 45-70, i seen what a poorly placed 30-06, 7mm mag and do to a black bear, its just makes them mad.
 
mosquito99 said:
you want a bear stopper, and leave no doudt go with a 45-70, i seen what a poorly placed 30-06, 7mm mag and do to a black bear, its just makes them mad.
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Hmmmm. Have you perchance seen what a poorly placed hit from a 45-70 will do?
Moose is about the easiest big animal to put down, and I'm not going to identify the GunNut that put 11 from a Marlin Guide Gun in a moose last season. But it's true.
 
There aren't to many caliber choices that will drop a grizz with a shot to the guts or paws. Maybe you should try some pepper spray? Make sure it's aimed in the right direction just like yer rifle!
 
Crazy.kayaker said:
I know about the record plains grizz and the .22 it's like the most common story around here next to how great Gatehouse is. I only ask cause when I shot my black bear the .308 didn't leave on the other side of the bear, as it bounced around inside messing him up (I found the fragments all over when I was butchering him) Copper Jacket was in one piece lead core was in about 5 pieces....that I found didn't keep it to weight it though I should have. So a .308 with a 150 Gr Hornady Interbond will work?
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Sure it will work. Bears usually retreat from pain.

It's not the best, but it will work. Chances are you will never have to find out, anyway.
 
Well i think my 460 S&W would put em down in a hurry, ah heck even the 454 would be plenty of gun.Thats what I carry on my line here in ontario, and am quite confident with it, although have never had to shoot an animal i have touched it off to prevent confrontation with beaver steelin bears.And the sound of that thing goin off sends em a runnin.

And if that dont work just rub crap in its face,they hate that.Where you get the crap from ? well just reach around in your pants if its that close you will find some!!!
 
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jetrefueller said:
Last season I took a 500lb black with one shot from a Marlin.444. He dropped like a sack.
The shot was just behind the left shoulder.
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You got pics of this 500 lb black bear? I'd love to see them if you can post em, always love to see bear shots.

As for bear defense, when hunting I trust in what I'm carrying. If fishing or camping I picked up a 18" 12 ga to keep in the tent. Back-up is a big honkin spear of course!!
 
My buddy actually has the bear mounted in his house. I think this might be unique he has it wirh the front half coming out of the wall in his living room and the back half sticking out of his bedroom wall. Yes he is unique himself. He runs the Black Bear camp out of Opasatika. He has all the pics and I'll see if I can get some up. We moved further south shortly after that bear hunt.
 
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