Gun for Griz Country?

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Matrix187

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I'm on a tight budget, and I really need a good gun for griz country up in the NW. My friends' cabins were broken into last year by a few grizzlies so I know they're around.

Anyways, I realize the best self defense weapon would be some sort of big bore rifle. But, for handiness a handgun would be nice. If I carry a handgun I'll probably carry pepper spray as well as a backup. I do like autoloaders the most mainly due to their high capacity. Should I go for a Glock 20 10mm (with 200 gr hardcast GC rounds) + pepper spray, or something like a 12 gauge 870 loaded with slugs, and a can of pepper spray or something? Tough choice...

If I encounter a grizzly my first goal is exit stage left by all means possible, but if I'm not let with that option I want protection.
 
Stevens 200 in 30-06 would be my first pick for bear country. Probably put a 1x or 2x scope on it for protection, or maybe get irons installed
 
I live in griz country. You said you were on a tight budget, so I'd go with 12 ga w/ slugs.

If you can afford one of those .454 Casull hand cannons that would be good (but expensive) but I suck at shooting something like that so I'll stick to a 18.5" 12 GA.
 
Seems a marlin guide gun would be good in this situation. Compact and easy to carry, yet a way better option than a handgun.
Short barrel 12 ga with slugs would do the job as well.
 
Usually you can find some something or other at a gun shop that just kicked too hard for whoever had it last. These guns are generally discounted deeply. One local shop had a Ruger m77mkII with the boatpaddle stock in .338winmag for several years. It was under $400!!! They also have a bolt action 12 gauge slug gun mmmmmmm.
 
I love the Glock 20, and I have taken to carrying it in the woods a lot. But, I don't usually carry it when in Grizz country. If you do, make sure you are prepared to continue to fire until the Grizz is down or you are out of bullets. An extra mag would be nice to have along.
 
Stevens 200 in 30-06
Click to expand...

A scoped long-action bolt gun as a "first choice"?

What are you smoking?:)

If you do, make sure you are prepared to continue to fire until the Grizz is down or you are out of bullets.
Click to expand...

I figure that might be a good plan, regardless of the firearm in question.:D
 
I have a cut-down Winchester 1895 (.30-06) which I would probably take for bear protection as a "camp rifle". As the Marlin guide gun is a whole lot easier to get, I'd go with the Marlin.

I heard of people using Garands as bear guns, for quick follow-up shots. Here's a modern take on that idea, for your amusement. It's priced beyond what most of us can afford -

.338 Magnum Garand

And if that isn't impressive, the same shop has managed to come up with a functional .458 Magnum Garand... :)
 
My guess is that the 10mm probably isn't the best for grizzly bears. If you use slugs, be sure not to use soft deer slugs, use something designed for dangerous game. Dixie slugs makes some, although I'm not sure how well they'd work. http://www.dixieslugs.com
Just be sure to carry it with you, it does you no good if you leave it 20 yards away.

That is an awesome garand, however I'd like to point out to everyone you can't fire those out of a regular Garand. They have significantly modified their's.
 
What kind of weight/size?price range are you staying within? Knowing this would help us to make an informed suggestion.

That being said, My choice in rifle would be a large bore lever action. If a handgun is considered, a large bore revolver.
 
When I lived in Alaska we kept a 12 Ga with slugs as the camp bear gun.

If you are going to try and stop a pissed off Grizzly with a hand gun be sure to file the front sight off. That way it won't hurt as much when he shoves it where the moon don't shine.
 
Do NOT use pepper spray on a brown bear. They seem to like the taste of it. I carry a ruger Vaquero.45 colt with 325 LBTs hot loaded-the shotgun always seems to end up leaning on a tree somewere.
 
The Marlin guide gun in .450 Marlin can be had for under $450 and it is a steal. If a big ol' griz was after me that's what I'd want.
 
A 12 ga is the only thing that will be of any use whatsoever in an actual attack situation.

A handgun is handy for blowing your brains out instead of being mauled to death, but that's about it.

Pepper spray is commonly referred to as "seasoning" in bear country.
 
jbech123-How did you not read where I said they like the taste of it? I have video of a browny literally wallowing in the stuff,seeming not to to be able to get enough of it. Again,me 325 gr LBT at 1300 fps.
 
So, the question is: Mossberg, winchester, or remington 870 12 gauge? What's the lightest and still reliable?
 
^^^^^^^^^^^

Maybe he can show the grizzly those links on his Blackberry as he's being mauled.
 
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