Bear/Cougar Defense Shotgun Advice Please?

WoollyBullets

WoollyBullets

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I am looking for advice before I go out and buy a shotgun again for bear/cougar defense.

I am a forestry worker on Vancouver Island so more often than not I am working on very steep ground with thick brush and windfall. So what I am looking for is a compact as possible Non-restricted Shotgun that is hopefully light and won't break the bank. I am going to attach a scabbard to my work vest for it. I recently bought a Winchester SXP Defender for this purpose but it just was not practical so I sold it.

I am thinking something along the lines of the DA Grizzly 12.5" but I have reservations because I think the overall length is around 31" and it weighs about 7 pounds.

So any advice will be greatly appreciated and then maybe I can get it right this time.

Thanks
 
WoollyBullets said:
I am looking for advice before I go out and buy a shotgun again for bear/cougar defense.

I am a forestry worker on Vancouver Island so more often than not I am working on very steep ground with thick brush and windfall. So what I am looking for is a compact as possible Non-restricted Shotgun that is hopefully light and won't break the bank. I am going to attach a scabbard to my work vest for it. I recently bought a Winchester SXP Defender for this purpose but it just was not practical so I sold it.

I am thinking something along the lines of the DA Grizzly 12.5" but I have reservations because I think the overall length is around 31" and it weighs about 7 pounds.

So any advice will be greatly appreciated and then maybe I can get it right this time.

Thanks
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First choice would be a DA Grizz, but if you don't want to go that route, I would recommended a Maverick 88, they are inexpensive, reliable, lightweight.
 
ADK said:
What for you is not breaking the bank? Have you searched this forum?
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Yes I have spent quite a bit of time looking on here. There are so many threads though that I find it a little hard to search through them all. That is why I started this thread hopefully to get some advice for my particular situation.
 
grizzly 8.5" is your only other option. 27" OAL and sameish weight as other grizzly models. If you are indeed a forestry worker and have a legitimate fear of being attacked. Why not try and apply for authorization to carry? I know of a few workers up north who have it.... Dont know how they would feel about giving one out for the island though.
 
Instead of the 12.5" Grizzly, how about the 8.5" Grizzly? Smallest non-restricted SBS out there I think.

Another option that I think Driller on these forums (Yukon geologist) uses is the Mare's Leg. Cheapest is the Rossi Ranch Hand. Chiappa and Henry make more expensive versions. Get it in 44 magnum -- it's not the ideal bear round but it's very light, compact (24-25" I think), non-restricted and better than nothing.
 
lil_juiced_coupe said:
grizzly 8.5" is your only other option. 27" OAL and sameish weight as other grizzly models. If you are indeed a forestry worker and have a legitimate fear of being attacked. Why not try and apply for authorization to carry? I know of a few workers up north who have it.... Dont know how they would feel about giving one out for the island though.
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Indeed I am a forestry worker, a layout engineer. I was thinking the 8.5 might be a better option for me. I had a couple of close encounters with bears this summer so I feel I need the added protection. Also, I know a geologist here on the Island who has an ATC but it still seems like it is such a hassle so I want to stay non-restricted.
 
IMO the Winchester *was* a good choice...

The really short 870 type shotguns may be more compact but I know from experience that they're unnecessarily heavy to be lugging around on foot in rugged terrain. Also short barrels have some shootability issues.

When I replace my 12.5" 870 for a woods gun its going to be with something much lighter, maybe with a folding or collaspable stock.
 
WoollyBullets said:
I am looking for advice before I go out and buy a shotgun again for bear/cougar defense.

I am a forestry worker on Vancouver Island so more often than not I am working on very steep ground with thick brush and windfall. So what I am looking for is a compact as possible Non-restricted Shotgun that is hopefully light and won't break the bank. I am going to attach a scabbard to my work vest for it. I recently bought a Winchester SXP Defender for this purpose but it just was not practical so I sold it.

I am thinking something along the lines of the DA Grizzly 12.5" but I have reservations because I think the overall length is around 31" and it weighs about 7 pounds.

So any advice will be greatly appreciated and then maybe I can get it right this time.

Thanks
Click to expand...


geologist said:
You probably qualify for a wilderness ATC. A proper HG is a better, lighter, easier to carry firearm for you than any shotgun.
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For your purposes I think Geologist is correct if you can qualify for the ATC. I dislike the limited magazine capacity of the very short shotguns, and the idea that one might accidently push his hand out in front of the muzzle at the moment the gun fires makes me uncomfortable.

A handgun places your hands well back of the muzzle, provides five or six rounds that can be fired accurately and quickly, and comes in a compact light weight package that you can ignore until you need it.
 
WoollyBullets said:
Indeed I am a forestry worker, a layout engineer. I was thinking the 8.5 might be a better option for me. I had a couple of close encounters with bears this summer so I feel I need the added protection. Also, I know a geologist here on the Island who has an ATC but it still seems like it is such a hassle so I want to stay non-restricted.
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Well if I was looking at carrying around a heavy Chinese shotgun and ammo vs a 44s&w I would jump though the hoops and go for the handgun.
 
I hope you put up with the "hassle", and apply for the carry permit. I'd hate to read the permits have been cancelled for lack of interest.

Even a short shotgun is going to be inconvenient in thick brush. I'm assuming you might need to take notes, and use GPS. A handgun in a good holster leaves your hands free, much more so than a shotgun slung over your shoulder. Easier to access, as well.
 
boxcoach said:
I hope you put up with the "hassle", and apply for the carry permit. I'd hate to read the permits have been cancelled for lack of interest.

Even a short shotgun is going to be inconvenient in thick brush. I'm assuming you might need to take notes, and use GPS. A handgun in a good holster leaves your hands free, much more so than a shotgun slung over your shoulder. Easier to access, as well.
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Good point about the permit. I will keep it in mind for the future just not going to go with a hand gun right now. But I like the idea of it though and I know a geologist here on the Island who carries one. You are also right about having to keep my hands free so I am planning to attach a scabbard to my vest.
 
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