Interesting read. I say carry what you want to carry. Use what you believe works for YOU. Become proficient with your tool(s) of choice. Bear spray is effective, but....

quote:

Originally posted by A.J. Hydell:

quote:

Originally posted by 458Win:
But do you also carry a rifle, wear a jacket, raincoat and heavy backpack all day also ?

Do you carry all that?

Were you carrying all that gear when you shot that bear with your 9mm?

Everything but the rifle. Which is why I chose a handgun. It's rather difficult assisting Fly fishermen on small streams carrying a rifle .

quote:

Originally posted by Cold Trigger Finger:

quote:

Originally posted by 458Win:
There would be if many folks held with your opinion.
I live in one of, of not the, densists population of bears in the world and have had to shoot only one unwounded bear in 40 years !

I don't like killing bears !

But I do love hunting them .

I doubt it has a denser brown bear population than the N.E.Chichagof Is. Controlled Use Area.
Spend a bunch of time out in the brush there and you will have ample reason to have to shoot bears to keep from getting bloody. Southeast brown bear don't seem to be as domesticated as bears out west.
I've had to kill very very few of the hundreds of brown bear I've been up close to over a span of 3 decades.

Not much sense arguing over who has seen and killed the most bears or what portion of the state has the most or biggest bears as Fish and Game has records On most of those and anyone wanting to know can look them up.

As for seeing bears, I have no doubt you may have had days when you saw many. So have I and I am not trying to tell anyone what they need to carry for bear protection. We are both alive and what you have done has worked for you and what I have chosen has worked for me.

quote:

Everything but the rifle. Which is why I chose a handgun. It's rather difficult assisting Fly fishermen on small streams carrying a rifle .

Same for the average pistol carrier it is easier to carry a handgun then a long gun when doing other things besides hunting.

quote:

Originally posted by p dog shooter:

quote:

Everything but the rifle. Which is why I chose a handgun. It's rather difficult assisting Fly fishermen on small streams carrying a rifle .

Same for the average pistol carrier it is easier to carry a handgun then a long gun when doing other things besides hunting.

It's also easier to just carry a handgun and no long gun when hunting!

Very true, but a handguns do pose serious limitation, which is OK if you wish to specifically hunt with one for that reason, or are carrying one for just in case, like a life preserver or fire extinguisher.
But if you are actually looking at jousting with really large brown bears my preference is a rifle ! Preferably my 458

quote:

But if you are actually looking at jousting with really large brown bears my preference is a rifle

When standing next to a full size brown bear mount in the Anchorage airport years ago.

I decided to build a 416 Taylor for any brown bear hunt I would go on.

Today I would build or just buy a 416 Ruger.

They are big critters for sure.

quote:

Originally posted by p dog shooter:

quote:

But if you are actually looking at jousting with really large brown bears my preference is a rifle

When standing next to a full size brown bear mount in the Anchorage airport years ago.

I decided to build a 416 Taylor for any brown bear hunt I would go on.

Today I would build or just buy a 416 Ruger.

They are big critters for sure.

The 416 Ruger is a fantastic round for the biggest bears.

quote:

Originally posted by 458Win:

quote:

Originally posted by p dog shooter:

quote:

But if you are actually looking at jousting with really large brown bears my preference is a rifle

When standing next to a full size brown bear mount in the Anchorage airport years ago.

I decided to build a 416 Taylor for any brown bear hunt I would go on.

Today I would build or just buy a 416 Ruger.

They are big critters for sure.

The 416 Ruger is a fantastic round for the biggest bears.

Except for the fact the Ruger has piss poor quality control, I’d think a Ruger guide gun in a .416 Ruger is about as close to a perfect out of the box Ak brush gun as you can get. There are only a couple of things I’d do to one. First go through it with a fine tooth comb to make sure it was fully operational and ready to go to work. Second ditch the laminate stock for a lighter, rock solid synthetic stock.

I’ve had two factory Rugers that wouldn’t go bang every time you pulled the trigger so I’d really want to make sure that was hammered out before taking it a field.

quote:

Originally posted by surestrike:

quote:

Originally posted by 458Win:

quote:

Originally posted by p dog shooter:

quote:

But if you are actually looking at jousting with really large brown bears my preference is a rifle

When standing next to a full size brown bear mount in the Anchorage airport years ago.

I decided to build a 416 Taylor for any brown bear hunt I would go on.

Today I would build or just buy a 416 Ruger.

They are big critters for sure.

The 416 Ruger is a fantastic round for the biggest bears.

Except for the fact the Ruger has piss poor quality control, I’d think a Ruger guide gun in a .416 Ruger is about as close to a perfect out of the box Ak brush gun as you can get. There are only a couple of things I’d do to one. First go through it with a fine tooth comb to make sure it was fully operational and ready to go to work. Second ditch the laminate stock for a lighter, rock solid synthetic stock.

I’ve had two factory Rugers that wouldn’t go bang every time you pulled the trigger so I’d really want to make sure that was hammered out before taking it a field.

ANY and EVERY rifle you intend to hunt dangerous game with needs to be carefully checked out for functionality and reliability!

Handguns are no different

quote:

ANY and EVERY rifle you intend to hunt dangerous game with needs to be carefully checked out for functionality and reliability!Handguns are no different

Some people tend to forget that the majority of firearms are massed produced on assembly lines.

Some are fantastic, some are pieces of crap most do the job they are designed for.

It is all about numbers the faster you can make them the more money you can make.

Just like buying vehicles you want one made during middle of the week when every body at the top of there game.

Just more fuel for the fire.

Here's the link I tried to post earlier. Now granted, I don't think Mr. Dobbs was using his 10mm as a charge stopper. http://razordobbsalive.com/razor-dobbs-kills-two-cape-buffalo-10mm-auto-pistol-interview

quote:

Originally posted by 458Win:

quote:

Originally posted by surestrike:

quote:

Originally posted by 458Win:

quote:

Originally posted by p dog shooter:

quote:

But if you are actually looking at jousting with really large brown bears my preference is a rifle

When standing next to a full size brown bear mount in the Anchorage airport years ago.

I decided to build a 416 Taylor for any brown bear hunt I would go on.

Today I would build or just buy a 416 Ruger.

They are big critters for sure.

The 416 Ruger is a fantastic round for the biggest bears.

Except for the fact the Ruger has piss poor quality control, I’d think a Ruger guide gun in a .416 Ruger is about as close to a perfect out of the box Ak brush gun as you can get. There are only a couple of things I’d do to one. First go through it with a fine tooth comb to make sure it was fully operational and ready to go to work. Second ditch the laminate stock for a lighter, rock solid synthetic stock.

I’ve had two factory Rugers that wouldn’t go bang every time you pulled the trigger so I’d really want to make sure that was hammered out before taking it a field.

ANY and EVERY rifle you intend to hunt dangerous game with needs to be carefully checked out for functionality and reliability!

Handguns are no different

Exactly correct. And I’ve had more than my fair share of stupid issues with Rugers so check them out extra carefully. I don’t take a rifle hunting until I’ve put a hundred or so rounds through it and played with it in field conditions trying to figure out if it has any flaws.

quote:

Originally posted by surestrike:

quote:

Originally posted by 458Win:

quote:

Originally posted by surestrike:

quote:

Originally posted by 458Win:

quote:

Originally posted by p dog shooter:

quote:

But if you are actually looking at jousting with really large brown bears my preference is a rifle

When standing next to a full size brown bear mount in the Anchorage airport years ago.

I decided to build a 416 Taylor for any brown bear hunt I would go on.

Today I would build or just buy a 416 Ruger.

They are big critters for sure.

The 416 Ruger is a fantastic round for the biggest bears.

Except for the fact the Ruger has piss poor quality control, I’d think a Ruger guide gun in a .416 Ruger is about as close to a perfect out of the box Ak brush gun as you can get. There are only a couple of things I’d do to one. First go through it with a fine tooth comb to make sure it was fully operational and ready to go to work. Second ditch the laminate stock for a lighter, rock solid synthetic stock.

I’ve had two factory Rugers that wouldn’t go bang every time you pulled the trigger so I’d really want to make sure that was hammered out before taking it a field.

ANY and EVERY rifle you intend to hunt dangerous game with needs to be carefully checked out for functionality and reliability!

Handguns are no different

And I’ve had more than my fair share of stupid issues with Rugers so check them out extra carefully. I don’t take a rifle hunting until I’ve put a hundred or so rounds through it and played with it in field conditions trying to figure out if it has any flaws.

Yup.

In recent years Ruger products have become known for hit-or-miss Q.C. problems. Not just rifles, but some models in their revolver line as well.

Had one of their .308 GSRs for about a week. This was one of their early models. Had problems with feeding (jams), sticky extraction, and ejection. Most of the issue was the crappy proprietary magazine, I'm sure, but even with the mag removed the bolt never really cycled smoothly. Crap.

Returned it to my FFL, got a full refund, and he shipped the rifle back to Ruger with a nasty letter enclosed.

Apparently, others experienced similar issues with their 'Scout Rifles.'

https://www.ar15.com/forums/tr...fle_Class/19-233966/

That said, I do have a much older Ruger Express rifle that runs like a top and is quite accurate.

I see no mention of Dr.Stephen Herrero's
"Bear Attacks: Their Causes and Avoiodance".
Granted-its just a book but the author is on many Canadian-Alaskan Inter-agency bear decision boards
for the US Park Service and USFS.

Pistols in close situations may well help. Older Winchesters have an excellent record against bears.
Most charged and hit by bears probably wish they had something else in their hands for a "bear gun".

I carry a pre-war Model 71 in 450 Alaskan. Very reliable and easy to carry. Energy level far superior to anything sitting in a holster or rucksack.
You pays your nickle and take your chances.

quote:

Originally posted by surestrike:

quote:

Originally posted by 458Win:

quote:

Originally posted by p dog shooter:

quote:

But if you are actually looking at jousting with really large brown bears my preference is a rifle

When standing next to a full size brown bear mount in the Anchorage airport years ago.

I decided to build a 416 Taylor for any brown bear hunt I would go on.

Today I would build or just buy a 416 Ruger.

They are big critters for sure.

The 416 Ruger is a fantastic round for the biggest bears.

Except for the fact the Ruger has piss poor quality control, I’d think a Ruger guide gun in a .416 Ruger is about as close to a perfect out of the box Ak brush gun as you can get. There are only a couple of things I’d do to one. First go through it with a fine tooth comb to make sure it was fully operational and ready to go to work. Second ditch the laminate stock for a lighter, rock solid synthetic stock.

What's wrong with the Guide Guns laminated stock?? My small issue with it is the comb is a little high for me to pickup the sights well. About 15 minutes with a rasp and some hand sanding will solve that problem for me. Otherwise it's a very nice and tough stock.

quote:

I carry a pre-war Model 71 in 450 Alaskan. Very reliable and easy to carry. Energy level far superior to anything sitting in a holster or rucksack. You pays your nickle and take your chances

Most rifles have more energy then most handguns.

But there is still the problem of carrying the rifle doing everything one does everyday.

No one here would argue that a long gun is not superior to a handgun.

The argument is whether you have your rifle with you all the time.

quote:

I see no mention of Dr.Stephen Herrero's"Bear Attacks: Their Causes and Avoiodance".Granted-its just a book but the author is on many Canadian-Alaskan Inter-agency bear decision boardsfor the US Park Service and USFS.

Herrero is mention in the article.

Read more: https://www.ammoland.com/2018/...liber/#ixzz5DgMuKPIS
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The often cited Efficacy of firearms for bear deterrence in Alaska by Tom S. Smith, Stephen Herrero, and others, included 37 instances of a handgun being present when a bear attacked a human. The instances collected were from 1883 to 2009. They recorded 6 failures to stop the attack out of the 37 instances. That is an 84% success rate. Pistol and ammunition technology have greatly improved since 1883

the author has done many other articles on the subject where he talks about that study and other studies.

Just go to.

www.gunwatch.blogspot.com/ search bears and you well find them.

Feel free to read them and you well find the answer to many of your questions.

The National Park Service has internal regs on
firearms carrying-its legal. BUT, you can't discharge
guns in NPS Parks. Interesting commentary on the government.
For those trips I stick a 45 Colt or 44 Magnum in
my carrypack or rucksack. Pistols are handier
when fly fishing or doing other things in the bush.
Its nice to have a pistol
backing up a rifle or vice versa.

quote:

Originally posted by 450 Fuller:
The National Park Service has internal regs on
firearms carrying-its legal. BUT, you can't discharge
guns in NPS Parks. Interesting commentary on the government.* * *

You're right. And 'stupid is as stupid does.'