Bear Attack

[Iolaus]

Play dead, become dead. I prefer a .44 magnum loaded with semijacketed hollow points or semi wadcutters

I'm thinking a .454 casull with a hardened 325 gr. fully jacketed bullet; that hollowpoint might not penetrate the skull, and any other placement isn't guaranteed to drop him in time.

I've got a 16" stainless .454 lever-action that would be my first choice as a defence arm if I ventured into bear country for anything but hunting them; at which point, my choice would become much bigger.

[bubba]

If we were talking the big bears I'd want alot more than a .44 mag, but around here we get the occasional black bear and not even the larger specimens of the species so the .44 is more than enough backup. My old Redhawk was more than enough to do what needed done.

[GMan]

About 20 years ago I was backpacking in Alaska with several friends, and I came across a Mamma Bear. My heart went racing as I was looking for her cub, and the guy a few paces behind me was grabbing for his gun. Luckily for me, the cub was the other side of Momma.

I really do not recommend messing with them.

I feel for anyone and those near them who have been attacked by a bear.

[Kilted KT]

Play dead, become dead. I prefer a .44 magnum loaded with semijacketed hollow points or semi wadcutters

I'm thinking a .454 casull with a hardened 325 gr. fully jacketed bullet; that hollowpoint might not penetrate the skull, and any other placement isn't guaranteed to drop him in time.

I've got a 16" stainless .454 lever-action that would be my first choice as a defence arm if I ventured into bear country for anything but hunting them; at which point, my choice would become much bigger.

hmm...The casoul is great. Something with a huge round size and enormous amount of powder is highly recomended.

Maybe even one of those high-velocity .50 caliber pistols may work.

just don't miss...

[Riverkilt]

From what I've read, bullets seem to further anger bears....

Don't think any firearm is of much use when a bear is up close and when a bear is far away there's no need to shoot it.
Ron

[Iolaus]

From what I've read, bullets seem to further anger bears....

Don't think any firearm is of much use when a bear is up close and when a bear is far away there's no need to shoot it.
Ron

Ron, you're absolutely right in saying that when a bear is far away there's no need to shoot it, but, as this story demonstrates, there are times when having enough stopping power on hand is a prudent precation to take...and yes, an informed shot-placement with the right caliber will stop a bear - even a grizzly.

[Kilted KT]

Ron, you're absolutely right in saying that when a bear is far away there's no need to shoot it, but, as this story demonstrates, there are times when having enough stopping power on hand is a prudent precation to take...and yes, an informed shot-placement with the right caliber will stop a bear - even a grizzly.

here are some links of Bear hunters who use handguns.

Handgun Bear Hunters in Maine ( black bear )

In Alaska ( brown bear )

[Livingston]

We live well INSIDE the city limits of Colorado Springs and our housing development was filled out in the mid 70's. We've had black bears on our deck at least 3 times in the last 4 years and I'd hate to tell you how much undigested seeds (bear scat) we've cleaned up in our yard. I've even seen one crossing the street next door at 2:30 in the afternoon. We saw 2 when we came home from an early dinner out last year (about 6:30). We take NO chances outside. Even tho there are few bear problems in our area no one with half a brain will leave out garbage or bird feeders overnight. And yes, there are children that walk home from school on our street. At least they are walking in groups and making enough noise that the bears stay away.