S&W 500 for Black Bear

[MEHavey]

The 500 is pretty close to original 50-90 Sharps ballistics.
It will kill anything on this continent.

As to muzzle blast, it's no worse than any competent alternative.
(...and in extremis, you'll never even hear it.)

 

[jmr40]

I've hiked regularly there for years. If a 500 S&W was the only handgun I owned I'd leave it at home. I see bears there all the time, including bears with cubs, they see hikers all the time. They are used to hikers and unless you approach one they will let you observe from a reasonable distance and simply ignore you unless you approach.

Even if you do need a gun for defense that is WAAAAAAAAY more gun than you need and there is no way I'd lug around that much weight for such a mionor threat. A compact 357 or Glock 29 is more than enough power for a black bear and much easier go carry. I'd serioulsy leave the 500 at home if it is all you have.

 

[Nico Testosteros]

Jmr hit the nail on the head.

 

[Tony_the_tiger]

I concealed a 4" Ruger GP100 in the smokies using a OWB Simply Rugged Sourdough Pancake and a guayaberra style overshirt. I loaded it with Corbon Hunter 200 gr. hardcast rounds and did not feel undergunned.

We saw three black bear, which were much more weary of us and did not wish confrontation. In my opinion, and statistically, you will be in more danger just driving around up there, so please do invest similar resources into checking tire pressure, brake fluid, etc. Also, beware of friendly solo hikers. Its good to prepare for bears, and for strange travelers, but please do not shoot any unless absolutely necessary.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

If it were me I would carry a .45 Colt and call it good.

As for the hearing problem, there are plenty of Noise Isolating/Cancelling hearing protection out on the market these days. You can hear what's going on around you and they cut in if you need to fire your handgun. IMO that's a win-win situation...

 

[.44 Associate]

I treat the .500 like I treat the .458 Winchester: it will get loaded to full power if I ever go after elephants. Otherwise it gets loaded down - sometimes significantly - depending upon what I'm going to do with it.

In the .500, 350-400 grain cast bullets at 800 to 1000 FPS are adequate for any black bear that ever walked this earth, and are actually pretty pleasant out of the giant X frame. Assuming you don't mind carrying the damn thing, it's a fine choice.

 

[Scipio Africanus]

"I treat the .500 like I treat the .458 Winchester: it will get loaded to full power if I ever go after elephants. Otherwise it gets loaded down - sometimes significantly - depending upon what I'm going to do with it.

In the .500, 350-400 grain cast bullets at 800 to 1000 FPS are adequate for any black bear that ever walked this earth, and are actually pretty pleasant out of the giant X frame. Assuming you don't mind carrying the damn thing, it's a fine choice."


Very well put, Sir!