If all you have hiking in bear territory is...

[hdfxst]

It can, but it's a piss poor choice. Saying "just take a shotgun" is implying a shotgun is the best choice, but it's not even close.

I don't use a shotgun hunting black bears, grizzly is a completely different beast.

i think if a bear was charging me i'd want a gun that throws 500 grs. of lead.That's the beauty of a shotgun,you can use it for anything in north america.The 06 puts black bears down pretty easy and i've never seen one charge

 

[davmat787]

There is a thread on just this subject (handgun for Bear defense) at gunsandgame.com. Thread link: http://www.gunandgame.com/forums/powder-keg/64804-bear-defense-handgun.html

Some varied opinions there, but some suggest a Glock in 10mm or a .357 would be sufficient with proper shot placement for Black Bear. Other bears, not so much, which seems to be key. If I remember Black Bears don't have as thick of skulls/bone structure, maybe because they tend to live more south like here in WA and other northern states. Even NY is seeing more and more Black Bear.

Ruger Alaskan .454 Casull, perhaps made for just this scenario given the name:

 

[ussfletcher]

What about a 10mm shooting buffalo bore?

 

[Analog]

a 3" magnum slug will do some damage to any grizzly, and a pump shotgun will have plenty more behind it for quick follow-up.

 

[SP33Demon]

aim for the eyes and run.

 

[FDF12389]

i think if a bear was charging me i'd want a gun that throws 500 grs. of lead.That's the beauty of a shotgun,you can use it for anything in north america.The 06 puts black bears down pretty easy and i've never seen one charge

I think if a bear was charging at me I would want to know that force of impact is mass times speed squared, not the other way around. I think I would also like a rifle,just because you have more "grs of lead" doesn't actually mean jack.

I forgot why we were even talking about this but if you are in bear country, especially grizzly country carry a rifle(Or large caliber revolver) and bear mace and you're set.

 

[Analog]

12 gauge magnum slug: Muzzle energy = 2786 Ft Lbs

Revolver:
454 Causull Muzzle energy = 2000 Ft Lbs
Desert Eagle .50 Muzzle energy = 1800 Ft Lbs

Who wants the revolver ??

 

[Red Squirrel]

Just throw the gun in the bush and hope the bear decides to go after it for whatever reason. Then run.

 

[K1052]

12 gauge magnum slug: Muzzle energy = 2786 Ft Lbs

Revolver:
454 Causull Muzzle energy = 2000 Ft Lbs
Desert Eagle .50 Muzzle energy = 1800 Ft Lbs

Who wants the revolver ??

Depends how close the bear is.

 

[pontifex]

You're not likely to kill a bear with a 9mm.

You might startle it and chase it off. OTOH, you could also piss it off.

You rolls your dice and takes your chances.





Also - As a matter of ethics: If you can't carry enough to put the animal down humanely, then you have no business pulling the trigger.

he's talking self defense, not hunting.

 

[davmat787]

Also - As a matter of ethics: If you can't carry enough to put the animal down humanely, then you have no business pulling the trigger.

That is why you aim for the balls. Who wants to live after having their balls shot off, they will then be happy for you to put it out of its misery.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Put the gun in your mouth and pull the trigger.

 

[JediOne]

12 gauge magnum slug: Muzzle energy = 2786 Ft Lbs

Revolver:
454 Causull Muzzle energy = 2000 Ft Lbs
Desert Eagle .50 Muzzle energy = 1800 Ft Lbs

Who wants the revolver ??

.500 S&W magnum. = 3000 ft lbs

 

[Analog]

.500 S&W magnum. = 3000 ft lbs

Okay, how about a .300 Weatherby mag pistol...:\

4,223 Ft. Lbs of energy.

 

[Scotteq]

.500 S&W magnum. = 3000 ft lbs

Okay, how about a .300 Weatherby mag pistol...:\

4,223 Ft. Lbs of energy.

a Breech lock "Pistol"?? getting silly now - If Bears are a serious worry, carry a longarm.

 

[Analog]

a Breech lock "Pistol"?? getting silly now - If Bears are a serious worry, carry a longarm.

exactly. some people think the pistol will solve all the world's problems..

 

[KentState]

That's why I typically bring my Desert Eagle if we go camping. My gf's dad will bring his S&W 460 if he comes with us.

 

[Slew Foot]

flame thrower