What would you choose?

[Trunk Monkey]

If you have any resources about Grizzly sightings in Colorado, could you post a link?

Don't have one sorry. I know there's a video out there of what looks like a grizzly killing a deer in Northern Colorado. But it's not definitive

 

[Nervouswater]

I'm not a huge conspiracy theory guy, but there have been rumors that because grizzlies were on the endangered species until very recently, that the CO division of wildlife would try to hide or discredit any sightings so that they wouldn't have to deal with the potentially negative ramifications of having an endangered species inhabiting prime time elk country along the Wyoming border and/or the San Juans.

As a point of interest, the last Colorado grizzly sighting was supposed to have been in the early 1950's until a bowhunter killed a confirmed grizzly in 1979. That bear was also confirmed to have been nursing cubs recently. That establishes two things:

1. There was almost 30 years between confirmed sightings where grizzlies were running around freely and supposedly not in the state.
2. There is documented evidence that there were cubs around 38 years ago and no one knows their whereabouts (or their potential offspring's whereabouts).

I don't plan on bumping into a grizzly bear, but I would feel reasonably confident that with 15-17 rounds of xtreme penetrator, I could get at least a couple of shots on the bear that would do some damage. Interestingly enough, in the statistics I have seen in bear attacks where a firearm was discharged, there is a slightly higher survival rate for handguns vs rifles. The only logic I can make sense of there is that with the shorter barrel it can be maneuvered quicker and more rounds can be discharged in a quicker period from the handgun thereby increasing the odds of hitting the bear.

 

[WrongHanded]

Interestingly enough, in the statistics I have seen in bear attacks where a firearm was discharged, there is a slightly higher survival rate for handguns vs rifles. The only logic I can make sense of there is that with the shorter barrel it can be maneuvered quicker and more rounds can be discharged in a quicker period from the handgun thereby increasing the odds of hitting the bear.

I could easily believe that. Especially if the rifles are slung over a shoulder, and probably very dependent on the type and caliber of rifle.

I don't know much about this Underwood Extreme Penetrator. Sounds good. The numbers look good, but that only tells so much. I wonder what the recoil is like on the +p+. Have you tried any?

 

[Charliefrank]

As a handgun hunter with 30 years under my belt, I'm not a huge fan of semiauto pistols for woods/trail guns. Don't get me wrong, on the rare occasions I travel into the wilderness with my 10mm delta elite I feel pretty protected. But a large caliber revolver is the norm for me. My trail /woods gun is a S&W model 29 with the 4" barrel. It carries extremely well and I can choose to carry 44 specials or magnums. With fully adjustable sights it's pretty accurate. I have taken many whitetails and hogs with it.
As for the carbine I agree with most of these opinions. Get an AR in .223. Very versatile weapon with lots of ammo choices. I just bought a Ruger AR carbine and it's a great little rifle. Just my opinions.

 

[denton]

There are many choices that will serve you well. Get what pleases you, and what you will take to the range and shoot for the pure pleasure of it

Here are some really offbeat thoughts that you might consider.....

Not that I get out that much, but my backwoods carry gun is a 41 Mag with a 2 1/2" barrel. It will launch a 170 grain bullet at nearly 1400 FPS. It's light, accurate, dependable and adequate.

I have the Canik 9mm and enjoy it more than my XD9, which I like quite well. It's quite accurate, and, as far as I can tell, dependable. It's also one of the less expensive alternatives, and the trigger is excellent.

The Marlin 357 lever is an absolute blast to shoot. I shoot Cowboy Action 124 grain loads for target practice and 180 grain full throated loads for more serious purposes. So it really fills two different niches.

If I were to meet Old Cross Bear in the woods, my first choice would be the 41 Mag, closely followed by the Marlin 357, followed by the 9mm.

 

[Mike .45]

I would recommend going with a G19 over the G17 due the 15 round limit and the sub $700 AR of your choice. The MP15 sport is a great choice as an entry level AR. I have 1 and it has been great. Although with AR market being down $700 buys a lot more than it used to.

I don't get too much brass to face on my G19 gen 4 but it does happen. I'm not really a Glock guy the grip just doesn' t fit my hand as well as some others. It's a great gun though.

The Beretta combo is really fun btw.

 

[Flechette]

Don't have one sorry. I know there's a video out there of what looks like a grizzly killing a deer in Northern Colorado. But it's not definitive

There are definitely grizzlies in Wyoming.

That said, I would be more worried about the two-legged predators I might run into in the woods.

 

[KansasSasquatch]

The CZ that fits you best and the M&P Sport.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

There are definitely grizzlies in Wyoming.

Grizzlies can walk. Just sayin'

 

[Plan2Live]

I am absolutely not a G-lock fanboy, I don't own one and probably never will but based on one of your criteria, life in a non-retail environment, you would be hard pressed to find a pistol with more magazines, parts and accessories floating around than a G-lock. The same goes for the AR platform. If that is your primary criteria then I would go with an AR15 chambered in .223/5.56 and a G-lock 27 with a 9mm conversion barrel and a .357 Sig conversion barrel. The subcompact G-lock accepts the full range of magazines while the conversion barrels gives you additional options. Two is one, one is none.

 

[PoPo22]

I would get whichever 9mm pistol suits you best and an AR-platform in .223/.556 along with a .22 conversion kit. There are plenty of options in the "AR market" right now at decent prices, pick your poison.

 

[JR24]

If you have any resources about Grizzly sightings in Colorado, could you post a link? I always suspected they, along with wolves, would migrate south without much notice. Seems like there's plenty of space in the Northern area of the State.

I've seen some massive cinnamon brown bears in southern Co that could be mistaken for Grizzlies (unless you've seen both). Could be part of the reports, or not... who knows.

 

[Kendahl]

My full size 9 mm is a Performance Center M&P with the 5" ported barrel but no red dot sight. If you don't want the ports, they have versions without them. Also, 4¼" barrels.