View Poll Results: Bear Sidearm?
.44 Mag
8
24.24%
.454 Casull
8
24.24%
.480 Ruger
2
6.06%
.500 S&W
9
27.27%
Other, must list.
6
18.18%
Voters: 33. You may not vote on this poll
Bear Back Up Revolver?
#1
Bear Back Up Revolver?
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...
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...
Last edited by salukipv1; 07-26-2010 at 04:09 PM.
#2
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.
#3
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Clermont Florida U.S.
Posts: 4,970
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?
#5
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Michigan
Posts: 3,476
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.
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.
#6
Spike
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: NJ
Posts: 49
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.
#7
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Western Nebraska
Posts: 3,393
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!
#9
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
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMbnmLLnsfw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBK8mRo96Ns
#10
Spike
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: NJ
Posts: 49
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!
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!