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I know this has been tossed around a few times, but have we really come to a consensus of which would ultimatly be better? Idealy we would have the animal shot and killed before it got to us. So in a bear or whatever was on top of you, which would be the better piece and why? If you only had one hand free, you should be able to shoot the double action fairly quickly. Many shooters like a single action for it's rugged, durable, or more simple design, but how many shots could you get off compared to the double action? A Grizzly 50AE (heavy 1911 ish) or I've read about(and talked to) some Canadians about the 45-08 cartridge/gun that they are useing for Grizzly and Black Bear defense. 308 case cut and reamed to 45acp size, loaded with a 200gn SWC at 1450fps. http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=152457 | ||
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I have had a couple of DA backup guns built and I don't think there's much controversy -- when you are underneath whatever it is that is attacking you it is easier to use a DA revolver. I have a .500 Linebaugh built on a Ruger SRH just for such occasions (it can double as a primary hunting tool as well), but it is lightweight and packable. "Ignorance you can correct, you can't fix stupid." JWP If stupidity hurt, a lot of people would be walking around screaming. Semper Fidelis "Building Carpal Tunnel one round at a time" | |||
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me id go single action. Not that its any better but its what i shoot more then anything and i can run one in my sleep. Just to shoot da would take a bit of thinking on my part and i doubt it would come natural under stress and id end up shooting it single action anyway. Plus all my big bores 454 and bigger are sa guns. | |||
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I screwed up and voted to fast. Out of the choises id hands down take a lever gun in 444, 4570 or 50ak. | |||
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If one can have it with you all the time a rifle beats a handgun the trouble it is really easy with a rifle to set it down out of reach leave it at camp ect. Where a handgun in a good holster goes with one all the time. | |||
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So, after stating the obvious twice; what is your choice? If ignorance is bliss; there are some blissful sonofaguns around here. We know who you are, so no reason to point yourselves out. | |||
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This year I am bear hunting with my semi auto shotgun, but my back up handgun is my single action 510 GNR. But if I had a choice I would go with a my lever action 45-70 Guide gun, as my back up gun. Fast and lots of power.. If you're going to make a hole, make it a big one. ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ Member of the Delaware Destroyers Member Reeders Misfits NRA Life Member ENDOWMENT MEMBER NAHC Life Member DSA Life Member | |||
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Fro bear hunting, I'd just take my .500 Linebaugh and leave the shotgun home. If ignorance is bliss; there are some blissful sonofaguns around here. We know who you are, so no reason to point yourselves out. | |||
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Amen to that! "Ignorance you can correct, you can't fix stupid." JWP If stupidity hurt, a lot of people would be walking around screaming. Semper Fidelis "Building Carpal Tunnel one round at a time" | |||
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I have killed 3 bear with my handguns already, 510 GNR and 500 Mag and 45 Long Colt, have not with my shotgun. Killed 2 with my 45-70 Lever gun as well. I am trying out a new slug made for better penetration from Lightfield, it is the Lightfield Commander IDS Plus 3-1/2" 12 ga. Saboted Shotgun Slugs. I guess if I never killed a bear with a handgun already, I would use one. http://www.lightfieldslugs.com...s/Detail/?c=91&p=342 If you're going to make a hole, make it a big one. ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ Member of the Delaware Destroyers Member Reeders Misfits NRA Life Member ENDOWMENT MEMBER NAHC Life Member DSA Life Member | |||
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oh boy were wher wee, ah yes double action all the way | |||
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Have never killed a deer with a shotgun, although I'm over 200 with handguns and several head of African game with handguns. For some reason I just don't feel cheated by this. If ignorance is bliss; there are some blissful sonofaguns around here. We know who you are, so no reason to point yourselves out. | |||
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Either gun will work, its really a matter of what you are the most familiar with. The biggest problem I see with most people who answer these questions about back up guns is they tend to over gun themselves & think "power" is going to save them...hitting the target is pretty high on the list of things that are necessary! Good, tough, heavy bullets at a velocity you can handle will get the job done, whether its a 41 maggie at 1000 fps or a 475 at the same speed. Dick | |||
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To each his own... I like to use all my guns. That is whay I buy them... If you lived in Delaware, you would have used nothing but a shotgun, up until 2 years ago when they started allowing handgun. If you're going to make a hole, make it a big one. ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ Member of the Delaware Destroyers Member Reeders Misfits NRA Life Member ENDOWMENT MEMBER NAHC Life Member DSA Life Member | |||
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Over power does not mean you can't hit your target. I do well with my 510 and 500 mag off hand. I never thought there was such a thing as to much power...lol  If you're going to make a hole, make it a big one. ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ Member of the Delaware Destroyers Member Reeders Misfits NRA Life Member ENDOWMENT MEMBER NAHC Life Member DSA Life Member | |||
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If you are doing well with your 510 & 500 offhand then you are way ahead of the game...but most people do "over power" but won't admit it & they can't hit the target because of the recoil. Yes, you can have too much power, its absolutely worthless if the shot goes in the dirt, I've shot quite a few bears & hitting them seems to impress them more than a powerful miss! Color phase bear (6' 9") Ruger 44 maggie & the 250 Keith at about 81 yds.  Dick | |||
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That's the beauty of the 500 Linebaugh; I don't have to load "Al Anderson" loads in it to be effective. If ignorance is bliss; there are some blissful sonofaguns around here. We know who you are, so no reason to point yourselves out. | |||
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Around here, shotguns get more use for birds, small game and home invaders; at least that is why we have them. If ignorance is bliss; there are some blissful sonofaguns around here. We know who you are, so no reason to point yourselves out. | |||
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On the 45-08 thingy, isn't that OBE now w/the 460 Rowland being commercially loaded and available? | |||
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Als loads would wake you up! I laughed one day when we were shooting 500s. His gun even sounded different then mine. A real sharp crack instead of a boom. His condition though has him admitting he will probably never shoot those loads again. Hes more into the 900fps loads now.
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Here is some information that may change perspective on your question. 5 Star Firearms in Illinois makes high-quality speed loaders. I am sending them several manufacturers' 480 Ruger cases. They are making Super Redhawk 480 speed loaders within the next two months. I have SRH 480s, one of which, with speed loaders, would be an interesting, useful duty revolver (I've posted its photos elsewhere, a heavily customized 4.75-inch barreled revolver). With an ability to reload in a timely way, the SRH becomes an interesting revolver for the purpose you have in mind, regardless of barrel length. It's so simple to be wise. Just think of something stupid to say and then don't say it. Sam Levinson | |||
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And here is my .500 Linebaugh version with a 5-inch barrel. It weighs less than three pounds, so it carries nicely:  "Ignorance you can correct, you can't fix stupid." JWP If stupidity hurt, a lot of people would be walking around screaming. Semper Fidelis "Building Carpal Tunnel one round at a time" | |||
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This has been the most truthful thing said. Have your fishing rod in one hand, grab the .475 or .500 with the other and shoot at a charging bear---HEE HEE, yeah sure, you are going to hit the thing. But the shot will not go in the dirt, it will go way over the bear from recoil. Time, time, time, do you have time with a bear coming at you 30 mph to drop the rod, get the gun out and get both hands on it for a hard hold? There are so few guys that can shoot double action fast with a big bore cannon I can't count them on one finger. You need ONE shot and there is no time for five. If you know the single action you will make the first shot and if you need recoil bad enough to clunk your head, you will miss. Macho does not work. I would rather have a single action .44 with a good boolit then all the big guns. Double action shooting takes 10 times more practice with any gun. You can dump the cylinder double action with too much recoil and wind up in the bears stomach. To tell the truth, with all of my shooting experience, I can NOT hit with one hand with the .475. The big calibers are better for primary hunting then for carry. | |||
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What you can handle,heavy for caliber loads.I like single actions and can work them effectively.You've got to hit what your aiming at or it's useless. "If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence,try orderin' someone else's dog around" unknown cowboy | |||
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Talk to people who live with bear and you will find out a shotgun is preferred over a handgun any day. I don't understand why you are making an issue over this shotgun thing. If you're going to make a hole, make it a big one. ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ Member of the Delaware Destroyers Member Reeders Misfits NRA Life Member ENDOWMENT MEMBER NAHC Life Member DSA Life Member | |||
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OK...  If you're going to make a hole, make it a big one. ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ Member of the Delaware Destroyers Member Reeders Misfits NRA Life Member ENDOWMENT MEMBER NAHC Life Member DSA Life Member | |||
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I much prefer a 4" S&W 44 Mag. For ammo, a heavy hard cast "lead" bullet from 240 to 310 grains. DOUBLE RIFLE SHOOTERS SOCIETY | |||
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Alex, there you go getting melodramatic again. Are you trying for another Oscar? I obviously don't live in "bear country", although we do have them down here and three counties over is the location of the origin of the Teddy Bear. Different people use tools for similar, but different purposes. Nothing more, nothing less. If ignorance is bliss; there are some blissful sonofaguns around here. We know who you are, so no reason to point yourselves out. | |||
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Perhaps because the average person can operate a shotgun more easily than a hand cannon. Unless that shotgun is loaded with Dixie Slugs, I don't think it is necessarily more effective than a .500 anything. JMHO. "Ignorance you can correct, you can't fix stupid." JWP If stupidity hurt, a lot of people would be walking around screaming. Semper Fidelis "Building Carpal Tunnel one round at a time" | |||
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This is why I don't post much here anymore. If people don't blow smoke up your ass you make snide remarks. All I did was say what I am using, and you have to make it seem as if a shotgun is for birds and small game only. Yep you know it all don't you Hitman. And your Oscar comment, it was uncalled for, so to you I say FO. If you're going to make a hole, make it a big one. ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ Member of the Delaware Destroyers Member Reeders Misfits NRA Life Member ENDOWMENT MEMBER NAHC Life Member DSA Life Member | |||
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Marko you are 100% correct. The problem with "some" handgun hunters and carriers, they have not had enough practice, nor have they ever had to shoot in a stressful situation. So most of what people say is pure speculation. The only true people that can answer that question are, people that have been in that situation. I think JWP was in that situation on a moose hunt of his. So his in site and opinion would have more weight than any of us speculating on what we would do or what we think. If you're going to make a hole, make it a big one. ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ Member of the Delaware Destroyers Member Reeders Misfits NRA Life Member ENDOWMENT MEMBER NAHC Life Member DSA Life Member | |||
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Alex, I believed your absence was just to save the rest of us your drama. Please engage your brain just long enough to comprehend that I did not say shotguns are not used for bear, just that I personally do not use them for such purpose. You are off base about the smoke up my butt. It actually means to try to fool someone into thinking the smoker knows more than the smokee. This is not something I tolerate, much less enjoy. I agree, the Oscar comment was uncalled for as it was mostly likely overgenerous with regards to your acting skills. To you I say have a good day. If ignorance is bliss; there are some blissful sonofaguns around here. We know who you are, so no reason to point yourselves out. | |||
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You win, you can have the last word. If you're going to make a hole, make it a big one. ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ Member of the Delaware Destroyers Member Reeders Misfits NRA Life Member ENDOWMENT MEMBER NAHC Life Member DSA Life Member | |||
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For sure...Double Action as backup dangerous game pistol. "A Lone Hunter is the Best Hunter..." | |||
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May be I missed something here. By "Back Up" I am assumeing that is a hand gun to use as a last ditch effort. To me that means...My rifle (shot gun etc) dident get the job done, and now its hand to teeth and claw combat. If it's gotten this far there a good chance I will only beable to use 1 hand. So for me trying to get whats got hold of me to turn loose I want a double action 6 gun that wont kick free of my hand with recoil and I can keep pulling the trigger till its over. Hang on TITE !! | |||
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And I guess that is the crux of the argument. If something has you in its jaws, you need somthing you can put up next to its hide and squeeze until it stops biting. That would be the advantage the DA has over the SA in this particular situation. "Ignorance you can correct, you can't fix stupid." JWP If stupidity hurt, a lot of people would be walking around screaming. Semper Fidelis "Building Carpal Tunnel one round at a time" | |||
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Where did you get that one?!?! I think I want to sell half of my safe and get one on order. <--DROOL That with a Stainless M92 to match would be great. Does anyone know if the 500 Linebaugh will fit in a M92? | |||
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I have what John Taffin calls a 3P. Perfect Packing Pistol. Four-inch Colt Anaconda in 45 Long Colt. Carries easy, and 320gr hard cast with your bullet lube at 1200fps kills stuff D-E-A-D. Rich | |||
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Lar45, Jack Huntington built me that piece last year. It's a real thumper on both ends! "Ignorance you can correct, you can't fix stupid." JWP If stupidity hurt, a lot of people would be walking around screaming. Semper Fidelis "Building Carpal Tunnel one round at a time" | |||
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All of this talk about bears and other dangerous game has frightened me. I went out today and purchased a Redhawk in .45 Colt to protect myself.   | |||
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The Accurate Reloading Forums THE ACCURATE RELOADING.COM FORUMS Hunting Handgun Hunting Single vs Double action for a dangerous game backup piece?
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