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I prefer the Glock G40 10mm with DeltaPointPro or green laser, Buffalo hard cast rounds, in chest holster. Green laser is most visible to human eye, better than red in sun. Laser puts impact point on the target, where if attacked is where instinctively your eyes will focus rather than on sights/lens. But, do not discount a high quality bear spray. These two options are complementary, not mutually exclusive. Spray is 98%+ effective in deterring an attack, educates the bear that that 2-legged tidbit is over seasoned, not to be messed with. Guns are around 60% effective in stopping attack without person injury. gun use means the bear HAS to be killed, wounded bear is most dangerous. Myths that spray won't stop angry, charging bear are myths, if properly utilized. Solid dose overrides attitude, induces involuntary spasms, pain, incapacitates, . Don't be dissuaded by wind stories. Learn how the wind affects spray application, just as wind separates the shooters from the trigger tuggers. Watch expiration date, change out early, use expired sprays to practice, practice, practice employing, same as practicing, practicing, practicing engaging gun. Check content on bear attacks, gun, spray defense systems by Tom Smith (1000+ attacks cataloged/analyzed), Todd Orr (grizzly attacked twice), "At Home In Wild Spaces" series on YouTube (forget person's name).
buzby, I shoot gelatin for a living these days and have done over 150 shoots to the FBI protocol. Bullets that meet the performance standards of the protocol may very well work in a bear defense situation.... but they may not. 10% ballistic gelatin is a great media for bullet testing because (if done correctly) it is a consistent way of determining terminal performance. Through experience we know that bullets that meet the minimum FBI protocol criteria will increase the likelihood of terminating the actions of a human adversary, as long as shot placement is good. (Blood carrying organs.) There are no bones, especially bear bones in the gel we shoot. We also don't put fur on the gel. 12-18 inches of penetration may not give the needed margin to compensate for the larger, heavy bear muscle mass and bone of even a small bear. Using hardcast , heavy for caliber bullets in a handgun has proven to be the best way to insure the penetration needed for large, heavy boned critters.
I watched that video too, interesting indeed. Seems like a very down to earth guy, no bs or sensationalism. Acknowledged that a 9mm is not the tool for the job and that he preferred to have a .458 rifle and a .44 magnum revolver…and then relayed the craziest awesome story about putting an end to a bear attack with a 9mm!!!!Just listened to the interview with Phil Shoemaker. Now I'm seriously contemplating the need for an 8-shot 357 Magnum… Taurus makes a pretty slick 4" option
Thank you for posting that. Real life no BS experience. What a life he's enjoyed.Just listened to the interview with Phil Shoemaker. Now I'm seriously contemplating the need for an 8-shot 357 Magnum… Taurus makes a pretty slick 4" option
Great video. It is always interesting and informative to get perspectives from the people that live the life in bear country.Just listened to the interview with Phil Shoemaker. Now I'm seriously contemplating the need for an 8-shot 357 Magnum… Taurus makes a pretty slick 4" option
Gotta practice with it. A lot. Clear and safe the pistol, get in your shooting stance, tuck the pistol into a compressed ready, keep your eyes focused on what you're "aiming" at, and slowly bring the dot to your eyes as you point the pistol at the target. Don't bring your eyes to the dot. Start at a snails pace and work up, it will take time but there is zero doubt a dot is both faster and more accurate.
All those things go out the window when a bear rushes you from 25 ft in some brush on a river bank. It's all about draw and shoot. I can aquire irons on the rail much faster than a dot in this type of scenario. Even repetition of an exercise doesn't make this scenario better using the RMR on a bear confrontation unless you have much more room before the threat is on you
This is why I'm taking the RMR off my bear defense pistol. I can shoot 2" groups on paper at 50 yards with it but that means very little in a scenario like this
