Originally Posted by
AKbouhunter
We have this discussion up here a lot. Many will say a 9mm isn't enough. In this case it clearly was.
I'll pose a question to you. Would it be better that he carried a 454 or .44 with only six rounds and landed roughly the same percentage of shots roughly 50% (or probably even less since those hand cannons have such high recoil), or carry the gun you are comfortable with and know that you can land the highest percentage of shots possible.
While the 9mm doesn't have the same ft lb impact force a larger caliber does the travel at a pretty good rate of speed and an FMJ bullet will likely have deep penetration.
I personally carry a 10mm and don't have any concern over its stopping ability. I can drop all 15 rds in that thing into a 6 in ring at 15 yds. Can't say the same for a heavy high recoil barrel gun.
The mere fact that this question continues in your home state is clear proof the issue will not be settled here.
The simple answer is that a person should take as much firepower as they can reasonably handle and direct. Lets look a little closer and consider some things: each time a guide takes clients out they face a hypothetical situation: Will there be an encounter, what is the likely situation and how could it unfold?
Looking deeper, it has been expressed that the gun and load worked, this time. What about next time? The article states the guide is capable of using an .357 and .44 Mag-likely proficiently.
Since he is familiar and capable w/such loads, isn't that the practical choice when one considers potential outcomes.?
Since you use a 10mm, you have voted lesser faith in the 9mm's ability. Would you trust a guide w/your life and that of a loved one in a similar situation? Why tempt fate? The article doesn't state the size of the bear but doesn't give any indication it was a mature boar. Next time could be much different with a larger animal and the extra power from a larger load would pay dividends. Life is important enough for one to use that giving them the best advantage for survival.