mac87,

I live in Fairbanks and have spent plenty of time in the wilds of AK. Don't get yourself too wrapped up in the whole bearanoia issue. Contrary to what most believe there really aren't that many bears in most places in Alaska, and most of them have a healthy respect for people. I have an XD-45 and while it makes a great nightstand piece I wouldn't hold much faith in it in a bear encounter. Before you go down to the local gun shop and buy the biggest .700 Dirty Harry 12" barrelled T-rex killer remember two things. A handgun should be comfortable to carry and quick to draw. Bear attacks happen fast and if you can't pull your piece quick enough or it's at home because it's too big and cumbersome then it doesn't doo much good. If you want an auto a number of people here carry 10mm Glocks because they're light, quick handling, reliable, and pack more punch than most auto cartridges. The Titanium S&W .44's are another good option for being light, relatively small, but still fairly potent. Don't get too wrapped up in high magazine capacity either. I'd bet dollars to donuts that you'd never be able to get off more than 2 or 3 shots in an honest to goodness bear scrap. A quick handling long gun is much more effective overall. A short barrelled 12 gauge, 45-70 lever gun, or the new 375 Ruger Alaskan would be great choices.

Good luck in your move to AK. So are you Air Force and going to be stationed at Eielson? I've got some great friends that are stationed out there. You should meet a lot of good folks.


AK Jeff