Kahr PM9 9mm in Bear Country ???

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jcramin

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Well I will be backpacking with my son and a couple other people on the Eagle Rock Loop in the Ouachita Nat. Forest AR. The ranger has sent me the hunting seasons during the time we are going which is Oct 9 - 13 and Archery Bear season is open, which tells me there are bear in the area.

The only light gun I have is a Kahr PM9.

SO my question is:
Is this better than nothing ??? OR will it just make a bear mad ???

Thanks,
J
 
As a noise maker it might be useful, but no one is going to tell you that the terms "lightweight" and "bear gun" go in the same sentence. Better that each of you carry a large can of OC bear spray.
 
jcramin,

It is certainly better than nothing. I'd consider myself lucky if I ran across a bear. The black bears in the area are pretty timid, and if you see one, it will be a black bear butt running away from you or perhaps a brief glimpse of one crossing the trail.
 
In the first place.....

the only bears you'll be encountering are Black Bears. Not typically agressive or troublesome.

The next thing you want to do is check Arkansas law about the unlicensed carrying of handguns. I do know that there are Wildlife Management areas (State lands, not National Forest) that prohibit the carrying of a handgun except by Concealed Carry licensees. And although you're NOT bowhunting, there are some states which prohibit carrying a firearm in the woods during archery seasons.

I'm being pretty vague here because I don't have all the answers.

Maybe an Arkansas member can assist.
 
There are regions where black bear can get really big and aggressive, but that's farther north in Canada and parts of New England. I don't think you need to worry about it. Just wear something orange so you don't get shot. THAT has happened.
 
jcramin,

Not sure if you live in AR or not, but if you do and have a CCW, you can carry it. If you live in a state that Arkansas has a reciprocity agreement, then you can carry it.

But seriously, a bad encounter is unlikely.
 
Yes I have a Tennessee Hand Gun Carry Permit that Arkansas does recognize.

But it sounds like it will just be unneeded added weight.

Thanks for all the info,
J
 
Honestly I really wouldn't worry about bear. I'm not saying don't take your pistol because you should, but using your brain to be aware of your surroundings is more important. If you do come in contact keep your space and simply just respect the bears territory this is going to do more for you than any firearm. I have always said though, "it's better to have one and not need it, then need it and not have one." So take your 9 mil cause it's obviously better than nothing. As for the damage it's going to impose on a bear, depends on the shot. If you can get a couple in the face that is your best bet. Body shots are most likely going to do nothing, but piss him off.
 
I'm sorry, if you are going in a area where there is bear I don't care if there has never been an attack in it's history you need to go prepared. Yes a 9mm is better then nothing, but I think I would at the very least get a 357 mag. Remember Pray for the Best, but be ready for the Worst.
 
Remember Pray for the Best, but be ready for the Worst.

When I go hunting, it's more like prey for the best, but be ready for the wurst.

(I.e., lately it seems that the best meat I get from hunting, no matter how hard I try, is the hot dog I eat when I get home.:D)
 
I do have a .357 mag with a 2 1/4 inch barrel but it is a Ruger SP101 and much heavier than my PM9
 
If you really think you'll need a gun, bring your gun, not the PM9.

Doesn't sound like the bears are a problem, especially when they're being actively hunted, but if you think they are, bring the SP101, not the pocket carjacker-discourager.
 
When I go hunting, it's more like prey for the best, but be ready for the wurst.
:D:D:D


Seriously, bears will not be a problem. Would the .357 be better than the 9mm? Absolutely. I still would not feel uncomfortable with the 9mm though.
 
How much more does your Ruger weigh then your 9mm? A pound? I wonder how many people say "It will never happen to me" I still say. better to be safe then sorry.
 
Short of a big-bore rifle, I'd go with a can of bear spray. A 9MM will kill a bear if you hit it right, but it's unlikely to stop it quickly enough to keep it from shredding you even if you do hit it mortally.
Black bears are not generally all that aggressive, fortunately.
 
Get the spray and use it first then carry the 357 with heavy hardcast bullets . If 357 is to heavy change holsters or sell it and get something lighter but leave the 9mm at home.
 
Lone handgunner has a great point. With the amount of public land pot farmers out there the 9mm is worth the weight for the 2 leg varmints. A can of bear spray ain't a bad idea, and during stick shooter bear season there may be a chance of running into a bear with a broad head in his ass who ain't all that happy with the local humans.
 
Oct 9 - 13 and Archery Bear season is open, which tells me there are bear in the area.

Let me get this straight, you are aware that bear are in the area and still have a bit of doubts to take a 357 Mag because of weight? I guess I value my life alot more because this is a no brainer for me. Better safe than sorry.

LGB
 
ironically the big cans of high end bear defense spray may not always work on some bears. say let momma bear catch you kicking baby bear, a 45-70 would have a hard time stopping it before it got you. although the bear spray would stop a mugger real well, its illegal to use for that purpose in most places.
however the 9mm gets its best penetration from a carbine length barrel and fmj ammo. penetration is the most important thing with bears, heavy skin, fat layer, and bone structure. shooting 18 rounds really fast at the bear will let the park ranger know where to start the search for body parts.
 
Nicodemus Thats why after the bear spray does its job my hand would be pulling my 357 loaded with some 180gr loads for a just incase. Just not a 9mm. And that nine might let the ranger know where to look after the buzzards start to cicle. Heck ,let this guy carry his 9mm and if a bear ever does charge him we will know if it worked well or not ,right.
 
How not to dress during bear hunting season:

sjm0002-08m.jpg
 
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