Bear protection handguns?

[xsn10s]

Now a PACK OF CHARGING WOLVES? Why not everyone just carry an AK....and a pack with 30 clips.....good for PACKS OF WOLVES, RABID ATTACKING COYOTE HERDS, ZOMBIES....ETC!

My M96 Swedish Mauser with bayonet attached should fit the bill.

 

[7fan1967]

Hello
Next season I plan to hunt deer in Arkansas. I am told that from time to time bears pass through the lease. With this in mind, what is a good, dependable handgun (that won't break the bank) to carry for protection? I hear that the Glock 20 (10 mm) is a solid choice. Any other guns to consider?

I use a 44 mag . It's ported and I use hornady barn killers . The most important thing is to learn how to shoot it and stay calm and collected . I that moment when it's needed you dont want to be guessing just reacting with a life saving shoot . Good luck on the hunt

 

[VLD Pilot]

...the bear guides I have talked to in Alaska don't carry pistols, they carry a .375 or .416. Don't fear the black bear. You'll have your rifle.

Smart choice for guides to carry big caliber rifles in dangerous bear country. Kinda tough for a bow hunter to carry one for personal defense while toting a bow set up. The bear guides I know in Big bear country carry both. That's their choice and IMO, the best choice. A holstered pistol whether it's a chest rig or hip holster doesn't handicap a guide.

 

[30378wbymag]

I've never been in a bear attack situation so I'm no honorary expert like some here.
I do know this. If I only got two or three shots off and then the bear was on me, the fight still wouldn't be over. If I still was able to keep hold of my hand gun I would still be trying to let the air out of that sucker with as many holes as possible. I still may end up being a steaming pile of some bear's morning constitutional but I plan on going out kicking, stabbing and eye gouging.

The AMERICAN way!!!!!

 

[Mike Matteson]

I carry a 500 Smith in a 4". It's plenty long as is. Recoil is great, and it's a two handed firearm. I wouldn't get a 8" barrel for all the love nor money.

 

[WYO300RUM]

Now a PACK OF CHARGING WOLVES? Why not everyone just carry an AK....and a pack with 30 clips.....good for PACKS OF WOLVES, RABID ATTACKING COYOTE HERDS, ZOMBIES....ETC!

Too much weight ! AK not good for deer and elk. Lol ! If just hunting those YES !

 

[Sending156s]

I live in North Arkansas. Our black bears are "much" smaller than found up north and Canada. I ride horses through wilderness areas where they are and never give them a thought. If you want to carry something, carry whatever you already have. A whistle should give you a sense of security.

 

[WYO300RUM]

What I'm wondering is at what point do you consider it a bluff charge or real deal ? So, if you do kill a griz here, God forbid and the Game and Fish gets involved , how can they tell which it was ?

 

[Pdvdh]

I'll take every advantage, pick the best opportunity, to kill any bear that charges/confronts me. Every charge is real, until the bear's butt is the only thing I can see. Should the shooting begin, it continues until the bear is stone cold dead, no longer visible, or out of range.

More specifically, I'm not gonna give any bear a free pass to bluff charge within ~30yds, if carrying a bear capable rifle or shotgun. If carrying only a revolver, any hostilities displayed closer than ~15-20yds, gonna cut loose and give it my best shots.

Will not be concerning myself with what F&G might decide after the fact. If just one bullet enters the frontal profile of the bear, I'll be justified in my own mind. No man has to know the true mindset of a bear in order to take defensive action, IMO.

 

[Rick Richard]

If you are fearing for your life, no man or government agency should have the right to question your actions. Besides, they were not there in your shoes when things were going bad.

 

[Jim Wright]

That's your opinion and your welcome to it but there is no such thing as being under gunned or having too many rounds at your disposal

You mean no such thing as being over gunned?

 

[ButterBean]

You mean no such thing as being over gunned?

Yes Sir, That's what I meant to say, all apologies

 

[Hand Skills]

Bean, not everyone can hit with a 44. Maybe you are a relative to Elmer Keith, but I know few people who can handle a 5lb+ handgun with confidence and competence.

With all due respect, there is definitely such a this as being overgunned.

As far as the ammos - you must have a porter or gun bearer on retainer to make such a statement.

As far as the legal problems go, I can only speak for my experience here in Canada, but our conservation officers have been pretty understanding. Perhaps one may come under more scrutiny in a locale where bear dispatch is rare?

Sometimes we even put them down before they get aggressive - if a bear is harrassing a camp, or living in a dump and loses their fear of humans, it's just a matter of time...

 

[wilkup]

What I'm wondering is at what point do you consider it a bluff charge or real deal ? So, if you do kill a griz here, God forbid and the Game and Fish gets involved , how can they tell which it was ?

I'd say powder burns on the snout would be a pretty solid indicator of "self defense"