Defensive Shotguns in the Frozen North

[Skofnung]

Greetings.

My BIL is going on a two week fishing trip to the tundra and he called me to inquire as to what shotgun would serve him best as bear medicine up there, and as a HD gun when he gets home.

I gave him my take, suggesting he look at this and that, but then it dawned on me... I'm a Florida Boy. I know what works here, and anywhere else in the Southeast. But, I know nothing of the Great White North.

He likes the looks (and price) of the Benelli Super Nova. I suggested a used Ithaca 37 DS Police Special, as he is left handed, and my Ithaca has never failed me. But I know not how either gun would fare up there in that strange environment.

What are the considerations that he should know about? Cold? Strange plants? Dirt?

Thanks for the help!

 

[another okie]

Your ideas are fine. You will probably get a lot of suggestions that you buy a Remington 870 marine magnum, which is also fine.

http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/shotguns/model_870/model_870_marine_magnum.asp

 

[Leadhead]

Well unless he's going ice fishing in the winter cold shouldn't be a problem...he can use whatever feels good to him.
Ithaca would be good for a lefty!

 

[MEH]

I have an 870 Marine Magnum and I would think it would be a very good choice in a cold wet environment.

 

[kentucky_smith]

The Ithaca would be a good choice since it is lightweight and there's only one way for debris to get into the internals.

 

[geologist]

If he's going to be there when it's cold, tell him to degrease the action thoroughly including the bolt.

Actions with lube at -20C freeze up quickly.

 

[Trex]

Depends what you mean by 'tundra'. Regardless of what shotgun you settle on, if that tundra is in Canada, be sure to talk to the border services fellows before you try to take it across the border. "Four legs good, guns bad!"

 

[PJR]

Any good pump gun will do. As noted previously go light on the lube.

More importantly is what you put IN the shotgun if bears are a worry.

The answer is Brenneke slugs.

 

[Sergeant Sabre]

If you're worried about the lubricant freezing, try to track down some of the lubricants made for extremely cold temperatures. I don't know of any commercial types off the top of my head, but I know from my time in the Marines that such stuff exists. We called it LAW, Lubricant for Arctic Weapons.

I think that regular old CLP was good down to -20F or something like that, though.

 

[Skofnung]

Thanks guys. I think he is going this summer, so it should not be too cold.