What Gun For Bears?

I dont understand the need for a “chest rig”.
A ruger super redhawk can be comfortably worn on the hip, and there arent many revolvers out there that weight much more than that. Maybe the x frames, but not by much. Tighten up your belt a notch! Just my opinion

They’re more comfortable than having 4-lbs hanging from your waste. There are scant few belt holsters made for revolvers sporting optics and chest rigs are the best option especially if you are putting in the miles. Plus you can sit comfortably while wearing a chest rig.
 
I suppose I am used to wearing bolt bags all day, so mine is a biased argument. My point is the more discomfort you can tolerate, the more successful you will be in the woods, or anywhere for that matter.
 
For me the major benefit of the chest rig is that it is worn over all your clothing, rather than under it like a belt. It also places it right there where you can easily grab it unencumbered, rather than having to open a coat. As noted above, it also works better for a handgun wearing optics. I wear belt rigs all the time but the chest rig definitely has its advantages. It's not simply about weight distribution.
 
What gun for bears. I don't think I would give a gun to a bear, personally. But...since they seem to have shorter arms, I would go with something youth sized in length of pull. However, they are stout built so caliber shouldn't be an issue. Probably should let the bear decide.


Sorry. Couldn't resist.
 
When the ole .270 Win starts to feel a little puny...

Another hunter put it best when he said, "...the 150 gr. .270 Winchester is fine for all the game in Alaska... except when you have to cross an alder filled bottom, where you've seen several grizzlies, to get to it."


IMG_3191-1024x859.jpg
- 9.3x62mm cartridge compared to a .308 Winchester -



GR
 
If you are talking hunting black bear. Wich most bear hunters do in this country. 30 06 will get the job done fine. It will take down any game in this country if you put the shot in the right place. If you talking about brown or grizz you could go a little larger if you feel the need. But, its still the same. " If you put the shot in the right place ". If you can't put the shot in the right place you don't need to shoot. Placement is just as important or more than caliber.
 
When the ole .270 Win starts to feel a little puny...

Another hunter put it best when he said, "...the 150 gr. .270 Winchester is fine for all the game in Alaska... except when you have to cross an alder filled bottom, where you've seen several grizzlies, to get to it."


View attachment 847002
- 9.3x62mm cartridge compared to a .308 Winchester -
I


GR

I picked up a CZ 550 FS in 9.3 x 62 about 5 years ago, figured with good bullets it would handle all I'd ever need to handle with proper loads at least, at the time there was a piece of land in Eastern NC in the Family where some decent Black Bears hung out, unfortunately the land was sold before I got a chance to poke an old Bear with it.

sFtCL1gh.jpg
 
I picked up a CZ 550 FS in 9.3 x 62 about 5 years ago, figured with good bullets it would handle all I'd ever need to handle with proper loads at least, at the time there was a piece of land in Eastern NC in the Family where some decent Black Bears hung out, unfortunately the land was sold before I got a chance to poke an old Bear with it.

View attachment 851637

Nice.

My "alder filled bottom" rifle.

Ruger African 9.3x62
WP-20190706-11-55-24-Pro-50.jpg



GR
 
What for bears?

4” S&W .500
Or the 7 3/4 barrel. Can’t lose.
700gr lead flat tops.

Or 350gr hornady penetrtaors w the plastic tip.

Or a 10mm
Or a 44mag.

Anything that has enough power to rip bone from those behemoths.
A 45 or less would probably not work as well as u would like.

Personal pref, and first hand experience used.

Be prepared, in the wild!

Or a nice .308 rifle
 
What for bears?

4” S&W .500
Or the 7 3/4 barrel. Can’t lose.
700gr lead flat tops.

Or 350gr hornady penetrtaors w the plastic tip.
The 700gr bullets are a lot for nothing but added recoil. They're going to perform much more poorly than those in the 400-500gr range.

The only Hornady bullet with a plastic tip is the 300gr FTX and it is NOT a penetrator. Nor is any other Hornady handgun bullet.

Both poor choices in bullets. A 440gr WFN, Barnes Buster, Lehigh WFN or Grizzly Punch is going to be infinitely better.
 
What gun for bears. I don't think I would give a gun to a bear, personally. But...since they seem to have shorter arms, I would go with something youth sized in length of pull. However, they are stout built so caliber shouldn't be an issue. Probably should let the bear decide.


Sorry. Couldn't resist.

And, of course, the 2A ensures the Right to Arm Bears ... :D
 
44 mag or a 870 with slug or heavy buck shot period. Bears are big and will rush to get you. You better be ready, they will come out of nowhere to check you out and get you. I know I have seen it, it happens very very fast. They are at the top of the food chain..
 
Handguns for bear not for me,I just read an article that said.the danish military dog sled patrols are issued Glock 20 10mm for protection From polar bears.:eek:
 
This has always been an amusing thread to me.....that is until I got an invite to hunt black bear in Canada this coming June.

Now it’s serious!!!

So, I think I’ll be taking my Browning BLR .358 win. I think either a load with 225 SGKs or 225 Nosler Partitions would suffice
 
This has always been an amusing thread to me.....that is until I got an invite to hunt black bear in Canada this coming June.

Now it’s serious!!!

So, I think I’ll be taking my Browning BLR .358 win. I think either a load with 225 SGKs or 225 Nosler Partitions would suffice
I suggest a review of the 12 GA from hell thread before putting that in stone......
In seriousness, good luck! Looking forward to an account of that trip!
 
I suggest a review of the 12 GA from hell thread before putting that in stone......
In seriousness, good luck! Looking forward to an account of that trip!

Wish I sill had access to that 90mm recoiless rifle that I trained with during my early days in the Army. That would be the perfect bear rifle.

The LAW (light anti-tank weapon) replaced it but I’d feel a bit underguned with one of those
 
I bought some .35 cal 250g Hornady SP interlocks off a fella and will be working up a bear load soon.

With the rule of thumb of 1,800 ft lbs min in mind, if I can keep muzzle velocity ~2,200 fps I should be good out to 150 yards
 
Back
Top