Pistol for Grizzly Country

[Matrix187]

So, I realize this topic has been discussed numerous times previously. I'm looking at buying a 10mm, or .44 mag most likely unless I can be convinced otherwise. I already know 12 gauges, .45-70's, and high powered rifles are better. I really want something lighter than a rifle though. Are there any doubts about 10mm 200 gr hardcast hot loads doing the job if the need arises?

In 44 magnum I would probably use 300-320 gr hardcast bullets loaded hot.

 

[saturno_v]

From what I hear, I would absolutely not go under 44 Mag for grizzly country.

My yogi revolver is a 8 3/8" Mod 29 44 Mag. loaded with 310 gr. Garrett Hammerheads or Buffalo Bore or Grizzly Cartridges, all 300 grainers

More power would be even better but the issue of controllability arises....especially in a charge situation...

IMHO, if you want to go more powerful than a 44 Mag, carry a rifle or a shotgun....however the problem is that the long guns cannot be with you all the time....and incidents have the bad habit to happen when they are less expected....

Yes some people were able to fend off an attack with very stout 357 loads or, strange but true, even a 9 mm in some instances...however I would not bet my life on it...as much as I love the 10 mm, it is too light for Mr. Brown....

 

[TAB]

The smallest I'd go with is a very heavy and hot 44 mag. 454, 460 500 would be a much better choice.

 

[Oro]

I have seen and participated in a HUGE number of bear threads over the last few years. I spend a fair amount of time in both black bear habitats year round, as well as grizzly habitat yearly but much less frequently. My bear count this year (that I've encountered in the wild) is already up to "2" and that's still just through June. So I pay attention.

I will summarize the general concensus I've read over the years as:

10mm/.357 magnum loaded hot and hard: OK if you must.
.41 Magnum: Better choice.
.44 Magnum: An even better choice.
.454 and up: Still an even better choice.

When I am in grizzly habitat, I take at least a .44 magnum. In black territory, .357 suffices for me. With all the vagaries of size and type of bear, and loading of the gun, shot placement, etc., it's just impossible to make a flat rule. I know of AK huting/fishing guides who make a 10mm their sidearm of choice. And have put down grizzlies with that caliber. Others say stick with .44mag.

I will say this as a general rule - anyone who tells you that only a 12 gauge will do has never tried to work/live/ride or recreate in wilderness grizzly habitat. You just can't carry a 12 gauge with you everywhere. You will need to set it down to split wood, carry water, relieve yourself, etc. The gun on your person is the only one you can trust to be there 100% of the time. Even with a rifle in my saddle scabbard, I still keep a large-bore handgun on my waist or shoulder. X-frames and Freedom Arms type guns are just to much for me to lug everyday all the time, so a smaller S&W N frame in .44magnum is my choice.

 

[wyocarp]

The Ruger Alaskan is a nice revolver for woods carry in grizzly country. I shoot the 10 mm a lot and carry it most of the time while in the woods except for when in grizzly country.

 

[saturno_v]

I agree totally with Oro


In bear country you want a sidearm with you all the time

That doesn't mean that you should not also bring a rifle or a shotgun with you...but always have that piece on you all the time.

If you mantain your calm and aim in the right spot, a hardened 300+ gr. 44 Mag slug at ~1200 ft/lb of energy it will do some serious damage, no matter how big the bear is...

But overall avoidance at all costs is the best way to go...

 

[Clifford]

As much as I like the 10mm, in Grizz country I would take a .44 with a 4"+ barrel. I normally carry a .357 over my .45 in bear country, thou black bear don't get to big in Arizona.

 

[Matrix187]

Well, it looks like a revolver chambered in 44 mag is looking like a better choice over the 10. I thought the 10mm could be good due to high magazine capacity and decent power.

I live in NW Montana, and there is definitely quite a few grizzlies (besides the football team) and black bears around here. Some of my families' friends own a ranch. Two grizzlies broke into some of their empty cabins (luckily, since basically no one is armed up there much) and were later trapped and relocated. Also, My dad was gopher hunting years back and came across a grizzly sow and cubs, and was charged before getting into his truck. All he had was a .22 LR. He now carries a 44 mag most of the time.

Added: I definitely want a double action revolver. Is a 5 inch barrel a good compromise? Since I do alot of river fishing I will need a stainless steel gun.

 

[Rembrandt]

It's pics like this that make you realize the smaller calibers are not the best choice....

 

[saturno_v]

Yep...the 44 is a wise choice...just practice a lot with the loads intended for bear defense..you do not want to be "scared" of discharging your weapon when the times come (hopefully not).

A reliable full house capable 10 mm autoloader with stout loads is a fantastic wood pistol where Mr. Brown is not an issue....up to a Mountain Lion or a small blackie is perfectly up to the job.

Myself, I'm still waiting for the "ideal" 10 mm, DA/SA full metal, full SAAMI spec capable, double stack 10 mm...I can't wait for the Fortis to come out at the end of the year.

In the meantime I'm on the prowl for a used S&W 1006....I know is single stack but I can deal with it

If you like Glock, the Mod. 20 is a highly respected wood defense autoloader.

 

[saturno_v]

Rembrandt

I would like to see that bear reaction if you put a 300+ gr. 44 Magnum slug in that big open mouth!!!

I'm pretty sure he would not be too pleased....at almost point blank range I would not be surprised if the back of that bear's skull would fly away like a freesbee!!! LOL

 

[Big Z]

I was a Montana guide, bush pilot, and chief pilot for big sky outfitters for many years I spent a lot of time in the bush, the S&W 29 is the only way to go. The problem with larger, 460, 500 ect is weight.

 

[Matrix187]

I'm actually pretty good with shooting hot 44 magnum loads. I can hit a ~5 inch wide by 2 foot tall metal target every time in the same area at 25 yards. Under pressure is a different story probably...

It sounds like a smith 629 stainless 5 inch is in order... Just a question: How do the ruger double action 44's compare?

 

[Big Z]

good but more weight

 

[saturno_v]

... Just a question: How do the ruger double action 44's compare?

They are definitely stronger than the Smiths, including the more recent "reinforced" ones.
They can comfortably fire some really nasty loads, just a hair below the performance of a 454 Casull....one Buffalo Bore heavy 44 Mag +P+ load yield well over 1600 ft/lb out of a Ruger!!!
You cannot shoot that stuff with a Mod. 29 or 629

That said, they are definitely more ugly looking and, on average, IMHO they have way worse triggers.


For loads up to ~1200 ft/lb (about the original full SAAMI spec 44 Magnum performance) the S&W 29 is good to go.

An other cheaper alternative to S&W is the Taurus Raging Bull..after some initial reliability issues (some lemon here and there) they got their act straight and nowdays they are very reliable....the frame is very strong on par with the Rugers....they can fire the super nuclear loads as well where the Smiths can't.
Triggers, IMHO are even worse than Ruger.

Both Ruger and Taurus Raging Bull come in 454 Casull chambering as well.

 

[sophijo]

Griz handgun

You could probably make a persuasive case that there isn't a handgun adequate for Griz; one that you can shoot effectively anyway.

 

[Oro]

It sounds like a smith 629 stainless 5 inch is in order

Keep in mind the caveat about always having it on you. 5" guns may or may not be totally packable to you depending upon size and weight. Don't be afraid to go down to 3" if that's going to be a lot easier to carry. S&W has had great success with 3" "Back Packer," "Trail Boss" and similar models. The velocity loss is pretty small compared to the added ease of carry.

If you budget has you in a new gun price bracket, I think S&W has a new 629 out that is an Alaska 50th commemorative model. That seems kinda cool. (Funny, I didn't see a "Hawaii" 50th commemorative. )

 

[SaxonPig]

The word "numerous" doesn't even begin to describe the number of times this topic has been brought up.

 

[harrygunner]

Any new gun owner hitting the forums would exclaim: Darn, I'm not prepared for a bear attack

A future culture digging up ancient Internet archives would be convinced bears were the biggest threat we faced.

But, bear threads are fun. I've got my .44 Mag Ruger Redhawk, I'm ready.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

A 4" S&W .44 Magnum Mountain gun will probably be your best bet. Those ultra-light .44's scare me because the recoil is extreme and I'm sure you will need a accurate follow-up shot or 2 if you have the misfortune of having a grizzly charge you.

 

[Grey Morel]

Damn Grizzle' bears are at it again. The state should start spraying for them.

 

[MMCSRET]

Our local game warden carries what looks like a medium frame semi auto in 40, IIRC. Last week she loaded a wandering grizzly boar in her stock trailer and hauled it back over the divide. She figures it had traveled 175 miles down the Teton river. Only one sheep kill before she got it loaded and on its way to its new home.
So, I guess its all in how you handle your equipment. I've been around a few of the big bears and never had a problem, as we all moved away from each other. First time was in 1959 and I was horse back looking for huckle berrys, HE found that big patch first.
NO PROBLEM!!!!

 

[RatDrall]

grizzly boar

?????

 

[Oro]

First time was in 1959 and I was horse back looking for huckle berrys, HE found that big patch first.
NO PROBLEM!!!!

If you change the date, that was my first experience EXACTLY! Except I wasn't looking for the berry patch, just riding between him and it. We have about two of these type encounters a year, sometimes more (this year looks like headed for "more").

What scares me isn't a daytime encounter like this. They always end abruptly and peacefully as everyone turns and goes the other way. It's with the horses on a high line at night, sleeping in the mountains. I don't do this very often (wish me luck next week), but those are not restful nights.

 

[Towboater]

Just got my Redhawk .44 last month for backup in Alaska, man what a nice shooter!!