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Normally, it is the real deal when you feel severe pain and all you can see is red liquid and brown fur after you hear a cracking sound in your noggin. If you watch it pop it's teeth and walk or run away, then it was bluffing and it is time to change your undies!
I was thinking same thing. If in fear of your life it's close enough. Same as if someone breaks into your home when you are there. Are you going to wait to see if they have a gun ? No. You want the advantage . If they know you are home then they are either armed or drugged out. I don't want to wait to see if it's a bluff from a bear. Thanks for your xlnt advice.
This is a good question, and I think every hunter that goes afield should have considered and resolved this in their own mind, prior to the moment of truth. I have. I don't want to spend any time second guessing myself when seconds can determine who lives or dies.
You put your leg in the dead bear's mouth and have a buddy jump on the head. The charge was real, you can tell by the bite mark.
I agree completely and your weapon of choice should reflect that, That's why I prefer the Glock 10mm, I'm familiar with the weapon and I know mine and the weapons limit, with that being said I'm not a Glock fan but that particular weapon fits me in that capacity
It's hard to predict what any particular bear will do. Yes many attacks have been close and fast not allowing time for defense. Bears are unpredictable for certain but what does a predictable bear look like ? If bears weren't so unpredictable, we wouldn't be carrying sidearms in bear country. Most bears don't want conflict with humans despite everyone's opinion. Cubs and food are the two main problems that cause bear human interaction. Surprising a bear in his territory is another scenario. Regardless of which scenario you encounter, all bears react differently to human presence. Can't just say positively a bear encounter will be an attack. Again be prepared as if it will be. Many bear encounters do offer time for preparation for gun acquisition and or retreat. All in all, the number of bear attacks is so small per day hunters are in the field in bear country that it's more likely you'll go down in a plane crash heading home from that hunt in bear country. I think the numbers are like 1 in 2.1 million chances of an attack. Being prepared is definitely a priority while in bear country. While I read all the preferred and non-prefered guns for defense in Bear country here in this forum by other members, one thing in common is everyone believes their choice is best for them. That's all that really matters within reason. Sure wouldn't want a pocket full of 15 firecrackers but if that's your choice, so be it, it just may be the perfect deterrent. I've talked to seome guides in Grizzly and Brown bear territory that converted from a Big Bore revolver to the (inferior) semi auto 10mm. For sure reliability is as important or more so than SD or energy. They told some personal stories that led them to the change. They even had some articles from hunters and other guides that stopped brown bear attacks with the 10mm. Most were able to get 6-8 shots off with most hitting the target. Many only got up to 3 shots off. One particular one here was the 3 shots on a charging grizzly. Two frontal shots, one skull shot. I think the charge started at 10 yards ended at 10 feet. I'm sure someone will bring up reliability or cases of malfunctions in these scenarios. That's ok. Revolvers have failed in similar cases. The 10mm probably doesn't compare to the common firecracker but it works in a pinch. All kidding aside, I'm no bear defense expert but the 10mm IMO does fit in the minimum category for(Big) bear defense even if it is the minimum. It's hard to say what I'll carry in bear country. It's been my G20 and it's also been my 44mag. I shoot both well but the edge goes to the 20 for confidence, accuracy and shots on target(timed). The chest holster has made carrying my 44 much more comfortable allowing me to enjoy the option of which to take on hunts.
What @rammac said really didn't make much sense to me, rammac has no credibility with me for the simple fact that he thinks Len is a dictator and squelches anyone he doesn't like
In ALL cases nothing will stop a charging bear fast enough if your the prey.
I agree. If you hesitate to think it's real or not. It's too late if it was. Sound advice. Thanks again.
Xlnt idea !
Absolutely!!!My M96 Swedish Mauser with bayonet attached should fit the bill.
