Bear Defense

17 May 2007, 09:28

Swarovski

Bear Defense

Hi guys,

I got a job as a wrangler in the Northwest Territories and will be hunting for Dall Sheep. I was told to get a bear gun of some sort so I was looking for recommendations. I will be packing it on a horse most of the time.

So far I have looked at the Marlin Guide Gun in 45/70, Defender shotgun?
Is there any need to go bigger than a 45/70... .450 Marlin or .458 win?

17 May 2007, 09:59

.366torque

Guide gun in 45/70 or 450 will be good for up close.
Maybe a rifled slug barrel in a pump action might be good as well.

17 May 2007, 11:37

Arctic

The guide gun and a bear banger pistol will suffice. The bear banger will get them running 99% of the time, saving the hassle of killing and the paperwork. But when it comes down to the tight spots, the 45-70 with handloads will prove sufficient medicine that the bear can't live through.
~Arctic~

18 May 2007, 09:59

N E 450 No2

A Marlin 45/70 Guide Gun, or a short synthentic 375 H&H bolt rifle would be a good choice.

But I would also carry a 44 Magnum revolver, either a S&W 4" or a Ruger with a 5.5inch bbl or 4 3/4".
Federal Cast Core 300gr will work just fine.

While I would prefer a rifle.... You cannot always have it in your hands when working. I would wear the revolver in a crossdraw holster ALL THE TIME.

18 May 2007, 10:06

.366torque

quote:
Originally posted by N E 450 No2:
A Marlin 45/70 Guide Gun, or a short synthentic 375 H&H bolt rifle would be a good choice.

But I would also carry a 44 Magnum revolver, either a S&W 4" or a Ruger with a 5.5inch bbl or 4 3/4".
Federal Cast Core 300gr will work just fine.

While I would prefer a rifle.... You cannot always have it in your hands when working. I would wear the revolver in a crossdraw holster ALL THE TIME.

Sounds good, however, we Canadians are deprived of carrying or using a handgun out of the local gun ranges.

18 May 2007, 10:50

N E 450 No2

.366torque
Ooops... I saw he was in Northwest Territories but I forgot....

Then a short powerful, handy rifle will have to do. Just keep it VERY CLOSE.

And carry a big knife.

18 May 2007, 23:45

Gatehouse

I'd take whatever rifle you own and can shoot well, as long as it is about 30 caliber or more.