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RE: Back Up Caliber?

If I were without my rifle, I'd rather have a defense/tactical 12 gauge than a pistol. But if you prefer a pistol, .44 Mag minimum IMO, as many of the others have stated.

RE: Back Up Caliber?

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ORIGINAL: Ruddyduck

I'd opt for a RugerSuper Blackhawkin a 44 mag with a 5 1/2 in barrel. 5 1/2 " barrel doesn't get in the way getting on ,off of riding a horse or atv but still points goodand gives a long enough sighting plan to use on a deer or such if you have an opportunity.

Could you should as fast with a single action as you could with a double action?

RE: Back Up Caliber?

Backup for fishing in Alaska? Been there - done that. Some "hints" I learned after four years from the locals

1. It's best not to compete with bears for a fishing hole.

2. You usually find a bear where you least want to find a bear.

3. When a bear confronts a group of armed combat fishermen, allow the armed fishermen to battle with the bear while you go upstream to find a better, less noisy fishing hole.

3. Handguns are "cool", but big rifles and slug guns "rule."

If you're looking at a handgun, definitely favor the double-action.

RE: Back Up Caliber?

Quote:

ORIGINAL: homers brother

Backup for fishing in Alaska? Been there - done that. Some "hints" I learned after four years from the locals

1. It's best not to compete with bears for a fishing hole.

2. You usually find a bear where you least want to find a bear.

3. When a bear confronts a group of armed combat fishermen, allow the armed fishermen to battle with the bear while you go upstream to find a better, less noisy fishing hole.

3. Handguns are "cool", but big rifles and slug guns "rule."

If you're looking at a handgun, definitely favor the double-action.

I was just asking a question to see how other people felt aboutminimum power they would want for a back up gun. I didn't ask for some stupid ass opinions on confronting or eluding bears. You think I should carry a rifle and a slug gun?:eek:For crying out loud if you can't read the post and add something decent to say, please move on to the next one!:eek:

RE: Back Up Caliber?

Fast has nothing to do with it. Odds are if you are surprized by a bear you're only going to get one shot. Lose the Dirty Harry mentality. With the type of loads one is talking for bear protection and hunting in general a double tap isn't going to happen like with a 9mm or 45 acp at the range. Recoil from these stout loads isn't going to allow it to happen.
If your surprized at 50 ft or under and need to bring the gun into action one shot is about all you'll get. Like anything else practice. Personally for me it would be a shotgun with a 3" shell of 00 if I had to try to stop something at close range.

RE: Back Up Caliber?

44 Mag 300 grain Cast LBT style bullet.

RE: Back Up Caliber?

i agree that you should aim for the nose thats what they said on TV the other day

but i would rather have a handgun then my hands also though i would rather have a big cal semi then a revolver

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ORIGINAL: eldeguello

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ORIGINAL: Colorado Luckydog

I'm looking to trade for, or buy a new revolver to carry as a back up weapon while hunting. Is a .357 good enough or should I step it up a bit? I'll be shooting factory loads only and want plenty of umpf to stop a bear.

IF you cannot stop thebear with a rifle, you are in deep kimche if you start shooting at him with a handgun! That is, unlless the wounded bear has run you up a tree, in which case having a .44 Magnum or .454 Casull up there with youmight permit you to shell him as he ascendsup to your perch to bite you!. A .357 will work, I have seen this done. But a bigger caliber is better insurance, and NEVER shoot a handgun at an unwounded bear if you can in any way avoid doing so. If you MUST shoot to prevent injury, by all means shoot the advancing bear right on the tip of the nose, so the bullet can travel up his nasal passages and into the brain, killing him instantly. MAKE SURE YOU DON'T SHOOT TOO HIGH!! A high shot can strike the sloping skull, and go right up over his back!

As a person who hunted bear of various descriptions for three years in Alaska, I have very little faithin the concept of using any handgun on bear if a rifle or 12-GA slug shoitgun is availbable.

RE: Back Up Caliber?

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ORIGINAL: DannyD

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ORIGINAL: 8mm/06

I you plan to use a .357 Magnum for stopping a bear attack, any bear, please make sure you file the front sight blade right down to the quick and make it a totally smooth ended barrel.

OK 8mm, I'll play Ed Mcmahon for ya.. 8mm, why would you want me to file down the front sight?

So it won't hurt as much when the Bear shoves it up his Butt!

RE: Back Up Caliber?

You better check your regs. I would be surprised if CO allowed the .357 as a hunting caliber. And if you carry it hunting (regardless of what for) I betit has to be of a legal cal.
I guess the most popular "back-up" weapon in brown/griz country amongst guides is a 12ga with buckshot.

RE: Back Up Caliber?

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ORIGINAL: Rebel Hog

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ORIGINAL: DannyD

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OK 8mm, I'll play Ed Mcmahon for ya.. 8mm, why would you want me to file down the front sight?

So it won't hurt as much when the Bear shoves it up his Butt!

Sorry I missed my own punch -line . I was trying to set it up anyway for somebody else to Knock down!

Besides I was out today on the last day of Firearms deer season here in Michigan. saw nothing in the woods but saw about a dozen deer in my headlights on the way home!

Oh well, there's always the upcoming muzzle season.