SKS or 870 for bear defense?

[natman]

12 ga with BRENNEKE slugs, not some soft lead expanding trash.

If you shoot a bear out of season it had better have powder burns on its chest.

 

[MCgunner]

Actually, as long guns go, I'd rather carry either my 20 gauge double or my .357 carbine, lighter than an SKS or any of my 12s. Well, my 12 SxS ain't that heavy and it's very accurate with slugs, amazingly so since it's choked mod/full.

 

[leadcounsel]

I've never shot a bear before and would prefer not to, so I have no idea what would be more effective between a 12 guage or SKS.

Have you considered a less messy and more eco-friendly and humane $40 can of Bear spray. Probably more effective too, and less dangerous. Imagine waking to a bear in your camp at night. Do you have a clear shot? What's behind the bear if you miss? Can you hit a vital area before it can maul you? Bear spray is area effect with little accuracy necessary.

 

[leathermanwave]

...take giant steps and avoid stepping on them when they sleep...

I know someone who literally stepped on a black bear that was sleeping, he ran one way and the bear ran the other.

Use the 870 with slugs.

 

[Supertac45]

870 with slugs. The 7.62 x 39 is almost useless. I'd look at a Ruger .44 mag.

 

[BillyDa59]

7.62x39 ball ammo makes kinda lousy wounds. If you gotta kill a bear with it, go for vitals. I mean I'm a fan of the SKS and all but I think a shotgun would be better for your situation. Not to mention that the SKS is a rather heavy rifle.