Suggestions for a bear defense shotgun

[FLHTCUI]

I am looking at getting a shotgun to pack for bear defense while I'm hiking. I like the simplicity of something like a side by side although a pump would have a faster reaction time but probably weigh more. What are your thoughts

https://www.maynard sfineart.com/auction-lot/remington-wingmaster-model-870-pump-action-shotgu_34C4973B46?catalogReferredQueryParam=%253FpageNum%253D1%2526displayNum%253D120

You can fix the broken link and this would be a far better choice than a sxs.......

 

[0faustus0]

Can these be purchased in Canada? I never managed it, had to go second hand just to get 10.

https://www. cabelas.ca/product/166752/rio-royal-brenneke-12-gauge-rifled-slugs

 

[geologist]

Can these be purchased in Canada? I never managed it, had to go second hand just to get 10.

Not sure. Those in my stash are from the late 90s.

 

[0faustus0]

Rio Brenneke slugs and RWS Rottweil Brenneke slugs have been available in Canada for the last 10 years. Supply has been sporadic ... and they sell out quickly ... but they are around from time to time if you search the dealer's inventories.

For example Cabelas has the Rio Brenneke in stock right now.

Brenneke slugs manufactured by the company Brenneke are not distributed in Canada. With one recent exception .... the Brenneke K.O. Slug! It seems some importer managed to get some into Canada somehow and several dealers had them for sale recently ... like FOC ... etc.

With the limited supply of Brenneke slugs in Canada, many people choose the Italian alternative (the Gualandi Borra-Proiettile) .... and what we know here in Canada as the Challenger slug. The challenger slug is as solidly built .... and has even better penetration capabilities than the Brenneke slugs that are available to us in Canada ....

https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/for...0-Unofficial-12ga-Slug-Penetration-Comparison

 

[SHELL SHUCKER]

I am looking at getting a shotgun to pack for bear defense while I'm hiking. I like the simplicity of something like a side by side although a pump would have a faster reaction time but probably weigh more. What are your thoughts

I'd go with a Mossberg 590 A1 Class III meself for wandering & camping use. Challenger slugs are dandy for big fuzzy's inside 50 yds.
https://www.mossberg.com/590a1-class-iii-pump-action-6-shot-51689.html

 

[I Dont Care About You]

Spent my whole life working/playing in the bush.
I have had dozens of bear encounters over the decades.
All but one were resolved peacefully with me backing away and taking a
different route. Not to say they weren’t exciting/scary but nonetheless no scratches
on either side.
The one bad one was fatal for the poor bear and had i missed probably fatal for me.
I carry bear spray always. Usually carry a 12” barrelled 870 with slugs.
Whistle to make noise etc.
The gun is to allow me to back away.
Hopefully i never have to use it again but still practise with it often.

You aren't wrong, the chances of being properly attacked by a bear are very low. The problem is that even though the chances are low, the ramifications / experience of being killed and eaten by a grizzly are EXTREMELY HIGH. Thus, I ain't going into the woods without a bear capable firearm. I don't want to shoot a grizzly but I, even more, don't want to be eaten by one.

 

[pounder]

If you are serious about a defense firearm remember why you are carrying it. Don't buy cheap you don't have to go hog wild and spend thousands but don't buy a firearm because it was cheap. Any firearm can break or malfunction but there is less chance with a well maintained good quality firearm. Just my 2cents worth.

 

[tiriaq]

I suppose having a light mounted on the gun might be an idea...
The time stamp is obviously wrong.

 

[MiG25]

Best shoot the Challenger Magnum first, I've had no success with them and had the wad separating from the slug and the slug hitting sideways.

3 shotguns, none shoot the Challenger Magnum well.

As always, YMMV, but pushing $40/box I'm done with them.

 

[Waterfowler]

You aren't wrong, the chances of being properly attacked by a bear are very low. The problem is that even though the chances are low, the ramifications / experience of being killed and eaten by a grizzly are EXTREMELY HIGH. Thus, I ain't going into the woods without a bear capable firearm. I don't want to shoot a grizzly but I, even more, don't want to be eaten by one.

So do you wear a helmet and fire retardent suit while driving your car/truck???

 

[Brutus]

You aren't wrong, the chances of being properly attacked by a bear are very low. The problem is that even though the chances are low, the ramifications / experience of being killed and eaten by a grizzly are EXTREMELY HIGH. Thus, I ain't going into the woods without a bear capable firearm. I don't want to shoot a grizzly but I, even more, don't want to be eaten by one.

Black bear country & grizzly country are two different universes of outside possible danger. I concur with you.

 

[DragonFire]

Can these be purchased in Canada? I never managed it, had to go second hand just to get 10.

Bought these at auction last year

Worked pretty good at 40yds

DF

 

[FLHTCUI]

This is not a shotgun and I did post it in another thread, but for those who are interested ...

 

[patrickosuave]

Sure wish I would of bought a whack of bullets from Jethunter before he closed up shop. I snoozed and I losed!

 

[FLHTCUI]

These guys are in a van foraging in the Japanese forest.
What gun would one be able to operate if one was walking down the road and Moma bear got upset with you .
Would you have enough time to react to the target presented ?

 

[SHELL SHUCKER]

These guys are in a van foraging in the Japanese forest.
What gun would one be able to operate if one was walking down the road and Moma bear got upset with you .
Would you have enough time to react to the target presented ?

Dumb fook should'a just kept going whilst honking the horn. Never stop in that scenario.

 

[Butcherbill]

These guys are in a van foraging in the Japanese forest.
What gun would one be able to operate if one was walking down the road and Moma bear got upset with you .
Would you have enough time to react to the target presented ?

Nothing in Japan, kiss your ass goodbye.

 

[FLHTCUI]

Dumb fook should'a just kept going whilst honking the horn. Never stop in that scenario.

I suppose my point in posting this video for those who have never experienced an angry charging bear is (in this case) see how low to the ground her head is, how wide her shoulders are and the speed in which see is attacking.
First timers asking which gun for bear defense best have a pretty good idea what they are in for...
Riflechairs video showing the mechanical target moving is a fair representation of how a charge may unfold , the posted clip from Japan shows a full on charge.
Just my thoughts.
Rob

 

[Grizzly Adams]

I suppose my point in posting this video for those who have never experienced an angry charging bear is (in this case) see how low to the ground her head is, how wide her shoulders are and the speed in which see is attacking.
First timers asking which gun for bear defense best have a pretty good idea what they are in for...
Riflechairs video showing the mechanical target moving is a fair representation of how a charge may unfold , the posted clip from Japan shows a full on charge.
Just my thoughts.
Rob

The video confirms from what iv'e been told, people tend to shoot high in a charging bear situation

 

[I Dont Care About You]

The video confirms from what iv'e been told, people tend to shoot high in a charging bear situation

I'd bet that is a deflection problem. The bear is running towards the shooter, who shoots where the bear was, not where it will be. This would result in the shot impacting high.

Also, if we are talking 12ga, which is likely the most common "bear gun" lots of people tend not to get their head down on the stock far enough, which causes the projectile to hit high.