Shot a Ruger Alaskan .454 today

Status
Not open for further replies.
Hmmm...I wonder...do all gun forums have “Bear A.D.D.”? :p

You mention “bear” in a forum regarding a handgun and it’s like that cartoon dog in the movie “Up”. :rofl:

View attachment 875605
Seems that way doesn't it? I guess bears are like horror films. There's an inherent human fascination with things they fear, and an inherent human need to be ready to destroy that thing they fear if the need arises. Firearms also often draw in outdoorsy types, who are more apt to run into bears. So I guess it's only natural.
 
Did you even read the quotes from the article I posted? Those show the opposite.

The whole point of the article is to disprove the myth that spray is more effective than firearms. And the basis for that myth came from two separate studies done using different data, and different criteria for that data.

I read the article in its entirety. Twice. I know what's in there. I know there's conflicting percentages and different language used to go along with those percentages. It even goes into some details about how throwing rocks at black bears is a more consistent way to deter them than using spray.

The point is, the article I posted from 2019 well and truly debunks the article you posted from 2008. Don't misunderstand me, this is not a personal attack. I'm just calling attention to the reality of these studies.

Look, we disagree, and I don't expect to win this argument on a gun forum, any more than you would on a bear spray forum. A point you're not addressing is for many hikers that are older or not big guys, a .454 is simply too much to handle, we've heard from some on this thread like that. A 135 lb. 70 year old woman is much better off with bear spray. YMMV
 
Last edited:
I was interested in the 480 Ruger version for a while, but common sense eventually won the day. I simply don't need to defend against big bears normally in my woods wanderings. If for whatever reason I am concerned about it, I will carry a S&W Mountain Gun in 41 mag, Otherwise I more often than not just have a 22 revolver with me.

I would however enjoy taking a few shots. I'd even pay for the ammo.
 
I was interested in the 480 Ruger version for a while, but common sense eventually won the day. I simply don't need to defend against big bears normally in my woods wanderings. If for whatever reason I am concerned about it, I will carry a S&W Mountain Gun in 41 mag, Otherwise I more often than not just have a 22 revolver with me.

I would however enjoy taking a few shots. I'd even pay for the ammo.


I had one of those and liked it a lot. Shot well and carried easily.

Picture088.jpg
 
I bought a engraved light single shot Browning carbine in .45-70

It is a thing of beauty, but I would prefer to retain the health of my right shoulder and have never tried it out.

I think that the machismo of shooting hard kicking guns is a bit silly. In brown bear country I think I would carry my Banshee in 10mm with either my Glock 20 or Smith 610.

When I shoot .45-70 it is in a Sharps with a 34" 25 pound barrel because when I competed with my Pedersoli Quigley I had to quit after 24 shots. The Sharps I could shoot all day.
 
I got to hold one yesterday,have never shot one.
Was in Virginia, MN yesterday browsing the Virginia Surplus gun shop.
They had a new one and a used one.
Asked to play with the used one, DARN IT!, another handgun on the want list.
It fit my hand NICELY!!!
(Like a kid in a candy shop)
 
And 98% will never see a bear.
I see black bears fairly often in the Blue Ridge Mountains in East TN. Have only seen one grizzly in my life and that was in Yellowstone NP.

I have enough "fun" with my other hand cannons. I would be sorely tempted if I ever ran into a 480 Ruger version. I honestly hope I don't run into one.
 
The speed with which the .454 pressures up makes it a bit less sensitive to barrel length - relative to other revolver cartridges. Meaning that you can still get acceptable velocity from an Alaskan in .454. They all kick a bit because they are light, although the .480 is less “snappy” (this is a technical term) than the .454 with a lot less noise and muzzle blast. They’re cool revolvers!
 
I've never understood WHY people get those snubby .454s. You're totally wasting the potential of the cartridge. If your purpose is to make a big flash, then that's a good choice. IMO the Ruger Toklat is a much better option with the 5" barrel.
 
I've never understood WHY people get those snubby .454s. You're totally wasting the potential of the cartridge. If your purpose is to make a big flash, then that's a good choice. IMO the Ruger Toklat is a much better option with the 5" barrel.

Convenience and packability. At least the .454 maintains some meaningful velocity where "lesser" cartridges lose quite a bit of velocity -- something to consider if the revolver is meant to save your bacon.
 
Convenience and packability. At least the .454 maintains some meaningful velocity where "lesser" cartridges lose quite a bit of velocity -- something to consider if the revolver is meant to save your bacon.
That and you can burn the hair off any critter trying to chew on you if you have to use it!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top