Houge 12" lop full stock on a 8" or 12" would be better then just a pistol grip.
Alaskan bear defence handgun ... :)
- Thread starter boomer49
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Houge 12" lop full stock on a 8" or 12" would be better then just a pistol grip.
My question was about Alaska, where I was thinking of visiting. I actually live in (very) rural Alberta.
I'm sure that a lot of people in this situation have considered exactly the same thing.
But ... for me ... the very small chance of ever getting nabbed is still too much of a risk. That's why I bought a Ranch Hand from the first batch that Wanstall's received last summer. It's not much heavier/bigger than a big .44 Magnum revolver. I can shoot it quite well two-handed or one-handed. It fits nicely into a reachable side-pocket of my fishing daypack (where the rod case would normally go), but I'm still working on some kind of handy belt carry. And (most important of all) it's legal.
A big effen can of bear spray is always the first option ... but the wind out here on The Eastern Slope can be a PITA.
Brutus
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
These short barrelled shotguns fall under American federal jurisdiction south of our border.
In others words NFA Class III designation. The same USA act of law since 1934 that started gun control on full autos. Very few states allow any hunting with short barrel shotguns, and IIRC the pistol grip only short very barrel shotguns, fall under any other weapon (AOW) another Class III classification. Unlike Canada, Uncle Sam takes a dim view of the 8.5-12inch grizzlies with full stocks we can enjoy up here very easily. I'm also pretty darn sure Alaskan residents cannot hunt with these and can only shoot them at a designated range. However we are talking about the same state that readily allows thier own citizens to carry thier S&W 629 on a hip or shoulder holster while you enjoy fishing for salmon at many of thier wonderful streams.
Slinging 180-200gt slugs out Of 10mm auto at 1400 - 1250fps puts it right up there with .357mag does it not? Just going by memory here, it's been a whole since I looked at my notes, and data.
Not to mention in Alaska you get the pleasure of not 6, but 15+1 in a glock20.
Not to mention in Alaska you get the pleasure of not 6, but 15+1 in a glock20.
You think you'll even stand the chance of firing 6 at the bear before he takes it and shoves it up your rectum? There's a reason why bearchasers carry rifles.
Brutus
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
If one has barely enough time to even connect with one, maybe two shots, what makes you think 15+1 will somehow save you?
Talk to Alaskans, read the Garrett Cartridges website. Very soon you'll come to one conclusion. A heavily loaded 44 Magnum using hard cast (265 or heavier) lead bullets with top power loads, is barely adequate for this task under favorable conditions. Those that have close encounters and survived, speak favorably of upgrding to the .454 Casull, 460 or 500 S&W. That is, if they cannot find a way to have real handy, a short 12 guage or a rifle of at least a 30-06 with long heavy bullets or a even better a .338 Winchester Magnum calibre. If doable.
Talk to Alaskans, read the Garrett Cartridges website. Very soon you'll come to one conclusion. A heavily loaded 44 Magnum using hard cast (265 or heavier) lead bullets with top power loads, is barely adequate for this task under favorable conditions. Those that have close encounters and survived, speak favorably of upgrding to the .454 Casull, 460 or 500 S&W. That is, if they cannot find a way to have real handy, a short 12 guage or a rifle of at least a 30-06 with long heavy bullets or a even better a .338 Winchester Magnum calibre. If doable.
I was told to only consider handguns that generate muzzle energy in excess of 2,500 joules for bear defence, especially when you've just been woken up.
.45 ACP: 500j-900j.
10mm Auto: 500j-1000j.
.357 Magnum: 700j-1100j.
.44 Magnum: 1000j-2000j.
.50 AE: 1,600j-2,200j.
.454 Casull: 2,300j-2,800j
.460 S&W: 2,700j-3,900j
.500 S&W: 3,400j-4,200j
.600 Nitro Express: 11,000j
.700 Nitro Express: 12,100j.
If you're being actively attacked by a bear or are just woken up on an adrenaline rush, your group size will go to #### and it will become a matter of dumping your ammunition into your target. An American friend said he put five rounds of .500 S&W into a bear in less than three seconds. He doubted it survived the first shot but when you're scared for your life you don't exactly pay attention to the damage done to your attacker.
Take your pick, the last two are not serious suggestions though.
.45 ACP: 500j-900j.
10mm Auto: 500j-1000j.
.357 Magnum: 700j-1100j.
.44 Magnum: 1000j-2000j.
.50 AE: 1,600j-2,200j.
.454 Casull: 2,300j-2,800j
.460 S&W: 2,700j-3,900j
.500 S&W: 3,400j-4,200j
.600 Nitro Express: 11,000j
.700 Nitro Express: 12,100j.
If you're being actively attacked by a bear or are just woken up on an adrenaline rush, your group size will go to #### and it will become a matter of dumping your ammunition into your target. An American friend said he put five rounds of .500 S&W into a bear in less than three seconds. He doubted it survived the first shot but when you're scared for your life you don't exactly pay attention to the damage done to your attacker.
Take your pick, the last two are not serious suggestions though.
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Not suggesting the 10mm as a great cartridge, merely that it is comparable to the .357 which may be a little on the anemic side in todays day of hand cannons but has proven itself in many encounters. I know I would prefer something I can shoot accurately with a quick follow up if necessary over something too large, clumsy and overwhelming for myself.
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12 guage with slugs and a .44mag for back up.
If there was ever an excuse for a big bore handgun, it would be Alaska. If I lived there, I would be looking at 454's, 480 Ruger's and the X-Frame Smith and Wessons just because ... There is no replacement for displacement.
That's what I currently use here in Alberta ... and will actually be taking with me when I go down to the river (the upper Oldman, on my neighbour's ranch) for a BBQ this evening.
Specifically, a Remington Marine Magnum (with two 00 Buckshot and three Brenneke Black Magic slugs), and a Rossi Ranch Hand with .44 jacketed solids ... and pepper spray
This is impressive, the 500 I fired felt like 3 seconds for me to re-acquire (my testicles and the target
) after the thing went off. Don't most wheelie guys leave the hammer on an empty chamber?
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This is impressive, the 500 I fired felt like 3 seconds for me to re-acquire (my testicles and the target
Yes, I agree that a 500 mag is borderline ridiculous, and if you miss that first shot the recoil is almost uncontrollable. The weight of the gun is also a big factor, and that is no small gun.
As far as keeping the hammer on an empty chamber, this isn't the old days. Most wheel guns have transfer bar safeties, that won't let them fire unless the trigger is depressed so this isn't a necessary precaution.
The recommendation for a .454 casull is a good one, but the key is practice.
This is impressive, the 500 I fired felt like 3 seconds for me to re-acquire (my testicles and the target
He may have been exaggerating but I bet if something was big enough and close enough, you can probably pull it off and hit the target atleast once.
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