Blackbear defense pistols?

C

Comrade K

Member
EE Expired
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
First off, I'm not too familiar with handguns yet, as I just got my restricted license, and will soon be taking my wilderness carry course.

What I'm looking for is something that can stop a blackbear with only a couple of shots, for defense while working in the bush prospecting. Ever since the spring bear hunt here got canceled, the damn things are everywhere, and it's gotten to the point that it just isn't safe anymore.

Here are my criteria:

1.Something very durable. Able to withstand all kinds of abuse, moisture or even being submerged, filth etc. Also, preferably with most of it's components covered, so twigs, mud or pine needles etc. wouldn't block anything off.

2.Powerful enough to stop a black bear.

3.Easy to use on short notice. (Don't have time to screw around if there's a hungry bear coming at me - so no single actions)

4.Preferably not anything too bulky or large. Prefer a pistol over revolver.

I was thinking about a Glock in .40 or .45, but I've heard they aren't as reliable in larger calibers.

Suggestions?
 
Keep it simple/dirtproof (no pistols :stirthepot2: ) and large. Smallest might be a 44 mag revolver 4''/6" barrel with Hornady 300gn XTP's or equivalent. (and a clean pair of shorts)
 
THIS...
SWModel629004.jpg
 
Taurus Raging Bull .454. Great quality, light recoil (ported), and all around bad ass. Even the old guys at my range that believe that good revolvers can only be American made ask to shoot mine every time I'm there :)
 
I never truly understood the role of the handgun for bear defense until I read an article by Phil Shoemaker, 30 year Alaskan Grizzly Outfitter.

He said that the #1 role the handgun plays is to give you courage to stand your ground and deal with a troublesome bear the same way a dominant make bear does.

It made perfect sense, really, since when I've been unarmed and confronted by bears I've acted like a dominant boar, and it usually worked pretty good.

He suggested a 44 mag d/a revolver, for ease of operation and better multiple hit potential, since there is less recovery time than with one of the real hand cannons.

If you were a handloader, I'd recommend ARMCO's 45-08 conversion in 45ACP pistol. If you dont', I'd recommend a 44 Magnum double action revolver.

Both can be easy to handle with practice, and you can make good hits rapidly.

Most important would be to educate yourself abotu bears.
 
This should do it if the Bear doesn't get you first..
SW500Medium.jpg

500
And if that's too big for ya, may I suggest one of these...
IMG_9967Medium.jpg

460V
What I'm curious about is how difficult it is to get a wilderness carry permit. I bet you would have to prove your occupation puts you in grave danger otherwise everyone would have one. Even if you could get one does that mean one can carry restricted firearms?
 
Gatehouse said:
Most important would be to educate yourself abotu bears.
Click to expand...

Well, I could say I've got that part down.
Recently though, they've gotten bolder, and I've heard from other guys that have had real close calls, and I'd rather not find myself in similar situations when the bear is having a bad day.
We had at least 3 separate bears on the property last summer, 2 of which came right up onto the deck a number of times. They just aren't scared anymore.

dannyair said:
What I'm curious about is how difficult it is to get a wilderness carry permit. I bet you would have to prove your occupation puts you in grave danger otherwise everyone would have one. Even if you could get one does that mean one can carry restricted firearms?
Click to expand...

Well, from what my restricted instructor told me, you just need to take a course (although the course itself is difficult) and then prove you work as either a bush pilot, prospector (what I am), or trapper. Even though I only work in prospecting in the summer, apparently I can still take the course.
It does allow you to carry a restricted firearm, otherwise it would be pointless, because you can carry a non-restricted anyway, it's just not convenient. However, as I understand it, you can only use the permit bring the firearm directly to your work area/trapline, and only carry it when you can prove you're 'on the job'.
 
Hardly a bear "education"

Try reading Gary Sheltons books, as a starter:



h ttp://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/search-handle-url?%5Fencoding=UTF8&search-type=ss&index=books-ca&field-author=James%20Gary%20Shelton


3 bears is insignificant around here...;)
 
Wear bells so the bear knows you are in the area, bears will generally avoid you if they hear you. If all else fails and it is your last chance to survive use a Glock 20 and shoot the bear in the throat until it is dead. I would recommend a Glock 29 but they are too evil for Canadians to own. Regards, Richard:D
 
consider a single action ruger in stainless,.....with the right loads you would be well protected. sure the double action might be faster to cycle but shooting too fast at a charging bear is a hit & miss proposition. probably more missed shots than lethal hits. to my way of thinking you better make those hits count, no matter which type of gun you use.....:shotgun:

if I could carry a handgun for bear this would be my choice,.... a Ruger SBH .44 magnum, 4-5/8" barrel which is easy to carry & a little more weather resistant & a heck of a rugged revolver.....:wave:
sbh3.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom