Nother question about a camp defense long gun. Bear country, up close stuff. 12 gauge 3" slugs repeater, pump or auto, or... 45-70 repeater.
I know one is not a lever but hope that does not weigh too much in your response.
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
Thanks in advance!
John
Mescalero wrote:Here we go!
game keeper wrote:I thought when shooting bears the gun with the smallest front sight was the one to pick..
If you want some good bear bullets that you'll only use if and when, then take a look at what Buffalo Bore and Garrett have to offer. Even if you reload, as I do, it's not worth working up a "bear" round. I'd likely never use it, so over the counter stuff is easier to obtain, and a one or two time only cost.3leggedturtle wrote:game keeper wrote:I thought when shooting bears the gun with the smallest front sight was the one to pick..NO most bears would rather slap and bite, than shove a gun up there.
Grizz and SS would like to hear more about your 45/70 loads.
I would use my '95 with 350 or 405 gr boolits at 1600fps.
Either model would do. . .sore shoulder wrote:I recall one article written by a guy up in AK who kept a Striker for camp duty.
But only for bears not 2 leg varmints. They wanted $120 for the privilege, so I passed and got bear spray in Whitehorse.Mescalero wrote:When you went through Canada, were you allowed a long gun for defense?
I think we all feel that way. I met one of Malamutes neighbors who was mauled by a Grizzly sow a couple years ago. He put her down with a .41 mag pistol, but required pretty severe reconstructive surgery on his face afterward, in addition to broken ribs etc, was hospitalized for quite a while. She got him in 6' tall sagebrush. I decided I'm not hiking in tall sagebrush after that. I've been in some thick aspen stands known to have Grizzly, and I was carrying a .480 pistol, a 45-70 and there were 3 dogs and a similarly armed friend and I still felt a bit nervous.3leggedturtle wrote:SS and Grizz, thanks or the info. I eventually want to make loads like that up, just for the experience of them. I saw quite a few Grizzly with cubs going up thru Canada and Alaska last year, hope I never have to face one in a situation other than snapping a quick pic.
A Lahti 20mm is my go-to for bear defense.sore shoulder wrote:M2
What is the smallest caliber you trust to protect yourself?
The Beretta Jetfire
While out hiking in Alberta Canada with my husband we were surprised by a huge grizzly bear charging at us from out of no where. She must have been protecting her cubs because she was extremely aggressive. If I had not had my little Beretta Jetfire with me I would not be here today!
Just one shot to my husband's knee cap was all it took……the bear got him and I was able to escape by just walking away at a brisk pace.
It's one of the best pistols in my collection……...
Lastmohecken wrote:I might choose a 45/70 leveraction with heavy handloads. But I still want a stout handgun on my person, just in case I somehow end up with out a long gun in my hands at the wrong time.
ditto. I carry a 44 redhawk crossdraw in a simply rugged holster. the idea is that I might be able to access the gun regardless which arm is in the bear's mouth.. I switched to the DA redhawk from the SA sbh because I wanted to make the firing process easier, you know, if the gun is jammed into an 800 pound fur ball...hfcable wrote:Lastmohecken wrote:I might choose a 45/70 leveraction with heavy handloads. But I still want a stout handgun on my person, just in case I somehow end up with out a long gun in my hands at the wrong time.
absolutely!! that is the plan i ALWAYS use.
Something I've always advised as well. Long guns may be more potent, but when it's fifteen feet away... Though I prefer my .45 colt Blackhawk with heavy, hardcast hand loads.Lastmohecken wrote:I might choose a 45/70 leveraction with heavy handloads. But I still want a stout handgun on my person, just in case I somehow end up with out a long gun in my hands at the wrong time.