I've had beers with Phil Shoemaker on Kodiak. I know his son well. No one here should do anything any of the Shoemakers do, they are EXPERTS, you are not.
Lots of theories here, not a lot of experience.
I hunt Kodiak often; I have a very healthy respect for the bears there. Anyone who does not has not been in their presence.
Any rifle is always better than a pistol.
When I go to Kodiak with my bow or flintlock, I take my 1911 in 46 Rowland.
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The best thing about this platform is it allows you to practice 99% of the time with standard 45ACP and they are a pussycat with that setup.