only pick one of the two. bear stopper.

Although bear defense isn't a huge issue where I am from, I think i would prefer the 12g.

Easier to aim when a tidal wave of adrenaline is flowing through you.
 
I'd pick an 870 simply because I've put thousands of rounds through it in trap and sporting clays (from the low gun position) so I know I can handle it quickly. Of course, we don't have any dangerous game out here in NL. There is a chance I could get to see some field work in the Arctic though.
 
From the bears I've shot with my 45/70, a 350 grain Hornady (round nose and flat nose) works very well. Or, as I found out from tagging another bear this spring, (May 1st/09) a 420gr Hardcast will work equally well. :D

Honestly I feel its more about what your comfortable with. Myself I'd feel safe with my Guide gun or my Rem 870 Shotgun with slugs. I've practiced with them quite a bit, and I know I can place a round where I want at close range, "IF" a bear ever seems to come to me looking for trouble.



To date the best 'bear defence" I've ever found is a bear tag!! :D

Cheers

Seabass
 
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For the ever dangerous Eastern Ontario grizzly...I prefer a short barreled 870 with ghost ring sights. Loaded alternately with slug/00 BUCK.

Bring some #6's and you can use it to get some fresh grouse too. :)
 
If I were afraid of bears, I would feel better with the power and accuracy that the rifle offers. I had a Guide gun and found it very handy and accurate enough.

Like Seabass said, if you want to never see a bear, buy a bear tag. LOL
 
12ga, with bernecki slugs. Not saying the 45/70's aren't potent pills, just that having both lever guns (both my deer rifles) and my slug gun...I can say that FOR ME, the faster action in the slug gun, and a 30"+ wound channel from a bernecki rotwiel slug is a show stopper. Just my preference.
I can however see the advantage of the 45/70 in that if you are in a hunting situation, the 45/70 gives you the best of both worlds...a great game rifle, and a stopper, all in one. Comes down to which one you spend more time with.
 
I have No doubt the 45-70 particularily with heavy hard cast is the better Longer Range choice.
However for bear defence at closer ranges, my optional choice would be the (Edit: slug barrel)shotgun in 12 bore.
No. 1 reason: there is a greater 'legal' risk with a rifle that ONE maybe charged with 'poaching' with a high powered rifle than a shotgun.
No. 2 reason: One has more options for a lighter weight long-gun in a shotgun, for long term carry comfort.

No. 3 reason: Ditto on the brennekes of course in 2 3/4 inch for foolproof feed/function!
 
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Rifle ammo is less bulky than 12 gauge ammo so you can carry more for the same weight. Rifles are more accurate than shotguns and are useful at longer ranges. The 1895 Marlin rifle is slimmer and more compact than a pump shotgun of equal length; so it is less fatiguing to carry. It is the handloader who determines the versatility of any metallic cartridge, and the .45/70 can be loaded for any game from mice to moose.
 
heavyBullet said:
I forgot how old this thread is, I did not own one when this thread first started, but I do now :D . I have not had too many chances to give my 45/70 a workout, but next time I hit the range I want to see if I can get my lever going at least half that speed LOL
Click to expand...

Do it man and then post your scores on the old Dangerous Game Rifle thread.

I'll do the same when I get home but even with my new HP9-1, I know that I won't match Ike Or Camp Cooks speed. :( without the miracle of video editting software ;)
 
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