In your experience what is the MOST common rifle used in hunting bears in AK. I know that different rifles could be used for the two, but I am asking for a GENERAL consensus of what you have seen in the field. Caliber, finish, stock,scopes, sights etc. are NOT needed, just the Make and model.

Question:
Most common bear rifle=

Choices:
Winchester 70
Remington 700
Ruger 77
Browning A-Bolt
Other

 

I guess my vote is kind of biased. I hunt with a pair of winchester classics in 300 win and 375 H&H. Most of my buddies use model 70 or Ruger 77. I don't really notice a marked trend in rifle make though.

Have seen many bolt guns being used, far back as I can remember Winchester pretty much was a strong choice. Seen lots of Rems too and lately noticed alot more Rugers. Alot more .338's are being chosen.

Most common bear rifles-pertaining to what species? I can almost assume it is the coastal bears you have reference too. I do not hunt them at all just never in there terrain-lots of the Interior bears for sure.

Come to thinking about your question it sure leaves out alot of others that come to mind that are pretty capable as well. Them miners I grew up to hanging on to the shirtails of carried alot of old war guns, 30-40's, .30-06, 30carbine, well you get the idea. Tough question I quess, I will leave to others to surmise.

I gotta agree with bear. I dont think there is a certain brand or make that folks use up here. I voted as other cuz you see all brands, with no one brand that sticks out. of course I dont hang out at rabbit creek where the weekend warriors go (nothing against the diehards, cuz its really rhe only range, I had witnessed to many unsafe acts since they hired all the RSO's. I try not to shoot there), well, I'm gonna keep my mouth shut on that range.

I'd also say there is no one favorite rifle, especially when you lump together both black and brown bears. With them lumped together I'd say a bolt action 30-06, as it's the most popular big game rifle up here, but no paticular favorite brand. Ruger M77 allweathers are fairly popular because of both their ruggedness and cost.

Joel,

I agree with you about the range, and I'm glad I only go their at lunchtime as it typically isn't too crowded. I've seen some pretty stupid stuff. The biggest shock was when I was on the pistol range, the guy next to me doesn't call a ceasefire, and heads down range to check his target while folks are still shooting! But that Darwinian act doesn't rile me up nearly as bad as the bonehead who decides to dial in his scope during a ceasefire when you're heading down range.

I've learned never to be in a hurry to head down range after a ceasefire has been called, as I want to make sure no funny stuff is going on while I'm headed down, and I tend to glance back now and again.

I really could use to find a good gravel pit to take the kids out to.

has anyone used these wildcats http://www.z-hat.com/HawkContents.htm on ursus horribilus

Paul H

Its obvious that your range "officers" are incompetant. Where i go a cease fire is called on a loudspeaker and everyone must exit the benches before anyone is allowed down range. Very simple actually, and they always check guys to make sure only one round at a time and if your sitting there talking or something with your bolt closed they will come over and ask you to open your bolt or action.

Right before deer season the range gets really crowded so i usually stay away. One year i did have some jackass with a rifle pointed at my back with his bolt closed. I told him to get that barrel away from me and he said " it aint loaded" well how the heck did i know.

scr83

Ed Stevenson runs a guiding service for bears in AK. He has used the 375 and 411 hawk rounds in a Win 95 to kill brownies, says they work very well.

quote:

Originally posted by fgulla:
scr83

Ed Stevenson runs a guiding service for bears in AK. He has used the 375 and 411 hawk rounds in a Win 95 to kill brownies, says they work very well.

It was interesting reading that Hawk ammo is modified new 30-06 brass,several shooters on another forum are considering building a rifle for the Hawk cartridge.

I used a W. German Weatherby Mark 5 in .340 Wby. Mag. to take my Kodiak Bear. My guide used a Browning Safari with long extractors, and his Father used a Pre'64 Model 70 in .375 H&H as his backup gun. My .340 did good work dropping the giant at 25 yards with a neck shot.

quote:

Originally posted by fgulla:
Paul H

Its obvious that your range "officers" are incompetant. Where i go a cease fire is called on a loudspeaker and everyone must exit the benches before anyone is allowed down range. Very simple actually, and they always check guys to make sure only one round at a time and if your sitting there talking or something with your bolt closed they will come over and ask you to open your bolt or action.

Right before deer season the range gets really crowded so i usually stay away. One year i did have some jackass with a rifle pointed at my back with his bolt closed. I told him to get that barrel away from me and he said " it aint loaded" well how the heck did i know.

Since Alaska isn't a police state, things are typically a bit more low key. During the week there are typically only a few guys at the range, and we're allowed to call cease fires as needed. No real problem with responsibly reasonable adults.

I don't see how the range guys compitancy has anything to do with an idiot walking down range while people are firing???

I don't know if it is possible, but this should have been a two part poll! The one here, and another one for the cartridge used most often in each rifle choices. I think far better understanding of what is used for the different bears, both rifle, and cartridge.

In the case of this poll! I would say since the Mod 70 is the winner, I'd also predict the caliber would be a toss up between the 30-06, and the 300 Win Mag, for resident hunters, that are not guides. With out of staters tipping toward the hotter 300 mags.

IMO, however if Bear guides, in Alaska, were polled, I think you would find that the 338 Win Mag would far outweigh all the other choices for chambering, with the 375 H&H running a close second,with one well known Brown Bear guide useing a 458 Win Mag, mod 70. The Clients, from out of state useing many of the 300 mags from different makers!

I shot my Black Bear with my 300 RUM. It was instant death. I was in Ontario tho.