If You Were Heading For The Yukon Today
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Charlie Martinez
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A handgun for food is one thing defense against bears & humans is another (there are bad humans out there & from what I heard were much worse than the bears). I remember walking past ptarmigans that had never seen a human. they were no more than five feet from me & all they would do was get a little nervous & stare. If I were looking for a meal a little 22 loaded with snake shot would have been perfect. Luckily I didn't have one. I wasn't in any danger of dying of hunger & it made me feel like I was in the Paradise God describes in the Bible where the lion sleeps with the sheep. Actually pretty damn nice.
Let me qualify my post by saying I’ve never killed a brownie. That said, I’ve killed animals considerably bigger with handguns to include Cape buffalo and a couple of water buffalo considerably larger than the Cape, and I can tell you that I never feel undergunned. However, with the wrong bullet, any caliber (rifle or handgun) can fail to impress. 240 grain expanding bullets in the .44 Mag - the original standard bearer, is never a good idea on dangerous and large animals. It’s all about the bullet used.
Charlie98
Member
.41 Magnum... 6" Dan Wesson if I could manage it in a shoulder holster, otherwise one of my 4" Smiths on the hip. I'm very fond of Cast Performance's 250grn WFN gas checked bullet over IMR4227.
adcoch1
Member
I would probably take a Redhawk, but it might not be my 44 mag. I might opt for a 454 casull in case a big bear showed up. Truthfully I would not want less than 6 rounds, so none of the little 44 revolvers would work for me. I'd also want a single ten for small game, I know I'd use it more that the big bore...
Vern Humphrey
Member
Here are the Alaska Department of Fish and Game recommendations:
"Protection
"Bear deterrents, including firearms and bear spray, can be helpful but should never be used as an alternative to common-sense approaches to bear encounters.
"Products labeled as bear spray contain capsicum (red pepper extract) and are effective at deterring bears at close range. Bear sprays are designed to propel a mist for 15 -30 feet. If discharged upwind or in a vehicle, they can adversely affect the user. Take appropriate precautions. If you carry bear spray, keep it handy and know how to use it.
"If you are inexperienced with a firearm, it can be difficult to successfully deploy in emergency situations. Additionally, a wounded bear can be a greater threat to human safety. A .300-Magnum rifle or a 12-gauge shotgun with rifled slugs are appropriate weapons if you have to shoot a bear. Heavy handguns such as a .44-Magnum may be inadequate in emergency situations, especially in untrained hands. "
(My emphasis.)
Based on that, I'd carry a rifle and bear spray. For a handgun, I'd choose my Colt Woodsman (,22 LR) for small game use.
"Protection
"Bear deterrents, including firearms and bear spray, can be helpful but should never be used as an alternative to common-sense approaches to bear encounters.
"Products labeled as bear spray contain capsicum (red pepper extract) and are effective at deterring bears at close range. Bear sprays are designed to propel a mist for 15 -30 feet. If discharged upwind or in a vehicle, they can adversely affect the user. Take appropriate precautions. If you carry bear spray, keep it handy and know how to use it.
"If you are inexperienced with a firearm, it can be difficult to successfully deploy in emergency situations. Additionally, a wounded bear can be a greater threat to human safety. A .300-Magnum rifle or a 12-gauge shotgun with rifled slugs are appropriate weapons if you have to shoot a bear. Heavy handguns such as a .44-Magnum may be inadequate in emergency situations, especially in untrained hands. "
(My emphasis.)
Based on that, I'd carry a rifle and bear spray. For a handgun, I'd choose my Colt Woodsman (,22 LR) for small game use.
KnightHawk
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You know what they say if you come across a steaming pile of scat that smells like pepper, check it for bells that the hikers use.
KnightHawk
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Vern, your post above is right on the money. As MaxP stated earlier that training for proficiency is a prerequisite for any hunting or self defense.
"If you are inexperienced with a firearm, it can be difficult to successfully deploy in emergency situations. Additionally, a wounded bear can be a greater threat to human safety. A .300-Magnum rifle or a 12-gauge shotgun with rifled slugs are appropriate weapons if you have to shoot a bear. Heavy handguns such as a .44-Magnum may be inadequate in emergency situations, especially in untrained hands. "
If a bear of any kind is wounded it's a problem
I have shot 2 black bears before, but fortunately never had to shoot a Brownie. I took my Father hunting Brownies down in the Wood Tikchik Lake system. He wanted a big bear. I had no use for one myself. But, I took him as it was one of his bucket list items. Anyway long story shortened up. On about the third day we were glassing the hills above one of the lakes when we finely spotted a big male. To that point we had only glassed sows and some with cubs. I said what do you think? He put the binoculars down and said "holy sh-t" I asked again are you ready for this? It would have been a half mile or more of crawling thru alders to get close. I did not like the idea of trophy hunting anyway, so, when he said he's happy with the hunt just the way it was, and he felt that he had his trophy. These coastal bears can be are very large. Personally I am happy to say that I have never killed a big bear, and if commonsense says with me I will be able to avoid so in the future.
"If you are inexperienced with a firearm, it can be difficult to successfully deploy in emergency situations. Additionally, a wounded bear can be a greater threat to human safety. A .300-Magnum rifle or a 12-gauge shotgun with rifled slugs are appropriate weapons if you have to shoot a bear. Heavy handguns such as a .44-Magnum may be inadequate in emergency situations, especially in untrained hands. "
If a bear of any kind is wounded it's a problem
I have shot 2 black bears before, but fortunately never had to shoot a Brownie. I took my Father hunting Brownies down in the Wood Tikchik Lake system. He wanted a big bear. I had no use for one myself. But, I took him as it was one of his bucket list items. Anyway long story shortened up. On about the third day we were glassing the hills above one of the lakes when we finely spotted a big male. To that point we had only glassed sows and some with cubs. I said what do you think? He put the binoculars down and said "holy sh-t" I asked again are you ready for this? It would have been a half mile or more of crawling thru alders to get close. I did not like the idea of trophy hunting anyway, so, when he said he's happy with the hunt just the way it was, and he felt that he had his trophy. These coastal bears can be are very large. Personally I am happy to say that I have never killed a big bear, and if commonsense says with me I will be able to avoid so in the future.
Sorry but I will take my chances with a big revolver long before I rely on what amounts to a condiment.... 
As far as rifles and shotguns for protection are concerned, I agree that most folks can shoot a long gun better than a revolver, but whatever you as the individual chooses, you need to be competent with your choice. That requires lots of practice.
One thing often overlooked is what you do when you’re inside your sleeping bag. Do you drag a rifle in with you? If so, how do you then use it? Yup, I’ll be bringing a revolver to that party.
As far as rifles and shotguns for protection are concerned, I agree that most folks can shoot a long gun better than a revolver, but whatever you as the individual chooses, you need to be competent with your choice. That requires lots of practice.
One thing often overlooked is what you do when you’re inside your sleeping bag. Do you drag a rifle in with you? If so, how do you then use it? Yup, I’ll be bringing a revolver to that party.
Choctaw
Member
I don't live in bear country nor have I ever had the privilege of hunting in an area where I could be on the menu so my opinion counts for little. I would want to take a Ruger Super Redhawk in .454 Casull with a 7.5 inch barrel. I thought I had traded into such a revolver last week but the goober backed out of our deal. 
I don't live in bear country nor have I ever had the privilege of hunting in an area where I could be on the menu so my opinion counts for little. I would want to take a Ruger Super Redhawk in .454 Casull with a 7.5 inch barrel. I thought I had traded into such a revolver last week but the goober backed out of our deal.
The Super Redhawk is a good one!
Choctaw
Member
I've never owned any of the Redhawk series, just a multitude of Blackhawks. I need to expand my horizons.
They're great revolvers! Lots of folks don't like the way they look, but they are purely functional and that in and of itself makes them look good to me.
Vern Humphrey
Member
Here is a question: If you were planning to DELIBERATELY provoke a grizzly into a charge at close range, would you consider a handgun to be the best choice?
Yes. I can press one into action faster than I can get a rifle into battery. But again, that's just me.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
It's pure myth that the right handgun with the right load leaves anything to be desired when it comes to big bears. The qualifier here is the right load with the right bullet. Some folks think any old load will work but a WWB JHP is just not gonna cut it and there's a world of difference between your average JHP, JSP and a good heavy hard cast or monolithic solid and that cannot be overstated. A .44, .45, .475 or .500 is going to make a large to very large hole in both ends of any bear that walks, breaking bones and perforating organs along the way. A rifle won't do it any better. Long guns are just easier for the average person to hit with. Handguns can also be on your person at all times. Rifles don't fit in holsters and shotguns aren't the Hammer of Thor that people think they are.
For me, it would be this custom .44Mag in a DiamondD chest rig.
Although I'm tempted to have one of these built.
For me, it would be this custom .44Mag in a DiamondD chest rig.
Although I'm tempted to have one of these built.
MidRoad
Member
A gp44 with them custom grips you have on your gp100..... Oh my gerdddd. Do it!
KnightHawk
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This from MaxP.
Handguns can also be on your person at all times. Rifles don't fit in holsters and shotguns aren't the Hammer of Thor that people think they are.
Right on the money
Handguns can also be on your person at all times. Rifles don't fit in holsters and shotguns aren't the Hammer of Thor that people think they are.
Right on the money
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
My thinking exactly!
FLNT4EVR
Member
i
I would love a Schofield in 44 mad
I would love a Schofield in 44 mad
Vern Humphrey
Member
Not for long, you wouldn't -- it would shoot itself loose in a very short time.
I have two to choose from, Smith 29-2, 6", and a Super Blackhawk 7 1/2" 3 screw, neither of which do I consider big bear sufficient. I think my 870 with the AR stock, 18" barrel and Brennekes would be better but since you said handgun, I would probably bite the bullet, so to speak, and get a Ruger Alaskan. Good luck if you go. We just got back, though not on a hunting trip.
Charlie Martinez
Member
Since we were discussing handguns only I failed to mentioned my guide's rifle. It was a Browning lever action in 358 Winchester. My buddy's guide had no handgun & carried a Winchester lever action in 375 Winchester (a round I have heard is just barely more powerful than a 35 Remington & not strong enough for big bears). A third guide that I did not have the pleasure of knowing very well also had no handgun & carried a bolt action rifle (I believe a Winchester Model 670) in 308 Win.
I have read a lot about the big stuff required to stop angry bears but these guys have all grown up in this part of the world and are expert woodsmen. They all felt very comfortable backing up their hunters with these rifles which we can all agree vary quite a bit in their potential performance.
Something worth mentioning is that before embarking on our hunt they never asked what we were shooting but insisted that we all shoot several rounds at a target placed at approximately 100 yards distance. They said they wanted to make sure "the sights had not been damaged or altered during the flight". I believe that was partly true but mostly I think they were watching us shoot & I'm convinced that they place much more emphasis on shot placement than on choice of round or caliber.
Obviously I don't believe they would have been very happy if someone had shown up with a 243 Winchester to shoot moose or a bear (which they all made extremely clear was much tougher than a moose to bring down). But provided the caliber was within reason they were all acceptable if the shooter could do the job. I believe that if someone had shown up with a 30-30 they could handle well they would have said nothing except maybe tried to get them closer to the animal before letting them shoot.
I love my 35 Remington & I wonder if I had enjoyed my hunt even more if I had brought that instead of a 7mm Rem Magnum.
I have read a lot about the big stuff required to stop angry bears but these guys have all grown up in this part of the world and are expert woodsmen. They all felt very comfortable backing up their hunters with these rifles which we can all agree vary quite a bit in their potential performance.
Something worth mentioning is that before embarking on our hunt they never asked what we were shooting but insisted that we all shoot several rounds at a target placed at approximately 100 yards distance. They said they wanted to make sure "the sights had not been damaged or altered during the flight". I believe that was partly true but mostly I think they were watching us shoot & I'm convinced that they place much more emphasis on shot placement than on choice of round or caliber.
Obviously I don't believe they would have been very happy if someone had shown up with a 243 Winchester to shoot moose or a bear (which they all made extremely clear was much tougher than a moose to bring down). But provided the caliber was within reason they were all acceptable if the shooter could do the job. I believe that if someone had shown up with a 30-30 they could handle well they would have said nothing except maybe tried to get them closer to the animal before letting them shoot.
I love my 35 Remington & I wonder if I had enjoyed my hunt even more if I had brought that instead of a 7mm Rem Magnum.
BigBlue 94
Member
One of these...44mag Dragoon or 500 JRC 5" SW. I'm more comfortable with the 44, but the 500 is, well, a 500.
I wonder how a hot 38-40 would fare on a black bear?
Or how about just a 45acp AND 38-40 at the same time, I can hit the same whole
I wonder how a hot 38-40 would fare on a black bear?
Or how about just a 45acp AND 38-40 at the same time, I can hit the same whole
RealGun
Member
For the guns that are offered new I would pick a 454 Casull shooting Ruger-only 45 Colt loads, probably 300 grain XTP. First choice would be a S&W 460V.
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