Had a run in with a bear

[asdf]

Oh I was ready to wrestle the bear.. bare (you wouldn't have wanted to see those aftermath photos. The glock was 40S&W with Federal HydraShock... so they probably would have just flattened on the things skull.

Yep, rightway1974.. that's what I was banking on, I'm not currently in need of bear meat of the fur... so no need to throw rounds at it..especially with a small pistol.

Thanks fosgarra

 

[SchmittZoid]

Bear defense sidearm, IWB carried . . . . .

 

[kuduman]

I've come to the conclusion that the recommended rifle for bear defense/hunting is the 45-70 guide gun. Does anyone else have recommended options or experience with this firearm to give the go ahead.

Obviously you read the right stuff. And properly interpreted the chaff posts...

That is precisely the best tool-- the only thing that comes close is a 12-gauge, with rifled barrel and sabot slugs. Nothing else has the penetration, except .375 H&H and larger dangerous game rifles. They're heavier and slower to operate, FWIW.

I had one, and foolishly sold it (a Guide Gun). Awesome. Recoil is... brisk... to say the least. Downrange effect with Garrett class ammo is fabulous.

Buy one, buy some large meplat Garrett or Buffalo Bore ammo, and never look back. You chose correctly.

EDIT: I see someone beat me to mentioning Garrett Hammerhead ammo. That's what I would carry. I've shot it; penetration is as Garrett describes.

 

[SOLGardener]

Wait, we're talking about black bears, right? My father in law killed one with a 22 magnum pistol. That marine killed one up in Helen with a log.

 

[kuduman]

Hmmm... yeah, I'm thinking grizzly. .30-30 is plenty for black bears.

.45-70 will work obviously, and the Guide Gun is a wonderful gun... but Garrett Hammerheads at $4 a pop aren't needed.

http://www.garrettcartridges.com/4570540tech.html

 

[DinkyDau]

STORY TIME ~
My girlfriend and I are camping at Paris Mountain State Park near Greenville, SC. We choose a primitive campsite cause we're not sissies (unless there's bear) Our food is packed away in a tree away from camp (common practice)
So we're tucked in the tent and around midnight, I hear scratching and some type of groan (I'm not fluent in bear) I grab my headlamp point it out the vent and would you look at that there's a black bear about a yard away from the tent.. So I throw the pans at my girlfriend and tell her to start cooking (sorry, had to) and I'm pointing my glock at the thing which is just laughable... Luckily it hauled as soon as the pans started or we would have had an interesting time, you can guess it took a while to get to sleep that night...

After the fact I was wearing my gun, a machete, pushdagger, neck knife, and a kershaw that I had just got lucky finding (options are options)

Bang her and the bear and they will go to sleep, one permanently problem solved and the two of you are happy!

 

[Bennyboy]

Guide Gun isn't a bad choice but isn't necessary for any bears in South Carolina. You're 40 would have probably worked fine, though it wouldn't be my first choice. I'd look into a 10mm/45 Super if you like an autos or 357/41/44mag if you like revolvers. A handgun is much handier when camping. The long gun will inevitably be leaning against a tree out of reach when you need it.

Granted, if you just want the extra security of a long gun, the Guide Gun loaded with standard pressure 45-70 (like Corelokts) won't kick bad and would still flatten a black bear.

 

[shadowman3861]

Here you go. 12 ga slug.

 

[dink959]

Bear defense sidearm, IWB carried . . . . .

View attachment 895288

No IWB. I'm thinking tasseled deer hide with bead work shoulder holster.

 

[GAGunguy]

I rented a cabin in blue ridge...left the food out, and the groceries on the counter...came back to Yogi bear in the kitchen.

Called 911, they showed up and darted the little guy. Pretty funny actually.