So I know this discussion has been done to death, sorry...
But I have a more specific question.
I live in the Midwest, and the only bears we have are skiddish black bears. I probably don't need a bear defense gun other than my carry gun (9mm). But I am curious, I have a 1911 in .45apc and an EAA Vindicator (4" barrel) in .357 mag, what do you guys think is best between the two for bears?
If I lived in Alaska or some place where there were grizzlies, I'd carry a 10mm or .44 mag.
I went camping in Yellowstone a few years back and I took the 357 (I didn't have the 1911 at that point).
The 357 is a proven cartridge, but with the 45 you get a bigger hole and two more rounds...
Without buying a new gun, what would you guys pick and why?
You're right. Bad people are definitely more likely to attack me than a bear. Mostly because I don't spend a lot of time in bear country.I am of a mind that these days homo sapiens is more of a threat to me than are brown bears or bears in general, thus favoring a 10mm for your new pistol
or buy Buffalo Bore was designed for deep penetration with no bullet expansion. It will shoot right through stick frame and drywall construction walls and through both doors on a 2003 Dodge Ram or through a black bears skull, etc. It was designed for, among other things, outdoor use including black bear protection. Expect around 30 inches of penetration on live flesh and bone.
That pistol has a lot going on!Bears are common up to 600lbs where I am. I varry for bear everyday. I use my G30S in a brace for faster follow up shots with 255gr 45super.View attachment 1177853
Typically I use 10 or 17 round mags with the 255gr. 10 is more than enough. 2 or 3 will do.
Like Elmer Keith said, a 250-260 45colt(.452) at 1000fps will take down anything in North America with 1 or 2 shots. He proved that by shooting a charging 900lbs Grizzly that came tumbling to a stop at his feet.
No this is much smaller and lighter than a shotgun. It has a paddle holster as well and is easy to draw. It can be shot with the brace folded still.That pistol has a lot going on!
I think I would just carry a shotgun
That depends on one’s experience, training and practice.Most people are going to be able to shoot a semi-auto more accurately under duress.
I live where there are a few grizzlies and tons of black bears. I carry a 9mm.I live in the Midwest, and the only bears we have are skiddish black bears. I probably don't need a bear defense gun other than my carry gun (9mm). But I am curious, I have a 1911 in .45apc and an EAA Vindicator (4" barrel) in .357 mag, what do you guys think is best between the two for bears?
If I lived in Alaska or some place where there were grizzlies, I'd carry a 10mm or .44 mag.
I think that's why he said "most people".That depends on one’s experience, training and practice.
Funny thing is, most people I see shooting semiautos can’t hit squat past 7 yards.I think that's why he said "most people".
Agreed. That's just gun owners in general though. Certainly not exclusive to carriers of semi autos. Regardless, as you pointed out, it depends on what one has experience and training with. Only a tiny minority of people at this point have training or experience with a revolver, therefore, most people should be carrying a semi auto for "bear defense". It should be pointed out that, in the vast majority of black bear country, by far the most dangerous mammal a person might run into in the woods is a human, not a bear. What that means is that, in the vast majority of the country, people should just be carrying whatever they already carry for defense from humans.Funny thing is, most people I see shooting semiautos can’t hit squat past 7 yards.
That depends on one’s experience, training and practice.
Do you think those same people would be better shooting a revolver double action?Funny thing is, most people I see shooting semiautos can’t hit squat past 7 yards.
Lucky for some of us then, youve already written us off.Funny thing is, most people I see shooting semiautos can’t hit squat past 7 yards.
Absolutely! Thats how its meant to be shot, and the only real chance you have here, or anywhere really, with a revolver anyway.Do you think those same people would be better shooting a revolver double action?
Probably not, shooting a double action revolver is a lot different than shooting a semi auto. I will say this, if you can learn to shoot a double action you can learn to shoot any pistol. Shooting a double action made me a way better shooter.Do you think those same people would be better shooting a revolver double action?