Good cheap bear gun for Grizzly country

[LordMDP]

Hey guys, taking the family out west in July. We're going to be exploring a lot of Western Montana and coming down into Wyoming & Idaho. My daughter is 10months old now and will be in the child backpack for day hikes. Anytime I went out there in the past(before I had a kid) I just had bear spray. Since we have a little one now I want to carry a firearm in addition to bear spray.

It needs to be: a handgun for size/convivence
large enough caliber to do some damage on a big animal if worst case scenario
it needs to be affordable(like under $500 or) (this trip is adding up quickly)


I've always like .44 magnums. I don't know what alls out there but want to read your opinions and what you'd carry. thanks

 

[jaxyaks]

I'm not sure you are going to find it in your price range...(possibly a used Taurus?) but 44 mag is the minimum for me in Grizzly country.

A lot of people like the 10mm as well. I am not among them. But you may get lucky and find something in 10mm close to your desired price range.

Make sure whatever calibre you choose that you choose the right ammo. Buffalo Bore has adequate ammunition for 10mm and all other bear defense rounds. Especially be choosy in the ammo in the 10mm. An off the shelf defensive load for humans would be inadequate for your usage.

Buffalo Bore has a 9mm round that can and has worked in a bear defense incident, It would not be my first second or third choice, but would be better than a sharp stick if all you had was a 9mm handgun. ( I looked into this load extensively when a buddy of mine was going to accompany me in the areas you are going now). he did not and could not buy anything bigger and I didn't have a spare 44 I could loan him, so I did a pretty deep dive in their 9mm offering.

If you go with any kind of semi auto using bear loads, make sure to shoot enough of them beforehand to ensure flawless function. Some models need new recoil springs etc. (This is one of the main reasons I am not fond of a semi auto for this purpose)

 

[David Postell]

You can’t go wrong with a Taurus 357/44 but with your budget your probably just gonna be a little short. Same with a Glock in 10mm 20/29

 

[Sharpsburg]

I’d use bear spray before choosing 9mm. In fact, bear spray may be my first choice period.

 

[palmettomoon]

Under $500?

There is no price I wouldn't pay to keep from becoming bear shyte. But then, I have an unnatural fear of bears.

 

[Tblevins45]

Hey guys, taking the family out west in July. We're going to be exploring a lot of Western Montana and coming down into Wyoming & Idaho. My daughter is 10months old now and will be in the child backpack for day hikes. Anytime I went out there in the past(before I had a kid) I just had bear spray. Since we have a little one now I want to carry a firearm in addition to bear spray.

It needs to be: a handgun for size/convivence
large enough caliber to do some damage on a big animal if worst case scenario
it needs to be affordable(like under $500 or) (this trip is adding up quickly)


I've always like .44 magnums. I don't know what alls out there but want to read your opinions and what you'd carry. thanks

I like the 44 mag but it's not cheap and ammo is hard to come across at times now days. The other option is a 10mm it has the stopping power also ,not like the 44, but good penatration and capable of holding more rounds per reload more affordable and capable of more rounds down range in less time. Good luck that's my opinion.

 

[jaxyaks]

Whichever you choose, practice drawing and firing with it from the position you plan on firing it from, including putting your daughters back pack on etc. Chest rigs are handy for back county hiking etc. If you do have to use it, its gonna be up close and quick..very quick...Grizzlys (and bears in general) are quick when they want to be.

And if its a grizzly your pretty much going to have to have it fall at your feet or take a swipe at you to avoid issues with fish and game (feds and state). No 15-20 yard shots unless you want trouble.

 

[hikingthehills]

Under $500?

There is no price I wouldn't pay to keep from becoming bear shyte. But then, I have an unnatural fear of bears.

Exactly, I would pop another Benji on the table and grab a Glock in 10mm. As said before, get some Buffalo bore ammo.

 

[Sharpsburg]

You probably won’t find cheaper than this. Ruger Blackhawk for $500.

Item Gone: FS Fs

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www.theoutdoorstrader.com

 

[jaxyaks]

I just checked, Buffalo Bore looks like they have all of their dangerous game and outdoorsman loads in stock for the 44/10/9. 45 colt etc.