The Essential Weaponry

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SwearNoAllegiance

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If you've read my previous thread, you will note that I am planning to take a variety of game. I need your help in picking up the right tools for the job and so I present you this question:

What type of weapon should I use to take: Bear, Deer, Elk, and Moose?

I currently own a 12 & 20 gauge shotgun. I own no rifles aside from a plinker. My handguns are more relegated to Self-Defense.

Thank you so much for any advice that you provide.
 
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If you're looking for one round to do it all - I might suggest the .308 win.
Some people might say step up to something larger - and when you throw Bear in the mix, i may be inclined to agree - just as to the dangerous nature of something like a bear. (Deer aren't going to run you down and bite you) A well placed shot would have no problems with a bear though - and at the end of the day a .338 that misses isn't anymore effective then anything else.

The reason why I say the .308, is it is as capable as the person behind the trigger. If you can make the shot, it will do it's job. Accuracy is going to be of the utmost importance, as with any gun - and so shooting it often and being confident is of the utmost importance. .308 ammo is easy to find, and can be had relatively cheap (in comparison to say the .300wby mag). The recoil is also pretty managable - which all adds up to an easier cheaper gun to shoot - that will get the job done.
There are also many different loads available - depending on the type of game you're going after. You don't need the same load for Deer that you need on Moose. This means you can tailor your round to your application fairly easily.
Ammo is also available pretty much anywhere on the planet. You go on a trip somewhere, forget or don't bring enough - and it's no problem to pick up a box locally. Can't say that about say a .300WSM...

So - I would say start there, and if you feel you need more oomf - step it up a bit.
 
Stevens Model 200 in either 7mm-08, .308, 30-06, 7mm Mag, or 300 Mag. The gun is inexpensive, accurate, and easy to find. The gun, box of shells, bipods, and a decent scope won't push you too far over the $500 mark.
 
RemingtonModelSeven.jpg

That Remington Model 7 is a gorgeous gun, sir.

The Stevens Model 200 has just made it on my "tax return" might buy list. Very affordable option.
 
Depends. Same questions as always: What's the actual realistic budget for the rifle? Are you willing to buy used, or new only? Are you going to use iron sights, or a scope? If scope, then do you have a separate budget for scope (and if so, how much?), and if not, does the original budget include scope, rings, and mount, too?
 
Depending on your budget...... Were I starting out with only a 12/20 and .22 I would go with either of a couple of relatively in-expensive guns a 336 30-30 (can be found new for around $350 used $200-$250) or a Mossberg, Savage, or Stevens 30-06 New for around $300 used for a bit less.
 
Nice looking rifle

Swear no allegiance,
that is a great looking rifle. Just like mine! in fact it is so good i might go up stairs, open my gun cabinet and get it out for a looking at.

uk
 
These days, .308 is the universal rifle caliber. It's a bit more accurate than 30-06, has a little lower recoil, but still has the stopping power to down anything. It's common and ammo is widely available due to its adoption as a NATO cartridge. It's really the whole package.
 
here we go...... the great THR calibre debate is open again! i like .30-06 and 7mm08


Just read the other post. I would suggest something in synthetic and stainless. a remmy model 700 is tried and tested, accurate and reliable. Fairly cheap.

if i was moving out to the woods i would take a remmy 700 stainless sps in 30-06 and lots of 165gr softpoints. a decent scope 3-9 x 40 luepold etc. and a big pistol.

uk
 
.308. 30-06, 300, etc. They'll all do the job if you learn to shoot them well. Just pick the one you enjoy shooting the most and practice a lot. That works every time.
 
What kind of bear?

The other game you mention is well within the capabilities of 7mm-08, .308, .270, .30-06, etc that have been mentioned. I'll second the notion of the Savage/Stevens rifles. I've got two (.223 and .308) and both are good with factory ammo, great with reloads. Lump black bears in here, too.

If, however, you are looking to hunt brown bears, you'll want to at least consider two rifles. One for everthing else and one for bear. Make the bear gun a .33 or larger. .338, .375, .416, etc.
 
What kind of bear?
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I am currently talking with my employer about transferring to Anchorage, Alaska. So whatever bears are around there. Mostly black & brown. I have doubts about ever encountering a Kodiak or polar bear.
 
Alaska has a lot more wilderness areas, and the bears get a lot bigger there. Alaskan grizzly bears can get HUGE. You want a large round with a 180-grain+ bullet.
 
45-70

In a Marlin lever action at close range or with the lever evolution rounds... Goodness it can get after any game in North America and a lot of African game too.
 
All Bears die with a Mosin Nagant.Thats what I use, as 7.62X54R is equal in power to the king of NorthAmerican hunting cartriges, the 30-06.
30-06 is the all Alaska Round...if you cant kill it with a '06, you should hide.

I use 7.62X54R on all Bears, and .22LR, 12Gauge, and I like 9mm, though you may want a Magnum, here in the North.

Whatever rifle you decide on, make sure you are comfortable with it, and it is accurate.
Here in the North, Milsurp is a very economical way to go.

Stop in for coffe when you get up this way.
 
Stop in for coffe when you get up this way.
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And to think I just recently gave my Mosin to be my best friend too. Ah well, they're only $70.

I have many a question about Alaska living. Would you mind if I sent you a list of questions about it?
 
Shawnee, your horse looks a little "stiff" there - not overly agile either. Nice rifle though, man!

So SWA, we still don't know the exact budget, whether you're willing to buy used, and whether a scope needs or doesn't need to be included in said budget?

Mostly black & brown. I have doubts about ever encountering a Kodiak or polar bear.
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By the way, as you may or may not know, a Kodiak bear is simply a coastal brown bear, on or around Kodiak island or nearby islands & areas - they grow much bigger since they have access to the excellent rich food source of the salmon beginning their migration up streams, in huge numbers.
 
So SWA, we still don't know the exact budget, whether you're willing to buy used, and whether a scope needs or doesn't need to be included in said budget?
Click to expand...

The weapons proposed fall within my budget. I'd rather not spend over $800 on any one rifle. I would consider a scope a separate item since I can put it on several different rifles.

I don't mind used so long as the previous owner treated it like a beautiful woman (minus the implications of selling it in the first place).
 
two calibers, same diameter, light & midweight loads almost mirror one another; .308 & .30-06; you can get heavier loads in .30-06 that extend the practicality when taking on larger & meaner critters
 
For those who want to tow in a light handling rifle with a big punch for less money, the Mosin M 91/59 is a good choice. They are available now at classicarms.us

Get the Seller and Belliot 180 gr SP and it be good to go in Alaska.
 
The weapons proposed fall within my budget. I'd rather not spend over $800 on any one rifle. I would consider a scope a separate item since I can put it on several different rifles.
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Wow, that changes everything. If you're willing to go up to $800 used, and have a separate budget for scope, then you should definitely look at trying to find a nice used Sako, Steyr, Weatherby Mark V (not Vanguard), high-end Browning A-Bolt, or high-end Remington 700, in my opinion. (Buying new, I'd go for T/C Icon, Browning A-bolt, or Remington 700 on that budget). Understand that I would have a 100% different recommendation if the max budget was around $450 to $550 (CZ/Howa/Vanguard/Savage, etc.)

As for caliber, if you've got brown bears included on the "menu", you'd better run with .30-'06 Spgfld at least, and preferably .338-06, .35 Whelen, 9.3x62mm, .350 Rem Mag, .338 Federal, or .338 Win mag. Probably, .30-'06 is best compromise there between hunting and brown bear defense. But a rifle in .280 Rem or .308 Win I wouldn't pass up if you find a deal on one of these turnbolt rifles. Personally, for a Canada/Alaska rifle (and take this with a big grain of salt since I've never been there), I like the idea of a .35 Whelen or 9.3x62 as the best compromise between "magnum" and "not overkill for most stuff" - an effective killer on creatures large and small, still very good range, but not just a brutal beating everytime at the gun range.


So, my Canada/Alaska rifle (for when I get there) is a CZ 550 FS in 9.3x62, and my two backup C/A rifles are a US 1917 "Enfield" sporterized in .30-'06, and a Marlin 1895 in .45-70 Gov't. Understand that I would have a 100% different set of caliber recommendations for you if brown bears were NOT included on the list of possibilities.

If your Viagra is not working today, then try this for a substitute:

http://www.cz-usa.com/product_detail.php?id=17

Then imagine the one in 9.3x62 with a Burris Signature Select 1.5-6x40mm in Warne Maxima rings and a beautiful leather sling with an Elk on it - yes, it works for me when I look in the safe - woe unto my next girlfriend. :) :D :p
 
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