20 gauge

MarineStud · 01-31-2005, 04:11 PM

Do you guys think a 20 gauge is enough gun for black bear?

justhuntitall · 01-31-2005, 08:03 PM

Hi dont plan on alot of feed back on shotgun ? on this forum most of these guys are hard core rifle and bow fanatics.

But I live here in IL and have shot alot of diffrent shotguns and have been bear hunting . So yes a 20ga is plenty and for slugs I would use winchesters suprems shot threw a good rifled barel it will hold a good group at 100yards and plenty of shock power to put a bear down

idahoelkinstructor · 01-31-2005, 10:52 PM

To be honest I have no idea? But I am wondering are you limited to using a shotgun or blackpowder in the area you plan on hunting? If you arn't why would you choose a shot gun over a rifle? Please understand that I am just curious and not wanting to diss a shotgun for hunting. I have also wondered why guides in Alaska sometime use them for bear protection?

rob1 · 02-01-2005, 06:36 AM

Yes absolutely. A 20 Gauge is more than enough gun for a deer, or most large game within it's effective range. Black bear are highly over rated as far as how tough they are to kill. If you have ever skinned one out, you'll notice that their hide is not as thick as a Whitetail deer's hide, and in my opinion, most mature bucks are far harder to kill than any Black bear that I have ever shot. Shoot a good quality slug like Federal or Winchester or what ever your gun prefers and shoots well, and you shoudn't have any problem at all. Especially if you are hunting over bait!