Just put a bid in on 9.23 acres in West Virginia with a new home on the property. We'll find out if the bank accepts our offer tomorrow...praying hard. The question is: We may have some black bears occasionally, and if push comes to shove, what sidearm will stop a black bear? We stopped at a Gander Mountain on the way back, and the gun counter guy says .45 ACP will do the trick. I was leaning towards a 10 mm, like a Glock 20. The wife doesn't like revolvers much, so a .41 or .44 magnum wouldn't work for her. We have plenty of .45 ACP and a couple of sidearms in that caliber. What does the forum say?
I know that a rifle, or shotgun, or a larger revolver would be better, but they won't do a lot of good in the house or if the wife isn't comfortable shooting/carrying them, so if possible keep the replies related to 10 mm and .45 ACP
Thanks in advance!
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Thanks for all the replies folks. I have put a new 3rd generation Glock 20 SF on layaway, and have some ammo on order.
Good idea...keltec has 110mm, or if you are that worried, an AR15 Pistol.....223
.223 from a pistol (or rifle) is not a good idea for bear protection.
I watched that a few months ago. I remember wondering why in the world would they wouldn't at least use a semi in .30 something.Saw one of those wildlife specials about hybrid bears (polar bears matting with grizzlies). The Inuit people M-16 style rifles for polar bear protection.
Nope, a 10MM is far superior... thats why most troops carry one...Saw one of those wildlife specials about hybrid bears (polar bears matting with grizzlies). The Inuit people M-16 style rifles for polar bear protection.
Troops from the bear army or human army?Nope, a 10MM is far superior... thats why most troops carry one...
"The 223 cartridge (556 NATO) has now been with us for quite some time. I did not think it was a good idea in the first place, and time has not changed my opinion. If you ask just what is a 223 for, a good answer does not pop right up. The 223 is essentially a varmint cartridge, though I suppose it could be considered proper for the smallest of four-footed game animals such as chamois, reedbuck, or those half-size Texas whitetails. It also might do well for coyotes or baboons and, of course, we shoot people with it with moderate success. I note that Steyr Mannlicher has offered a couple of presumably sporting firearms in this caliber, but about all I can see in a purpose here is a means of employing the profusion of ammunition which is available throughout the world. It makes a pretty good ranch-patrol item, if you have a rifle to take it, but I certainly would not run out and buy a rifle on that account."
probably not, especially out of a pistol, at least not for thick skinned, tough animals like bear.I have not compared them, but I think a .223 has better ballistics right?