Handgunners often ask, "Which is the best handgun for bear defense?"
Be advised that the new issue of, "The Rifle" has an article by an Alaskan guide who's actually shot some big bears with revolvers.
He favors an S&W M629 Mountain Gun, and his daughter carries an S&W M65 .357. Penetration from either is adequate, with careful selection,which he details. Bullet placement is naturally vital!
He advises against HP's in .44 Magnum, as one he fired into a dead bear penetrated only some six inches. He points out that that same bullet would be devastating in a deer's chest!
This issue also contains the second part of Brian Pearce's discussion of Elmer Keith's and Skeeter Skelton's sixguns and favored loads. I think Pearce is our best all-round gun writer, and those who liked Elmer and Skeeter will love the photos. Even has one of Keith's old house near Durkee, OR. Has also a pre-war S&W .357 photo.
The more I consider today's gun magazines, the more I like, "Rifle" and its sister title, "The Handloader". (This does not necessarily endorse everything that John Barsness says about optics in these publications. I think he's somewhat prejudiced against German makers, and avoids pointing out they generally have cleaner internal construction than Japanese makers, and that binocular focus mechanisms are generally smoother and more "solid" feeling on Zeiss or Leica than on Jap brands, even the best ones. Tirade over, but he galls me sometimes with this stuff...)
Lone Star
P.S. IMPORTANT: I goofed: the magazine with the articles described is the June, "Handloader". See my post below, too.
Be advised that the new issue of, "The Rifle" has an article by an Alaskan guide who's actually shot some big bears with revolvers.
He favors an S&W M629 Mountain Gun, and his daughter carries an S&W M65 .357. Penetration from either is adequate, with careful selection,which he details. Bullet placement is naturally vital!
He advises against HP's in .44 Magnum, as one he fired into a dead bear penetrated only some six inches. He points out that that same bullet would be devastating in a deer's chest!
This issue also contains the second part of Brian Pearce's discussion of Elmer Keith's and Skeeter Skelton's sixguns and favored loads. I think Pearce is our best all-round gun writer, and those who liked Elmer and Skeeter will love the photos. Even has one of Keith's old house near Durkee, OR. Has also a pre-war S&W .357 photo.
The more I consider today's gun magazines, the more I like, "Rifle" and its sister title, "The Handloader". (This does not necessarily endorse everything that John Barsness says about optics in these publications. I think he's somewhat prejudiced against German makers, and avoids pointing out they generally have cleaner internal construction than Japanese makers, and that binocular focus mechanisms are generally smoother and more "solid" feeling on Zeiss or Leica than on Jap brands, even the best ones. Tirade over, but he galls me sometimes with this stuff...)
Lone Star
P.S. IMPORTANT: I goofed: the magazine with the articles described is the June, "Handloader". See my post below, too.
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