Black bear defense. What is adequate/exceeds?

[jim606]

I eventually want to go backpacking in the northeast US. I am somewhat concerned about happening upon a black bear and deciding on the best way to defend myself. Defense being key word, I won't need a gun for hunting. What is adequate/beyond adequate for defense? I've read in various areas online that you should go no smaller than a .44 (some sites have also mentioned .357 with the heavier loads) but I do want to get additional opinions. I know as far as what will exceed, that will be a rifle/shotgun. But if I'm backpacking, it just doesnt seem practical. I've been looking an various double-action .44s made by Ruger since they can handle heavier loads than S&Ws, or so I've read. In addition to caliber, I'd like to know exactly what is a good barrel length to go along with it (5.5, 7.5 inch, etc?). Of course, the best defense is common sense, avoiding possible bear situations before they arise.

I've never shot any revolvers before, just semi-autos. I will of course test them out thoroughly before making a decision. Sorry if anything sounds silly, I'm new to shooting/guns!

 

[Confederate]

I'd personally choose a Smith & Wesson 629/29 with a 4-inch barrel.

For black bear, a good .357 also would be okay if stoked adequately. I recently saw on cable where a guy went up against a black bear with a folding knife, though that's pushing it. In another incident I recall, a bear came into a tent by ripping open the side. It was shot to death by a camper with a .357, who shot it twice.

If you do have to shoot a bear, try to aim for the nose or the eyes, not the head. The brain is right behind the nose. Hit it in the head and the bullet's likely to pass right over the top, leaving one angry bear. Shooting it at the top of the shoulder also should limit its ability to run, so if close-in, remember that.

Repeat shots with a .44 are tough, especially with a 4-inch, so practice.

Regarding barrel length with a .357, I'd again go with a 4-inch. That barrel length seems to be perfect for drawing and firing.

 

[Marshall]

Smith & Wesson Mountain Gun is a very good piece for packing. It offers adequate black bear defense.

S&W Mountain Gun

I have one in 45 Colt, I like it, a lot.

 

[Run&Shoot]

Bigger is always better if you can carry either. If the size and weight aren't a huge issue I would go for a 4" S&W 629 or the Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan 2 1/2", orperhaps the 4" S&W 329PD Scandium alloy. With the Alaskan you can make up for the shorter barrel by getting some heavy loads from Buffalo Bore or Garret Cartridge.

But if the .44 turns out to be too big and heavy then you can look at various .357 which can come in much smaller and lighter. A .357 loaded with a heavy charge and 158 gr. or 180 gr bullets is not too shabby. Again, look into the Garrett or Buffalo ammo. You want at least a 3" barrel or 4". Much longer it and it come bcome unweildly. Much shorter and you lose a lot of velocity, and get a lot more muzzle blast.

Some .357 ideas: Ruger SP101 or GP100 in 3", GP100 in 4", Taurus Titaniam Tracker 4", S&W 620 or 686 4", 386 3" Scandium.

Myself, I use a Glock G23 .40 S&W for carry and when in the woods I switch to DoubleTap ammo with a 200 gr. flat point FMJ going over 1000 fps.

 

[woo18]

S&W 629 Trail boss

I carry the S&W 629 Trail boss. This particular pistol has a 3 inch barrel. Not too bad with HOT 44 loads.

 

[MCgunner]

I like my thumb busters, Ruger Blackhawks. I'd carry my .45 colt 4 5/8" and load it with my 300 grain load at just under 1200 fps. That's what I like to tote when I'm out west in bear country. I have carried .357s, though, and they're good 'nuf with heavy loads.

 

[cookekdjr]

i'd go with Cosmoline's setup of a hammerless Ruger SP101 in .357 with heavy, hardcast Corbons. Other guns are more powerful, but these 200gr loads are no joke, and the snubbie/hammerless configuration means a a lightweight snag-free quick draw that is convenient to always carry with you.
-David

 

[1 LT MPC]

If you've "never shot revolvers" before, I think the .357 is about right. With some practice, you should be able to master the revolver for close range work on a black bear. I'd use 180 gr. hard cast flat nose lead medicine for those critters. Having thus spoken, my own choice is a S&W Mountain gun in 45 long colt with a four inch barrel. It's easy to find tame practice loads and some ammo companies (Buffalo Bore) make souped- up rounds with the same power levels as a 44 mag but less pressure, flash and noise.

 

[wuchak]

.357 with Cor-bon's 200 grain loads if buying commercial. If you're a handloader the load that Paco Kelly recommended when I emailed him with this question a couple of years back was Remington's 180 grain SJHP over 13.5 grains of 2400 in a 38 special case. This is a hot load so start lower and work up to it in your firearm.

You can also carry the S&W Bear Arms Kit http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/39972

The kit includes Model 460ES - Emergency Survival Tool Kit contains: * Smith & Wesson Model 460XVR, 2 3/4" Barrel with Bright Yellow Hogue® recoil reducing grip * Waterproof Storm® Case * Blast Match™ Firestarter and WetFire tender * Saber Cut™ Saw with fabric sheath * Jet Scream™ whistle * Star Flash™ signal mirror * Polaris® compass * Two MPI Mylar Space® Emergency Blankets * Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Liner Lock Folding Knife with Black Sheath * "Bear Attacks of the Century - True Stories of Courage and Survival" book by Larry Mueller and Marguerite Reiss

 

[carpettbaggerr]

If you like autoloaders, get a 10mm. Should be adequate for black bear.


(edited to add: Whoops, revolver forum. 10mm still adequate for black bear defense, though...)

 

[GotGlock]

.44mag or bigger, you most likely will have one shot before the bear smashes into you and you better make sure that shot counts. a 300gr 44 to the skull will do the job, i don't care what anyone says.

 

[Essex County]

Black Bear Defense....You probably never need it....

.357, 45 Colt or .44 Magnum will all work fine...Essex