S&W 500 for Black Bear

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I'm pretty sure I already know the answer, but is S&W 500 sufficient for black bear? Going to do a little hiking in the Great Smokey Mountain National Park. Aside from the 2 legged predators, are there anything else more dangerous than black bear in GSMNP? I'll be carrying spray as well.

The only think that is dissuading me from S&W 500 is the noise level. I'm pretty certain I would have permanent hearing damage if I had to use it...even outside - and I already have mild tinnitus.
 
Yes, the .500 is more than enough for a black bear. It is nearly the ballistic equivilant of a stoutly loaded 45-70 levergun from a handgun, but with a .500 bullet. The .500 has killed bison, cape buffalo, brown bears, and elephants.

I have one specifically for rifle backup when hunting and fishing in grizz and brown bear country.

Shooting these guns, with that awful muzzle break, without hearing protection, is indeed a terrible thing. I use double hearing protection when practicing with mine.
 
The .500 is a good cartridge for black bear. If you have mild tinnitus, you won't want to fire the 500 outdoors, because the mild will turn to worse tinnitus! I have hearing loss myself, shooting my .44 mag without plugs isn't a picnic, either indoors or out, you'll have to decide. I know wearing ear plugs while you're hiking isn't what you want, but without them, you probably won't like the results either. Hope I've helped.
 
A 500 is way more than you need for black bear. I'd be comfortable with a .357 honestly with 180 grain hard cast bullets. Keep in mind that the Smokey's are one of, if not the most visited National Park in the Country. I was there in March and there were so many people there it was disgusting. A 500 on your hip will definately draw some unwanted attention, even though you would be completely within your rights.

If it were I, I'd probably carry something smaller, concealed, and that wouldn't blow my ears up if I needed it and the bear spray as my primary. I did see two black bears when I was there. Honestly with the number of people around I think the bears are pretty used to our pressence, and will leave you alone. I'd still carry a .357 though. Hell if you have a .45 acp or a .40, that's probably enough for a black bear.

Now if it were the Grand Tetons, then yes carry that 500 as the grizzlies are thick there. My buddy lives in Jackson, and regularly has to look out his back door with a 12 gauge in hand.
 
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I have to agree with 460Kodiak, I visit the Smoky Mountains regularly and the parks are just overrun by tourists. I have seen bears many times there and they are not in the least bit interested in the multitudes of people around them snapping pictures. Last time we were there a bear was spotted about 30-40 yards off a walkway, and a crowd of nearly a dozen people was crashing through the woods towards it, cameras drawn. The bear was less than concerned. I can still picture it clearly, in the lead was a obese, middle aged, woman, in white tennis shoes, grey sweat pants, and some over-sized ill-fitting t-shirt. She was stomping and high stepping through the brush in what I'm sure was the most physical activity she had mustered all year, all the time screaming back to her party "HAAAAAYYY, OH MY GOSH, LOOK AT THE BEAR!!!!" Never had I wished for a bear attack so badly :evil: Alas, the small, uninterested bear disappointed me though, allowing her to within 10-20 feet before wandering back into the woods.

It's not so much the crowds that disgust me, though I try to avoid them like the plague. It's the behavior exhibited by people these days. I'm always surprised whenever in public by the rude, inconsiderate behavior of others. Just don't remember people acting like that growing up.

Oh well, all that to say I guess I think the .500 would be way too much. I'd want something much smaller, lighter, easier to conceal and geared towards 2 legged predator defense. The bears are the least of my worries.

ETA: Kodiak is also correct that the Smokys are THE most visited national park.
 
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Since RPGs are too heavy to carry around, i guess it must do.

i didn´t feel unsafe with a longbarrelled .357
in that exact area.
 
Good Lord, no you don't need a .500 for hiking in black bear country. Even a properly loaded .357 will suffice.
 
the north american primate is a MUCH bigger threat than bear

.500 is much to hard, .380 is much too soft
.357 is jusssst right
 
Depends on where in GSMNP you're going. If you're sticking around Gatlinburg/Cherokee/Cade's Cove, the bear may as well be domestic pets. Don't be stupid and you won't have any issues.

If you're heading to the back country, or into Cataloochee, you're wise to take precaution. I spend a fair amount of time backpacking aNd fishing well off the road and have had 3 black bear encounters. Twice were on the trail and a stern voice and a thrown stick solved the problem.

3rd time one of them decided to play tether ball with me while I was sleeping in my hammock. I did draw that time but again solved the problem with a stern voice.

My preferred carry has been a 3" SP101, but I've just upgraded to a .44Mag S&W Mountain Gun just because. I never felt under gunned with the .357
 
Just for comparison purposes.... I killed a black bear in Nelson County, Va with a XD45acp. So Yes, definitely, a 500 would do the job. Kinda like shooting mice with a 16" Navy gun though...
 
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Get a short barrel S&W in 460. You will have enough options for any game in No. America.
 
Get a short barrel S&W in 460. You will have enough options for any game in No. America.
Click to expand...
Same could be said for a 629 Mountain Gun, except it's 21oz lighter, won't make your ears bleed or singe off your eye brows. :rolleyes:
 
If you own a 4" or longer 357 mag load it with 180gr sp or hardcast and feel very safe. Takes some bears pray too.
I would rather hump a 20ga 18" barrel with slugs gun than a 500 s&w revolver. But all you need to HUNT black bear is the 357 or a glock in 10mm
 
S&W 500? I'm sure it will do the job and then some. Black bear around hear rarely weigh more than 350 pounds.

However; I've been wandering the mountains of Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee for over forty years now, and have seen many a black bear. I've never had any pressing need to shoot one. I've don't know of a single unprovoked black bear attack, so if you can manage to leave them alone, you won't have any trouble.
 
Well, thank you gentlemen. I guess I have my answer. I'll stick with my Mdl 66 and spray :) I didn't realize that the GSMNP was so dang busy, especially the areas that we'll be visiting. At least the kids will have fun...
 
I grew up in NW Montana (the highest Griz population in the lower 48). I've been hiking the Cabinet Wilderness for decades. The bear minimum is a 44 :D.

For black bears I would consider a hot 357, but would feel safer with a 44.
Confrontations, around here, are often avoided just by firing above or below to scare them off (that's what I've done in the past).
 
Re-read post #7. Black bears are by FAR not the scariest things in that park (maybe not even the heaviest). You don't need anything crew-served, pepper spray would PROBABLY work if you were charged. Alternatively, throw some donuts & bacon grease, or some mac & cheese... the lady will probably break off her pursuit for either. :evil:
 
Re-read post #7. Black bears are by FAR not the scariest things in that park (maybe not even the heaviest).
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LOL...
Thanks, I never knew such creatures existed, although, I did get a glimpse of something similar on black Friday at Walmart.
After reading post #7.....you might need something bigger than a 500.
 
Most visited national park. I would worry more about snake bite and two legged animals than smokey the bear.
 
45 long Colt, 260 grain lead bullet, and 38-40 grains of black powder has worked so I would imagine the ".500 Whoop de Do" would also get the job done.
 
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