User Panel
User Panel
User Panel
|
Posted: 4/16/2016 2:00:01 AM EDT
[#1]
This is all over the internet.
Two general schools of thought for wilderness carry - bring a rifle, in a caliber that starts with 3, and your pistol should either be a 10mm or .44 mag, with hard cast bullets. Yes, you can carry less gun, plenty do, but these are the usual choices. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/16/2016 2:05:42 AM EDT
[#2]
Bear spray
/thread |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/16/2016 2:32:48 AM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Bear spray /thread 
and rape whistle? |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/16/2016 2:43:59 AM EDT
[#4]
Of the pistols you have a 44 mag would be my choice.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/16/2016 4:35:32 AM EDT
[#5]
For twenty-six years I've always either had a .357 as a hiking gun/ bear gun or a rifle during hunting season.
I've never had to shoot a bear with anything but my Red Ryder to get them out of the garbage. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/16/2016 4:56:09 AM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
For twenty-six years I've always either had a .357 as a hiking gun/ bear gun or a rifle during hunting season. I've never had to shoot a bear with anything but my Red Ryder to get them out of the garbage. What gun and load are you using? For hiking I'd go with a G31 in 357SIG. Sure isnt a 44mag, (or a rifle which would be the clear choice if really worried about bears) but along with a big can of bear spray it makes more sense to me given the odds of bear problems vs the odds of two legged scumbag type problems. Massad Ayoob recently converted to 357SIG, couldnt agree more with him. http://gunsmagazine.com/reconsidering-the-357-sig/ FerFAL |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/16/2016 4:58:15 AM EDT
[#7]
double post
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/16/2016 5:05:01 AM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
a 10mm. Not sure if you're serious 
I grew up in the Alaska "bush" and saw more than a few problems between animals and people, 90% of the time most of the fault was on the person not the animal. I think there are two ways to look at it: 1) Your carrying a gun because you might have an issue with an an animal. 2) You're looking for a pissed off bear because he's already injuried or some other reason. For the first I think most of the magnum pistol rounds shot from a revolver are fine. Most inportant is that you carry it and can manipulate it when you are cold,wet, stressed, and knee deep in water with a fish on. For the second I wouldn't even consider a pistol round or a rifle round under 230 gr. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/16/2016 5:30:11 AM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
What gun and load are you using? For hiking I'd go with a G31 in 357SIG. Sure isnt a 44mag, (or a rifle which would be the clear choice if really worried about bears) but along with a big can of bear spray it makes more sense to me given the odds of bear problems vs the odds of two legged scumbag type problems. Massad Ayoob recently converted to 357SIG, couldnt agree more with him. http://gunsmagazine.com/reconsidering-the-357-sig/ FerFAL Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
For twenty-six years I've always either had a .357 as a hiking gun/ bear gun or a rifle during hunting season. I've never had to shoot a bear with anything but my Red Ryder to get them out of the garbage. What gun and load are you using? For hiking I'd go with a G31 in 357SIG. Sure isnt a 44mag, (or a rifle which would be the clear choice if really worried about bears) but along with a big can of bear spray it makes more sense to me given the odds of bear problems vs the odds of two legged scumbag type problems. Massad Ayoob recently converted to 357SIG, couldnt agree more with him. http://gunsmagazine.com/reconsidering-the-357-sig/ FerFAL I use one of my Security Six's. I'm not sure what the load is and consider that it so far down the line of importance compared to shot placement. One of the reasons I picked a .357mag is that my chance of getting a second or third round into the target increased with the lesser recoil. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/16/2016 7:01:17 AM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Not sure if you're serious
I grew up in the Alaska "bush" and saw more than a few problems between animals and people, 90% of the time most of the fault was on the person not the animal. I think there are two ways to look at it: 1) Your carrying a gun because you might have an issue with an an animal. 2) You're looking for a pissed off bear because he's already injuried or some other reason. For the first I think most of the magnum pistol rounds shot from a revolver are fine. Most inportant is that you carry it and can manipulate it when you are cold,wet, stressed, and knee deep in water with a fish on. For the second I wouldn't even consider a pistol round or a rifle round under 230 gr. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
a 10mm. Not sure if you're serious
I grew up in the Alaska "bush" and saw more than a few problems between animals and people, 90% of the time most of the fault was on the person not the animal. I think there are two ways to look at it: 1) Your carrying a gun because you might have an issue with an an animal. 2) You're looking for a pissed off bear because he's already injuried or some other reason. For the first I think most of the magnum pistol rounds shot from a revolver are fine. Most inportant is that you carry it and can manipulate it when you are cold,wet, stressed, and knee deep in water with a fish on. For the second I wouldn't even consider a pistol round or a rifle round under 230 gr. 45 has awful penetration compared with a 200gr 10mm. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/16/2016 7:18:07 AM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
45 has awful penetration compared with a 200gr 10mm. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
a 10mm. Not sure if you're serious
I grew up in the Alaska "bush" and saw more than a few problems between animals and people, 90% of the time most of the fault was on the person not the animal. I think there are two ways to look at it: 1) Your carrying a gun because you might have an issue with an an animal. 2) You're looking for a pissed off bear because he's already injuried or some other reason. For the first I think most of the magnum pistol rounds shot from a revolver are fine. Most inportant is that you carry it and can manipulate it when you are cold,wet, stressed, and knee deep in water with a fish on. For the second I wouldn't even consider a pistol round or a rifle round under 230 gr. 45 has awful penetration compared with a 200gr 10mm. 45 ACP? You're right, see the revolver part of my comment. Think .357 mag or .44 mag out of 4" minimum barrel, with quality heavy roundish nose ammo. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/16/2016 9:00:13 AM EDT
[#12]
Read up on load choices for 44 mag and shotgun slugs.
And read up on ways people keep the 44 mag on em all the time. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/16/2016 9:20:58 AM EDT
[#13]
Have you ever since the stories about the crime in alaska/anchorage from mexican gangs? Apparently families wanting to move their kids far from gangs thought going to alaska was as far as they could get. But so many of them did it that all they did was move the gang there.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/16/2016 11:34:03 AM EDT
[#14]
if your 45LC is a blackhawk, redhawk, or freedom arms and packable that would be my choice with heavy loads. if your 44 is more packable then it would be a great choice as well.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/16/2016 12:51:08 PM EDT
[#15]
Lived in the Northern Rockies for 25 years. My choice of woods pistol = Glock 20 that is lightweight and holds 15 rounds of 200gr 10mm solids. There are no other pistols/revolvers as effective in that weight class. A Glock 21 in 45acp would be my second choice.
What a game warden suggested I use to scare off garbage bears at my house was a 12ga with lead shot removed and replaced with melted candle wax. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/16/2016 1:01:58 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
and rape whistle? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Bear spray /thread
and rape whistle? Bear spray has been shown to be slightly more effective than firearms. The smart move would be to carry both and understand when and how to use either one. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/16/2016 1:04:19 PM EDT
[#17]
If you bear protection carry a long gun. 45-70 or 12 ga with slugs. Pack a pistol for two legged critters.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/16/2016 1:31:08 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted: and rape whistle? Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Bear spray /thread and rape whistle? Alaskan guides agree that bear spray should be the first line of defense. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/16/2016 1:38:26 PM EDT
[#19]
"moose" More people are hurt by moose than the bears. We don't dream about the moose but darn they're big.
When in wild AK I've carried: .357, .41, .45LC, .44, and .500. The Wife just bought me a .480 to round out the choices. I carry what I'm in the mood for. Most of the time the reason has nothing to do with the bears and all to do with memories. I've never had a problem with a bear, but have been very close to moose. I tend to make a lot of noise when I'm moving around (packing a kayak...cussing when I do a face plant); the animals know I'm there. My load in the .357s is a 180 hard cast. Edit: I carried bear spray at work because we couldn't carry guns. I don't carry bear spray in the wild. I think those "studies" are a bit slanted. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/16/2016 1:39:00 PM EDT
[#20]
My first choice would be an 18" bbl 12 gauge with 00 buck and slugs. Of course my opinion means little as I have never lived there, I have visited though. But from my personal experience, the 12 gauge is an awesome weapon and buckshot and slugs are completely devastating within 50 yards which is close enough to me for any predator to get.
If I had to choose a handgun for protection I'd choose a Glock 40 with a barrel I could shoot some heavy hardcast bullets from, with 15 rounds on tap, it should be good medicine for defense against any angry critter. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/16/2016 1:49:21 PM EDT
[#21]
The 44 mag will probably work fine. Of course if I was going to Alaska and getting a new handgun, then it would be a 454 Casull. That caliber was designed with killing bears in mind. Of course I'd probably carry a good hunting rifle also.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/16/2016 4:43:25 PM EDT
[#22]
I never lived or been to AK, so I cannot tell you, but seems like plenty of folks like 10mm in AK. At least that's what I'm seeing on the 10mm forum. Hard to pass up 16rds of 200gr hard cast 10mm ammo.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/16/2016 5:20:31 PM EDT
[#23]
I believe the for Alaskan bear defence the caliber should start in "4" and end in "magnum".
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/16/2016 5:32:12 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Alaskan guides agree that bear spray should be the first line of defense. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Bear spray /thread
and rape whistle? Alaskan guides agree that bear spray should be the first line of defense. Strange, I was a guide for 5 years and never once carried or recommended it to anyone. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/16/2016 6:14:22 PM EDT
[#25]
I carry a Glock 20. I can't shoot a 44 Magnum well enough for me to be comfortable with it in a stressful situation. I can keep the Glock on my chest or in my waist band with relative ease. Of course I'll have a shotgun or rifle with me as well, but I've found the long arms tend to get left on the four wheeler, in the camper, or not in my hands when juggling heavy loads. The pistol Is always with me regardless of the task at hand. Carry the biggest one you can comfortably carry and shoot accurately under stress.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/16/2016 9:17:36 PM EDT
[#26]
Thanks for all the input guys.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/16/2016 9:41:31 PM EDT
[#27]
Removed. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/16/2016 10:34:29 PM EDT
[#28]
Removed. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/16/2016 10:40:55 PM EDT
[#29]
G20. Sure it feels like a brick and carries heavy, but there is some peace of mind with having 15+1 rounds of mini nukes on tap.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/16/2016 11:50:57 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
45 ACP? You're right, see the revolver part of my comment. Think .357 mag or .44 mag out of 4" minimum barrel, with quality heavy roundish nose ammo. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
a 10mm. Not sure if you're serious
I grew up in the Alaska "bush" and saw more than a few problems between animals and people, 90% of the time most of the fault was on the person not the animal. I think there are two ways to look at it: 1) Your carrying a gun because you might have an issue with an an animal. 2) You're looking for a pissed off bear because he's already injuried or some other reason. For the first I think most of the magnum pistol rounds shot from a revolver are fine. Most inportant is that you carry it and can manipulate it when you are cold,wet, stressed, and knee deep in water with a fish on. For the second I wouldn't even consider a pistol round or a rifle round under 230 gr. 45 has awful penetration compared with a 200gr 10mm. 45 ACP? You're right, see the revolver part of my comment. Think .357 mag or .44 mag out of 4" minimum barrel, with quality heavy roundish nose ammo. The 10mm is more powerful than a 357 mag. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/16/2016 11:53:17 PM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Strange, I was a guide for 5 years and never once carried or recommended it to anyone. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Bear spray /thread
and rape whistle? Alaskan guides agree that bear spray should be the first line of defense. Strange, I was a guide for 5 years and never once carried or recommended it to anyone. All the stats say bear spray is more effective to deter a bear than a firearm, which would be the last resort. That's why I carry both when in griz country. Either I carry my G20 or my G29 both with LW extended tactical length barrels for extra velocity, or my S&W 329PD. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/17/2016 12:35:42 AM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The 10mm is more powerful than a 357 mag. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
a 10mm. Not sure if you're serious
I grew up in the Alaska "bush" and saw more than a few problems between animals and people, 90% of the time most of the fault was on the person not the animal. I think there are two ways to look at it: 1) Your carrying a gun because you might have an issue with an an animal. 2) You're looking for a pissed off bear because he's already injuried or some other reason. For the first I think most of the magnum pistol rounds shot from a revolver are fine. Most inportant is that you carry it and can manipulate it when you are cold,wet, stressed, and knee deep in water with a fish on. For the second I wouldn't even consider a pistol round or a rifle round under 230 gr. 45 has awful penetration compared with a 200gr 10mm. 45 ACP? You're right, see the revolver part of my comment. Think .357 mag or .44 mag out of 4" minimum barrel, with quality heavy roundish nose ammo. The 10mm is more powerful than a 357 mag. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/17/2016 7:16:56 PM EDT
[#33]
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/17/2016 10:35:38 PM EDT
[#34]
Buffalo Bore
Outdoorsman when in griz country. Buffalo Bore Heavy 10mm Outdoorsman Regular Heavy when not in griz country Buffalo Bore Heavy 10mm You can get both cheaper here. Selway Armory 10mm |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2016 12:45:41 AM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted: The 10mm is more powerful than a 357 mag. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: a 10mm. Not sure if you're serious I grew up in the Alaska "bush" and saw more than a few problems between animals and people, 90% of the time most of the fault was on the person not the animal. I think there are two ways to look at it: 1) Your carrying a gun because you might have an issue with an an animal. 2) You're looking for a pissed off bear because he's already injuried or some other reason. For the first I think most of the magnum pistol rounds shot from a revolver are fine. Most inportant is that you carry it and can manipulate it when you are cold,wet, stressed, and knee deep in water with a fish on. For the second I wouldn't even consider a pistol round or a rifle round under 230 gr. 45 has awful penetration compared with a 200gr 10mm. 45 ACP? You're right, see the revolver part of my comment. Think .357 mag or .44 mag out of 4" minimum barrel, with quality heavy roundish nose ammo. The 10mm is more powerful than a 357 mag. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2016 8:07:02 AM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Factory or rolling your own? Not by much with factory but with loading your own, tough call as to which is superior. It's so mediocre though that I choose faster follow ups with a 10 over a wheel gun. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Not sure if you're serious
I grew up in the Alaska "bush" and saw more than a few problems between animals and people, 90% of the time most of the fault was on the person not the animal. I think there are two ways to look at it: 1) Your carrying a gun because you might have an issue with an an animal. 2) You're looking for a pissed off bear because he's already injuried or some other reason. For the first I think most of the magnum pistol rounds shot from a revolver are fine. Most inportant is that you carry it and can manipulate it when you are cold,wet, stressed, and knee deep in water with a fish on. For the second I wouldn't even consider a pistol round or a rifle round under 230 gr. 45 has awful penetration compared with a 200gr 10mm. 45 ACP? You're right, see the revolver part of my comment. Think .357 mag or .44 mag out of 4" minimum barrel, with quality heavy roundish nose ammo. The 10mm is more powerful than a 357 mag. Either way compare similar loads. +P 10mm won't beat a +P 357 but it would beat some standard load 357s. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2016 10:28:18 AM EDT
[#37]
While I don't frequent Alaska I would never feel under gunned with a 45ACP in wilds of North America. Be smart about situational awareness and you will probably never need it. That said its better to have and not need then need and not have.
Any "larger" caliber pistol or revolver would work just fine IMO but if my sole purpose was critter protection I would probably bring a shotgun. 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2016 12:53:28 PM EDT
[#38]
Is 10mm+P or .357 Magnum+P even a SAAMI spec?
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2016 1:35:28 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Is 10mm+P or .357 Magnum+P even a SAAMI spec? SAAMI/Norma 10mm is as hot as it gets. Most is underloaded. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2016 1:36:04 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Either way compare similar loads. +P 10mm won't beat a +P 357 but it would beat some standard load 357s. 10mm is not bested by the 357, unless you want to compare it to single shots without a vent in the barrel. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2016 1:52:58 PM EDT
[#41]
G21 w/.460Rowland conversion, 1 in the pipe and a 13 round magazine = nearly 14,000 ft/lb of muzzle energy on tap.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2016 1:59:20 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
SAAMI/Norma 10mm is as hot as it gets. Most is underloaded. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Is 10mm+P or .357 Magnum+P even a SAAMI spec? SAAMI/Norma 10mm is as hot as it gets. Most is underloaded. 
Sort of want, I'm a glutton for punishment 
Will it break my G20? Underwood heaters in 155 have broken a gen3 G20 of mine. Totally cracked the frame 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2016 3:35:38 PM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
45 ACP? You're right, see the revolver part of my comment. Think .357 mag or .44 mag out of 4" minimum barrel, with quality heavy roundish nose ammo. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
a 10mm. Not sure if you're serious
I grew up in the Alaska "bush" and saw more than a few problems between animals and people, 90% of the time most of the fault was on the person not the animal. I think there are two ways to look at it: 1) Your carrying a gun because you might have an issue with an an animal. 2) You're looking for a pissed off bear because he's already injuried or some other reason. For the first I think most of the magnum pistol rounds shot from a revolver are fine. Most inportant is that you carry it and can manipulate it when you are cold,wet, stressed, and knee deep in water with a fish on. For the second I wouldn't even consider a pistol round or a rifle round under 230 gr. 45 has awful penetration compared with a 200gr 10mm. 45 ACP? You're right, see the revolver part of my comment. Think .357 mag or .44 mag out of 4" minimum barrel, with quality heavy roundish nose ammo. Two friends of mine wounded a brown bear with a .338 win mag. The found it and it charged. It was shot in the chest with a .45 ACP with a 230 gr JHP. The round ended up in the rump of the bear with about 5 ft of penetration. Bullets do strange and wondrous things. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2016 9:54:08 PM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
and rape whistle? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Bear spray /thread
and rape whistle? At close range, in the Alders, unless you are quick draw McGraw with a gun, you will be scat like Tidwell was. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2016 9:57:48 PM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
45 has awful penetration compared with a 200gr 10mm. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
a 10mm. Not sure if you're serious
I grew up in the Alaska "bush" and saw more than a few problems between animals and people, 90% of the time most of the fault was on the person not the animal. I think there are two ways to look at it: 1) Your carrying a gun because you might have an issue with an an animal. 2) You're looking for a pissed off bear because he's already injuried or some other reason. For the first I think most of the magnum pistol rounds shot from a revolver are fine. Most inportant is that you carry it and can manipulate it when you are cold,wet, stressed, and knee deep in water with a fish on. For the second I wouldn't even consider a pistol round or a rifle round under 230 gr. 45 has awful penetration compared with a 200gr 10mm. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2016 10:01:41 PM EDT
[#46]
Quoted:
Idk if this has been covered or not. I am looking at relocating to Alaska, but I am curious as to what's a good carry? I currently have 45acp, 45lc, 44mag. Are there better options or is there a round for a gun that I own that is good for self defense against bears,moose and whatnot. Thanks in advance What ever gun you can shoot fast and accurately. 5 hits with a 45LC, is better than 5 misses with a 44 mag. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2016 10:06:06 PM EDT
[#47]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
G21 w/.460Rowland conversion, 1 in the pipe and a 13 round magazine = nearly 14,000 ft/lb of muzzle energy on tap. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/1165445527/hornady-bullets-45-caliber-451-diameter-200-grain-full-metal-jacket-combat-target |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2016 10:48:43 PM EDT
[#48]
9-10 more rds. at hand without reloading in a G20+ with Buffalo Bore 220 gr solid cast. vs a .357 mag regardless of the ammo. And I love my 357s.
Plus my G20+ is lighter than my 686. Makes a difference in these parts. Rides real nicely in a Diamond D holster. Diamond D Guides Choice But my 329PD is lighter but has the same capacity limitations as my 686. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/20/2016 10:37:59 PM EDT
[#49]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Buffalo Bore Outdoorsman when in griz country. Buffalo Bore Heavy 10mm Outdoorsman Regular Heavy when not in griz country Buffalo Bore Heavy 10mm You can get both cheaper here. Selway Armory 10mm This. I carry Buffalo Bore 275 gr hard cast in 44 mag. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/21/2016 3:01:55 PM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
While I don't frequent Alaska I would never feel under gunned with a 45ACP in wilds of North America. Be smart about situational awareness and you will probably never need it. That said its better to have and not need then need and not have. Any "larger" caliber pistol or revolver would work just fine IMO but if my sole purpose was critter protection I would probably bring a shotgun. This mostly^^^^^ my woods pistol is a g22, but I'm not in Ak and around my ao the primary critters are cats and a very very limited number of scrawny black bears. |
|
|
Win a FREE Membership!
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2024 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.
