How does your local neighborhood game warden view carrying a rifle for bears and bad guys in remote areas? I would be fishing or hiking, but not hunting. Bringing a revolver through Canada is impossible, and I am not fond of mailing it twice. I understand it is legal, but how is it enforced?

quote:

Originally posted by Arniet:
How does your local neighborhood game warden view carrying a rifle for bears and bad guys in remote areas? I would be fishing or hiking, but not hunting. Bringing a revolver through Canada is impossible, and I am not fond of mailing it twice. I understand it is legal, but how is it enforced?

If you are a Felon you will have a problem!
If it is legal it is legal, I don't get your question.

If it is the only firearm you have available they work.

Carrying a long gun every where doing every day things can quickly be come a pain in the but.

Bringing a hand gun thru Canada is possible.

Bringing hollow point ammo thru Canada is highly un-likely.

It is legal to carry any firearm while in the bush for personal protection in Alaska.

The Game warden won't care what you are carrying. This is Alaska, we're not like some lower 48 states where firearms ownership is micromanaged by the state, county or city...not yet anyway.

quote:

Originally posted by sep:
This is Alaska

Yes it is!

He may have been watching the show Alaska State Troopers, That show pisses me off with their b/s about our guns! The Truth is not in that narrator!!

quote:

Bringing a hand gun thru Canada is possible.

Dan: Could you please explain the process you are referring to. Thanks.

I,'ll bite. Expand on "possible", if you would??..

To expand on Dan's comment. Handguns are no longer prohibited firearms due to a law change a year or so ago. They fall into the restricted firearm category and you can get paperwork to take them to or through Canada. The details can be found on the RCMP website.

Jeremy

So, what point are we at on this? When are you planning on coming up here? What rifle are you bringing ? I think there is a barrel length restriction but I brought my wife's Ruger Compact thru Canadian Customs and it was fine.

quote:

Originally posted by Dans40XC:
Bringing a hand gun thru Canada is possible.

Bringing hollow point ammo thru Canada is highly un-likely.

It is legal to carry any firearm while in the bush for personal protection in Alaska.

Hasn't been the case for ten years, HP / SP / FMJ you name it is all the same in Canada. I would caution against bringing a handgun through Canada as there are fairly complex hoops in the process. Certainly possible, advisable, no.

As for the suitability of a rifle, I'm your neighbouring outfitter in BC, a hundred miles from Ketchikan. Rifles are the standard here due to our laws, we can carry a handgun but require a special permit that is troublesome to get. So most just opt for a rifle, and compact / quick pointing rifles with iron sights are the ticket.

I have a few I carry, Merkel 140AE .375 H&H, a 16" Ruger .308 as a cheap boat gun, and Stuart Satterlee is building me a .375 Nitro Rimless (.375x57 / 9.5x57 MS) that'll weigh about 6lbs with a titanium action and synthetic stock. That'll be my go to working rifle. It's a different case than Africa, definitely get a good sling here as it'll mean you have the rifle with you. There are a lot more tasks requiring your hands here.

In the end, a rifle is a lot more effective than even the most powerful handguns (recently sold my .475 Linebaugh Freedom Arms), and while they come with limitations in close quarters if I had to pick in the heat of the moment no question, rifle is the preference. It's just the matter of carrying it all the time until that moment, so make it short and handy.

Application to move a handgun through Canada

http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-...ire/pdfs/679-eng.pdf

As a matter of interest, how effective is the .350 Remington Magnum in a short bolt action for defense against bears?

In actual real life,,,the way shit happens a fellow with a mod 94 full of 170gr round nose would probably be more able to stop a close encounter as opposed to a big stopper, this is just my opinion. We see and have brown bears on our turf from May until Oct and usually have to deal with at least 1 and usually more every summer. Usually you just happen to turn around and there's a bear behind you,,usually they pay no attention as they are intent on your fish,fowl,or livestock.

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As a matter of interest, how effective is the .350 Remington Magnum in a short bolt action for defense against bears?

Great if you hit them in the right place as with any other firearm.

Shot placement is the correct answer.

As mentioned, you can get a handgun through Canada with the right permits. Then get a good hip or chest holster(like a Double D). its far more convenient to carry than a rifle. Its not uncommon to see people, even here in Palmer, carrying at the grocery store or pumping gas.

I have mailed my handgun to myself c/o a local gun shop. Make arraingements ahead with the shop. Shop around for prices they vary from $25.00 to $100.00 for this service. It's really no hassle.

quote:

Originally posted by swampshooter:
I have mailed my handgun to myself c/o a local gun shop. Make arraingements ahead with the shop. Shop around for prices they vary from $25.00 to $100.00 for this service. It's really no hassle.

This is an old thread, but you are correct, swampshooter. I would not bring a handgun through Canada.

However, there is nothing wrong with a Marlin .45-70, one with open sights, and a carry sling that is padded or comfortable. I would load it with the a good factory hard-cast ammo.

The most surprising thing I learned hunting brown bear was how quiet they are. You can try and walk through an alder thicket quietly but you sound like a herd of cattle compared to a 900 lb brown bear. They appear out of the same thicket right next to you silently as if by magic. We had quite a few in camp, you just have to be aware and calm.

I travel though Canada with firearms often.
You can show up at the border with a rifle or shotgun and fill out the form, pay 25$, and proceed. Barrels are over 18 inches, no full auto, no military style "assault weapons", etc. Not sure of a restriction on sami autos.

As to handguns, prior permission is necessary for the ATT--authorization to transport. .38 or larger, barrels 4 inches or longer. Don't show up at the border and expect an ATT. It must be done in advance. I believe there is no charge for this.

It is not as bad as many make it out to be. Just like Australia where we hear of all the prohibitions then I go on a few buffalo hunts in the NT and rifles are everywhere, folks own handguns--some by the dozen.

Cal

PS. For shitty weather or for friends to hunt with I have a POS ugly (the ugliest rifle ever made) a 1967 Rem Model 600 in .350. Coated to make it rust proof, Leupold 1.5-5 scope with quick detachable mounts. It's is light and who cares if the laminated stock gets scratched up?

Just came out of the bush from guiding this guy for a client from Oregon, carried the Merkel 140 .375 H&H double again. I picked up the Talkeetna on the way out of my gun room, shouldered it again, and just can't find a more natural fit than the Merkel. So the Talkeetna went back in the safe and the double and a bunch of oil went in the dry bag.

Fortunately it wasn't needed, though the closest the Merkel and I got to this 9 footer before the shot was ten to fifteen yards. Client used a .375 Ruger Alaskan with 300gr DGXs.

I think that should read "must be over 4" They do a metric # and it's like 4.1" min. Please check their site to be sure.

We didn't take any guns on our trip through Canada, but took ammo, powder, primers, and cases. We told him that we had and he asked why we didn't have any guns. He asked about Mace and mags. He liked our answers and we were on our way.

US asked about guns, fruit & veggies. We didn't have any.

The currents rules are barrels longer than 4.13" (same regardless semi or revolver), no .25 or .32 calibers, no mags over ten rounds, and a priorly arranged ATT (authorization to transport). Unless being used on a registered range they also must remain locked in a case, there is no "sporting use" of handguns in Canada aside from range use and trappers, pilots, prospectors, and hunting guides who can attain an ATC (authorization to carry [open carry, and for your employment only]).

Im a firm believer that a pistol is easier to carry, but that's where it stops...

If Im fishing or whatever and need a bear stopper, I would much prefer a 30-30 mod. 94 trapper or such (and that's a whole nuther conversation) to any handgun made..and a short compact rifle in a scabbard or slung over your back is more out of the way IMO than a hogleg hanging on your hip..Just my personal view..

Why not use a really big bore...a Mod 870 with a short, fully rifled barrel and the big Dixie slugs? You can get them from 734gr to 870gr (or thereabouts) Even the big Brenneke 3" slugs would be a thumper. I'm just saying...they can be very light, easy to sling, no fancy sights needed. Sure they kick like crazy, but I doubt you would notice with ol slewfoot on your trail!

A .44 magnum is still considered a very powerful handgun. As a rifle cartridge it is very small. Even the largest handgun cartridges are, at best, minimal for rifle cartridges. Even though Dirty Harry said a .44 will blow your head clean off" to a fells who was shot in the shoulder with the same .44 and nothing was blown clean off.
A short barrel rifle or a pump 12-bore would be my preference.
Cheers,
Cal

quote:

Originally posted by Jim Knight:
Why not use a really big bore...a Mod 870 with a short, fully rifled barrel and the big Dixie slugs? You can get them from 734gr to 870gr (or thereabouts) Even the big Brenneke 3" slugs would be a thumper. I'm just saying...they can be very light, easy to sling, no fancy sights needed. Sure they kick like crazy, but I doubt you would notice with ol slewfoot on your trail!

That's pretty much what the Fish and Game Officers carry.

That's the standard here too, the company I fly for in the day job when not outfitting issued Remington Marine Magnums and slugs. The Conservation Officers use the same. I've used that combination on many problem bears, as work bears were always dealt with, with the company gun. Once in awhile buckshot was used, thought its effectiveness isn't impressive.

Long story short it's largely used in Canada due to its shell availability, price, and general utility. The 12 gauge was issued due to its ability to shoot flares, bangers, lead bean bags, birdshot for pot filling, etc. practicality is the main reason it is selected here, not any ballistic superiority. Having seen dozens of bears fall to slugs and a good few to buckshot I believe the 12g slug trails well behind even the humble .30-06.

A rifle is far more effective at quick stops and it's just my theory, but I believe the velocity is to thank. In my unscientific opinion from what I've seen guiding bear hunts and in bush work, slugs are always lethal, but don't shock as well as a rifle bullet even if it's much smaller. Seems 2,400fps and up you get a lot more effectiveness.

Clearly, a rifle is better than a pistol or a shotgun under most circumstances. I would prefer a pistol in a tent for example. However, let me make a few comments about shotguns.

All buckshot & slugs are not the same. Some of the "old style" product is total sh*t. The newer products are much better. They are not even in the same universe.

In my twisted youth, we hunted deer all the time with lead buckshot. They are marginal on the best of days. They flatten out often, even on thin skinned animals. Some of the newer shells are loaded with copper plated buckshot that is vastly superior to the old lead buckshot. I shot a hog that weighed over 300 pounds with a single shot of copper plated OO buck at 33 yards in Argentina a couple of years back. DRT. The old style lead shot would have done nothing.

I still think a rifle is superior. However, a good old 12 gauge may not be as bad as they used to be.

I read an article a few years back where the discussion between rifle and pistol was thoroughly explored. They looked at past encounters and some testing was done. The overall conclusion was that a bear attack happens quickly and it takes too much time to react with a long gun. The handgun could be accessed and used even if the bear was upon the victim. I don't remember where I read it but it made a compelling argument for handguns as the best protection against bears.

BTW, here's the discussion on another forum about carrying a 10mm handgun. Includes comments from a few well respected guides. I am getting tired of my He-Man cinder block 44 Redhawk, even with it's top of the line shoulder holster. It may get relegated to fun gun and a Glock may join me on the river.

http://forums.outdoorsdirector...dearm?highlight=10mm

Apologies if I've posted this before.

I pack my Glock 20 10mm with TFO sights at all times when in the woods. It is about the best possible combination of adequate caliber, high capacity, reliable gun, lightweight and weatherproof. On the thread that A7Dave posted above, one of the 10mm advocates was a poster named "BRWNBR" who is Alaska Master Guide license #212. It would seem that is Jake Jefferson who posts as "fourtyonesix" here on AR. If its good enough for him, then its good enough for me!

I've got a Springfield Longslide in 45 Super I carry for the same purpose, It's more than enough for our little Rocky Mountain black bears and lions. A 230g bullet at 1150 fps in a relatively light (compared to 44 Mag and bigger revolvers) is not a bad thing.

Very nice gun Chuck, that's a beauty. I have a Delta Elite 10mm, a Glock 20SF, and a S&W M69 5 shot .44 Mag for guiding sidearms. Had a .475 Linebaugh Freedom Arms too but let it go, too heavy.

In the end the Glock is likely the best due to weight and no fear of damaging it, as it's hideous already, and the Delta my favourite.

With good bullets most any of them with a velocity of over 1000 fps well do what you want them to do.

quote:

Originally posted by Angus Morrison:
Very nice gun Chuck, that's a beauty. I have a Delta Elite 10mm, a Glock 20SF, and a S&W M69 5 shot .44 Mag for guiding sidearms. Had a .475 Linebaugh Freedom Arms too but let it go, too heavy.

In the end the Glock is likely the best due to weight and no fear of damaging it, as it's hideous already, and the Delta my favourite.

I've always wanted a Delta Elite, beautiful guns. I think you're right about the Glock being the lightest, most rugged and probably the most reliable.

Thanks

quote:

I've always wanted a Delta Elite, beautiful guns. I think you're right about the Glock being the lightest, most rugged and probably the most reliable.

I found the Delta Elite to shoot and handle better then the Glock 10mm. But they don't hold up to full power 10mm as well as the Glock.

Bought two boxes of the Buffalo Bore 45 Super 255g hardcast ammo for my Springfield Long Slide today. Not planning to be in grizzly country any time soon, but thought it would be nice to try them out.

https://www.midwayusa.com/prod...-flat-nose-box-of-50

quote:

Originally posted by chuck375:
Bought two boxes of the Buffalo Bore 45 Super 255g hardcast ammo for my Springfield Long Slide today. Not planning to be in grizzly country any time soon, but thought it would be nice to try them out.

https://www.midwayusa.com/prod...-flat-nose-box-of-50

Range report on the Buffalo Bore ammo...

http://forums.accuratereloadin...531044322#7531044322