So sorry, I hate to do it, but I must: Bear defense handgun thread

[NMGonzo]

Mateba Autorevolver in .44 magnum.

Desert Eagle in .44 magnum or bigger?

 

[oldgoat46]

I have a Redhawk with 4" barrel in 45LC. When I'm Salmon fishing up north in bear country I carry it in a chest pouch loaded with the Buffalo bore 300 grain jacketed flat nose which barks along at 1450 fps. That is a very heavy load that should stop a bear as well as any hand gun and the 45 LC cowboy loads are pleasant to practice with.

 

[Carne Frio]

You can carry either your .44 or your .454, but pepper spray
and a 12g pump with 3' Brenneke if a more realistic way to go.

http://www.absc.usgs.gov/research/brownbears/pepperspray/pepperspray.htm

 

[Zundfolge]

Mateba Autorevolver in .44 magnum.

Desert Eagle in .44 magnum or bigger?

I wouldn't trust my life to either. Neither is known for its reliability when dirty (and the woods is dirty). I will say the most accurate handgun I ever shot was a Mateba ... but its no combat arm.

 

[Bionicrooster]

I would be happy with a 44 mag and hope I killed him on the first shot if you need a second shot you might be dead anyway

 

[jim243]

Since you are undoubtably paying a guide to get you to your fishing spot, pick up the telephone and ask someone who kinows, your guide!!

Jim


As a side note, I was picking up a new gun back in Dec. and there was this real attractive female picking up a new Ruger GP100 4" in 44 mag. When I asked her what she needed it for, she said hiking and backpacking in Alaska. It was a really nice peice, and so was the girl.

 

[Tamlin]

You may not "feel" the recoil in a high adrenaline situation, but it doesn't change the physics -- you will EXPERIENCE the recoil, whether you feel it or remember it or not. Which was Dr. Tad's point. Just because you don't think you feel the recoil doesn't change the fact that your arms are indeed above your head after that first shot, while Mr. Bear is now biting your face off. Given 1.7 seconds to react, I'll take two shots from a .44 mag vs. one from a .454 any day.

 

[Big Bill]

Ruger Alaskan in 454/45. The best of both worlds and easier to pack and work with in close quarters.

 

[lloveless]

Jim243,
GP-100 don't come in .44 mag.
ll

 

[7mmstalker]

Staying within the OP's two picks, my personal choice would be whichever cal. was available in a DA revolver.
For several years my huntin' and fishin' buddy carried a 454Casull and I carried a Blackhawk 45Colt. We went to the range almost any weekend not fishing/hunting. The recoil from the two pistols was not really much different, unless using slugs over 300g. The Casull is a bit heavier I think.

 

[IllHunter]

Maybe Jim was distracted...

I edit "It was a nice piece, so was the gun!"

 

[Brian Williams]

I purposely left out the giants (.500 & .460), as those frames typically don't fit my hands, and ergos are important for getting off any shot, let alone 2. So please leave them out of this discussion, except maybe in passing.

If a S&W K frame fits your hands these will also.
Question asked and answered as the typical Bear Thread.