Short gun ...big bear?

This is a never ending topics on many gun boards.

Many of the folks who have "been there done that" say to carry a slung pistol gripped riot shotgun, loaded with slugs. I would say to go with Brenneke slugs, or something similar.

Personally, after a few minutes I don't even notice wearing a medium sized holstered handgun. But carrying a slung shotgun across my back would drive me nuts and I'd soon leave it in the truck.

Since the first rule of "gunfighting" is to have a gun, I'd opt for a holstered heavy sixgun. I have a few that would work, but I would most likely carry one of my 4 inch S&W 44 mags. A Ruger .45 Colt is another option.

Heavy loads with heavy cast bullets are the way to go, in a sixgun or a 45-70 levergun. I have a Marlin 45-70 too, but it's unlikely that I would carry it as a backup gun.

Like others have said, heavy loaded cast bullt revolver cartridges are available from Garret, Buffalo Bore and others. Federal even catalogs a heavy cast bullet load for the 44 Mag.

Good Luck
 
Redfrog,
When I was much younger I guided bear hunters and truth be told had a local freind of the outfitter showed up and took a bear with his .44
4 shots later 2 right behind the shoulder one from stand mid body facing away angling forward and one finnishing shot on the ground. Based on this second hand story and being there to see the results - I would not want to use a hand gun as back up, it may work in scaring wounding mortally wounding but would definately not stop a runaway freight train of a bear.
I would honestly use a 45/70 rifle with iron sights for the one time that all h--- broke loose. In that same token when I was guiding in BC we did Grizz/Moose combinations and we got on a good bear. It was shot at 150 yards by two freinds hunting together, both had 375HH and both hit the bear, 2 guides, 2 hunters and a day and a half - we never found the bear.
My two cents worth.
Mike
 
this is pretty short
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That's too purty to drag through the muskeg. :eek: /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
It does have a fine set of wood on it. It will be a crying shame to mess it up but thats what its made for, right? I'm looking forward to hunting with it though.
 
Redfrog,

An interesting development is that Ruger is introducing for 2005 the Super Redhawk Alaskan, with 2.5" barrel in 454 Casull/45 Colt. As a carry sidearm in big bear country it should be just the ticket, but think I'll let someone else shoot it first and tell me about it.....
 
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