Polar bear defense shotgun

I have to say that a .30 cal rifle would be my first choice for a Polar bear; pump action 12 second.
 
After reading all of the suggestions, I would have to say I think its crazy of a company to limit it at $400. As others have pointed out that eliminates alot of good choices. First off, I would suggest either buying the gun yourself or getting the budget raised. Second, I would suggest an 870 Marine Magnum. Harsh climates dictate a gun that can handle the environment and stay reliable regardless of the situation. With the nickel plating that Remington uses, it reduces the need for lubricants that cause failures.

I would suggest a 4rd side saddle and a good, comfortable sling that fits you correctly. Also, swapping the stock synthetic stock and fore end for a Hogue Overmold stock and fore end. They have great grip even when cold.

I would also suggest picking up 6 snap caps and practice, practice, loading the firearm. Also practice dry fire runs of shouldering, firing and pumping. Know your firearm inside and out.
 
The Baikal seems like a nice deal but for the purpose you mentioned I'd say it is the wrong tool. Some form of pump with 20"ish barrel would fit the bill. I'm an 870 guy but any of that style would work nicely.
 
I think its funny that a company expects people that may have never fired a gun before to be able to use a gun big enuf to do the job, while a polar bear is charging them.

I think I would just look for the slowest person and knock them down when the bear starts to charge.
 
I had a Mossberg Maverick with me while I skied all over the Queen Maud Gulf around Cam Bay in winter time. Kept in a tobaggan with other gear. Never had to use it on a polar bear, and i did see the occassional grizzly bear coming in from the mainland. Did target practice on ice bergs in temps as low as -47 in still air and with wind chill to -63 with no ill effects to the gun and no special lubricant protocals - just kept the gun dry (oil free) from the start.
 
Two Maverick 88 shotguns with the 18.5 inch barrel will cost less than $400.

Two of those are better than one of something else in the arctic. (Unless you have to carry them both.... I mean if two people are carrying.)
 
Please introduce the user to Eezox, Which ever gun is bought, must be stripped clean of all previous lubricants, and then coated with a light coating of a rust inhibitor and a lubrication that works dry and does not gum up. There is nothing better for arctic conditions than Eezox.

This gun will likely sit(not see much cycling), see a lot of hot cold cycles and condensation and needs a lubricant that will disperse the moisture and not collect the crud that is contained in the moisture. Eezox is the best for the arctic conditions.
 
I really doubt the OP is looking for any more advice, given that the thread had been dead for 2 and a half years before the newbie bumped it.
 
jethunter said:
I really doubt the OP is looking for any more advice, given that the thread had been dead for 2 and a half years before the newbie bumped it.
Click to expand...

Nice catch, should have checked the dates. Advice is still valid, eezox is premium for cold weather application.
 
Old thread but I just got back from the NWT (Griz and Black territory) so I'll add my comments. My employer also requires 12ga so that we can shoot bangers and rubber slugs as well as buckshot and lead slugs. While I'm up there I carry an 870 with a smooth bore 14" barrel loaded with lead slugs. The bangers and rubber slugs stay in my pocket in case I want to use them and the buckshot stays in the box at camp because I have no use for it.
 
When I worked up there for a decade I bought an 870 Marine Magnum. I shot plenty of bear bangers and a few "rubber batons" at bears with no problem, as well as plenty of slugs to practice with. Even a novice shooter could figure it out and handle it if needed in a pinch, and most people could hit an empty cookie package at 40 yards with a rifled slug. It only had the regular bead on the smooth barrel. I had bought a pachmayr pistol grip but after practicing a bit with it I did not shoot confidently with it, so I put the regular stock back on. If I started working up there again I'd probably buy another and put a folding stock on it. That way you get the compact size if you need to pack it around while you're working, but you can still unfold it to shoot well at the moment of truth...
-DW
 
The idea of a novice dealing with a dangerous bear situation is somewhat disconcerting, particularly if that individual has never killed a large animal. First off, if they're full grown and have never killed a large animal they might not have the personality to prevail. They certainly haven't had the interest or opportunity to experience that, and without some practical experience, a dangerous game scenario is a tough way to get blooded. They might have an unrealistic expectation of what their gun can do or of what they can do with it, or they might not be able to bring themselves to shoot when they need to. They might be concerned about legal ramifications of shooting, they might be thinking that what is playing out before their eyes can't be real. In any case, they are in an mindset that will not allow them to save themselves or anyone else.

I heard about such a situation recently where an unarmed young guy who was examining a dead beluga calf, was charged by a bear which took exception to his presence. His partner who was a short distance away in a boat didn't shoot, despite having a loaded gun, being in no peril himself, having a good target angle, and a large target. When the young guy realized he had nothing to loose, and couldn't outrun the bear, he turned and ran straight at it, causing the bear to turn away. That gutsy move undoubtedly saved his life.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom