Alaska and Hiking: What to carry

[Tiomoid]

So I'm heading out to Alaska for a few months, and while I'll be working, I'm planning on doing a fair share of hiking/mountain climbing (not hunting).

If anyone has experience in the area I'd love to hear your thoughts on what type of gun I should bring. I have heard a variety of thoughts on what to take, and would like to know what YOU think is a practical set up for self protection on hikes that take the better part of a week.

I'm open to suggestions on type of gun, holster set ups, etc.

Keep in mind, I'll be traveling with a buddy who packs a .44 (and can use it), as well as my dog, and all the gear I'll need for my hikes.

Also, has anyone driven into Alaska from the US lately? Any difficulty crossing the boarder with firearms?

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[Tom S.]

Winchester Defender 12 ga. with slugs. The only thing Alaska has that concerns me are moose and bears, and a handgun (no matter what caliber) isn't something I would depend on for those animals.

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

I figure that would be the perfect scenario for a ruger alaskan in .454 casull.
If you don't mind a long gun a pump 12g with slugs should work nicely and cost less.

 

[preachnhunt]

This.



Marlin GUIDE 45-70 SS 18.5 WAL



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[Big Boy]

.44 Mag on the hip and a semi-auto shotgun with rifled barrel and hollow point slugs.

Check out the FN SLP Mark I

 

[Wildyams]

or

 

[ms6852]

Marlin gide gun 450 cal. You should be able to fire a rifle better then a powerful handgun and more accurately when there is stuff running down your leg caused by a charging bear. Difference in weight should be about 2lbs only.

 

[armoredman]

Question for those in the know - would a military caliber such as 7.62x39mm, 7.62x51mm/308, 30-06, would those be effective and deployable? Reason I mention them is AK/vz-58, M1A, and Garand, rapid fire semi auto delivery systems, due to the thought that operating a bolt or lever under the stress of a charging bear might be a bit difficult. Have never had to stand watching a bear charge me to render me into a light snack, I certainly have no idea how I would react, but I'd feel better about dumping a full magazine of 7.62x39mm FMJ, IF it would be at all effective. I also believe Alaska has no laws banning such firearms for personal defense/carry in the outback for all lawful purposes other than hunting?
A Tanker style Garand might be your best choice...but I have zero experiance, advice worth less than what you paid for it...

 

[Rio Laxas]

I worked up there in some fairly remote areas land surveying. I was comfortable with a S&W 629 and occasionally a bolt action rifle in .30-06 loaded with 180 or 200 grain bullets. I think the most common firearm used and carried up there is a .30-06, but a lot of people carry shotguns with slugs also. If you have anything that will fit this bill, then you don't need to buy something special unless you just want to.

As for crossing the border, you will only be able to do so with long guns. While it is possible to cross with a pistol, it takes a lot of paperwork done well in advance of getting in the car. Enjoy your trip. Alaska really is a wonderful place to visit.

 

[MachIVshooter]

A .22 and a "friend" you won't miss.

 

[gbourne]

Well said almostfree. When I was in Fairbanks the Ruger single actions in 45 Long Colt or 44 mags were popular. I remember the day the Ruger Red Hawk arrived at the store. Two department managers almost got into a fight over who called dibs first. I would be comfortable with a 357 magnum. If you want to carry a long gun then I would get a 870 Express in 3" 12 gauge.

Also when I was there (1980-1981) Brown Bear guides required their customers to carry .30 caliber rifles but they all carried .270s to back you up.

Remember one shot in EACH shoulder and DON"T aim for the bear's head.

 

[Shadow 7D]

Really, this is so well covered, did you at least try the search button.

That said, is this an excuse for a new gun, or are you serious.

Because if you are, buy bear bells and bear spray.....
they have bear in the name...

What ever gun you carry is going to be a compromise, unless you like toting a shotgun or high power rifle every where.

OH, and if you shoot a bear, be prepared for Fish and Game to give you a colonoscopy, really true "dangerous" encounters with bear are usually either an unaware hiker/hunter/fisherman, or one that refused to do the right thing, such as drop you fish and back away carefully, and instead started blasting. Read up, and learn about living in bear country, a gun is more likely to make you cocky than keep you safe.

 

[dallssheep]

Shadow. that bear spray and bells we have a little saying for up in Alaska. If theres berries in bear poop its a black bear. if its got bells in it and smells like chili its a coastal brown.


All seriousness the biggest gun you are willing/able to carry and bear spray. first shot i have is not going into the bear though if push comes to shove. Id shoot in the air and hope to scare the crap out of it. Noone wants to tangle with a wounded bear. Bear spray Has a pretty nice range (30 feet or so i believe)


Dont run. Dont get between mama and her cubs. If you even SEE cubs. get the fudge out of there. Mama wont be far behind.

 

[Cosmoline]

I've tried all kinds of setups but settled on a backpack scabbard and a compact levergun--you can see it here. My current levergun of choice is a Win 94 Big Bore that was modified to take .450 Marlin:



In the end you have to be somewhat fatalistic about it. Sometimes you get the bear, sometimes the bear gets you, and sometimes you get each other:

 

[Shadow 7D]

Point being, guns is/are no substitute for brains and a little paranoia

 

[KodiakBeer]

I've lived here in Kodiak for much of my life. Handguns are pretty much silly when it comes to big bears, or even moose. You can't cross the Canadian border with a handgun anyway. Pepper spray really does work (yeah, I've heard the joke about a thousand times...). It's cheap and widely available. The nice thing about pepper spray is that you can use it when in doubt. If you shoot a bear in doubtful circumstances you may find yourself in court with a ten thousand dollar fine, but if you zap him with pepper spray he will turn inside out to get away from you, and no worries.

For firearms, my first choice is a short barreled shotgun. Any pump gun is a good choice. My personal favorite is a 12 gauge Baikal coach gun. It's short enough that I can stick it in my pack with the stock projecting over my shoulder so I can draw it as quick as a handgun.