And I recommended a shotgun because:
a) It's more durable.
What planet are you from? a shotgun is NOT more durable than a bolt aciton rifle, no if's ands or buts. The bolt action is designed to withstand pressures many itmes that of a shortgun, and the action of a bolt rarely wears out.
b) It's a much bigger caliber
Yes, it is wider in diameter. It is not more powerful in energy or any othe rmeasure of cartridge power. It wil not penetrate as deep as a rifle bullet.
The Brno 602 being discussed here holds 5 rounds of 375 H&H. A pump shotgun of 18" or 20" woudl hold about 5-6. Not a big difference.
d) It's lighter and faster swinging
Given the same length barrel, I dont know about that for sure. A shotgun points fast when using
shot but it must be
aimed when using slugs. A good scope is probably the fastest way to aim anything.
e) the action cycles much faster.
Yes, you can pump faster than working a bolt, but the difference is probably hard to quantify. a guy who practices wiht his bolt can get the rifle back on target wiht a loaded chamber, whiel recovering form recoil, and that is pretty much the bes tthat can be doen with both firearms.
Hitting a Grizz with a big slug will be as effective as a .375" 300 grainer and it'll do it faster and more effectively.
I disagree, and so would many guys that guide for big grizzlies. A shotgun is
not an ideal fighting weapon, a larger bore rifle has much more penetration and power.
A shotgun is a good, powerful weapon, that has been used to stop alot of bears, but you just cannot compare it wiht a large rifle.
I carry a shotgun with Brennekes often when I head intot he woods for a little informal hiking or camping etc, but there are certian areas that I know have larger grizly populations, and the 375 H&h goes with me then.