For Griz and Brownies, what's your choice?

Is it true that in your standard package, the .454casull will kick harder than a .500s&w?

Make a revolver chambered in .44mag suggestion if you have one...

It ain't likely that I will be going into places with the big bears anytime soon.I gave the nod to the 500.But I think it should have a really thin barrell so the bear can pick his teeth............LOL. I've always heard if one was on you close enough to have to use a side arm you were history anyway.But one may get lucky.

Side note: recent article in American Hunter I just read about a guy and his girlfriend hiking in Denali in Alaska. He had taken his .45 for protection, and ended up shooting a charging bear 9 times (and killed it). Who would have thunk it?

No griz around here, but lots of black bears. I carry bear spray but I doubt Ill ever get to use it, since whenever I run into a bear, all I see is their ass as theyre runnning away.

No matter what caliber is chosen it is a good idea to file down the front post or blade normally used for aiming. File it down so it is completely gone.

That way it won't hurt so much when the bear shoves the handgun up your kiester.

But, if I really considered something in a sidearm to protect me from bears I'd go with the 500.

On my side of the Mississippi (which is the east) I'll be fine with a 357 mag. In areas with bigger bears I'd bump it up to a 44 mag with a 6" barrel because you get more energy, less kick, and less noise. I'm sure you might say who cares how loud it is if a bear is charging and that is true but why not lessen the noise while bumping up the energy. I'm sure you can find a place to wear a 6" gun. Most people would lack the proficiency to handle a very large (44 or bigger)caliber with a short barrel anyway.

Man....I agree with this completely.....a back up revolver is extra weight you don't need with you.....

If I was hunting Griz or other dangerous game, I'd have a guide....he's my back up and maybe he has something really big! The idea of a handgun for backup is pure hogwash....forget it!

.50 bmg

I bet Fred Eichler and his party were glad they had a hand gun with them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMbnmLLnsfw


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBK8mRo96Ns

That's pretty funny, but the reality of it is that if you deliver enough energy to the vitals, the bear will be incapacitated. I'm not saying that it's easy, but not having a large caliber firearm that you can handle proficiently to defend yourself in a situation where bear attacks are a concern is suicide.