Hand guns for Bear Insurance

This stuff is fool proof.






Get something that'll get the job done on the first shot, don't screw around.

From what I have read the guides on the rivers where there are bears tell the clients that the fish is the bear's if he wants it.  As to weapons the guides carry short barreled shotguns.  I think 16" is the minimum.  across their backs.  And the first 2 rounds are rubber bullets.  Then 00 or slugs for the next 3 or 5.  The would rather not have to deal with the paperwork for killing bear.  They also carry 44's or 454's as a sidearm.  But they are guides and have to protect the clients.  Only worry I had while fishing a river was a moose who seemed to be interested in us as he came out on our side of the river.  The locals also said the coastal bears were a lot more mellow than the inland bears.  Lots more food available.

Dude if a bear sees a Filipino come out of a bush, believe me he'll be the one
running instead of you. And what's wrong with the good ole machete attached
to your side like we did back home. Seriously all kidding a side. I'd buy a gun you
know will stop a bear. Good luck to your choices Mooch.

Jedmo

Remember that joke about about how to tell the difference between Black bear and Griz sh!t? The Griz sh!t has whistles in it and smells like pepper spray.

12ga will get it done but it's pretty inconvenient while you're fishing if you're not the guide holding it. I got a 10mm for when I'm on the Klamath. It holds 10 rounds and if the bear doesn't drop after 10 of those then it just wasn't my day.

Joel, you don't need a gun for bear insurance you need a buddy to go with you....a slow and smelly buddy. Maybe your buddy would be unknowingly packing some berries and smoked salmon in his tackle box too....

Reminds me of good joke ... you don't have to outrun the bear, you just have to outrun your buddy.

Q: How do you tell a brown bear from a grizzly bear?

A1: Climb a tree. If the bear climbs it and eats you, it’s a brown bear.

A2: If the bear knocks the tree down and eats you, it’s a grizzly.

I can drop a running bull elk with my rem. 870 at over 200 yds. Rifled barrel Hornady Slugs Bought the gun used for 200 and added barrel of ebay for 100. then a nikon shot gun scope 250. you a can use it to hunt deer ducks grouse I've carried mine all over the Mts in Idaho just switch the barrels .  Hand gun watch some vid. on how close professionals have to get to get a clean kill shot.

Mooch spots a grizzly bear 1,000 yards away, and before the bear gets any closer so he aims his rifle and pulls the trigger.  He can see he's hit the bear, so he sets off after it.  When he finally catches up to the bear, the bear is clutching his shoulder and says, "Was it you who shot me?"

Mooch says, "Yes."

The bear says, "You need to be taught a lesson."  The bear then strips off Mooches clothes, grimacing at the Speedo, bends him over, and has his way with him.

Several minutes later Mooch struggles to his feet, pulls himself together, and vows to find that bear.  He searches through the woods, up hill and dale, and then he finally spots it 500 yards away.  Mooch aims his rifle, pulls the trigger, and sets off after the bear.  When he catches up to the bear, the bear says, "Did you shoot me again?"

Mooch, trembling, says, "Yes."

The bear says, "Well, maybe this'll teach you," whereupon it grabs up poor Mooch, rips off his already tattered clothing, throws him violently to the ground, and really rips him a new one.

Mooch eventually gets to his feet, naked and dazed, and he decides he's going after the bear one more time.  He trips through dense underbrush, he trudges through soupy swamps, and he treks across vast valleys, and finally he finds the bear only a hundred yards away, across a small opening.  He takes careful aim, holds his breath, and pulls the trigger.

Mooch, already exhausted, sprints up to the bear.

The bear looks at Mooch and says, "Did you shoot me AGAIN?"

Mooch replies, "Yep."

So the bear says, "You didn't really come here to hunt, did you?"

 

  Mooch, You sure you want to live in Alaska              

nice one Pete    But I was really hoping that the 2rd shot would have ended the bear molestation. It's just plain embarrasing when a bear has his way with you more than once My dog humps my leg every now and then...and get's away with it. I'm tired of being a victim

Just Taser the Mother

Mooch, why don't you just go up there and find out from locals what's best.  Or contact ketchikan fish and game and inquire about bear encounter/attack statistics, then see what they recommend.  I've been to Alaska a few times and no one in my group brought a firearm.  I've seen brown and black bear on the rivers. 

I don't know what your budget is, but some of the suggested guns cost a hell of a lot of money.  If bears are really that much of a danger, then there is a full proof way of staying safe...don't go into the woods.  Get to know the water you'd be guiding, get to know your neighbors...etc and wait till you're ready for the woods before exploring them. 

When you're ready to buy a gun, I'd suggest a shotgun as well.  True it's heavier than a handgun, but you can easily make up that difference by getting lighter weight clothing or bring a water filter instead of bottled water...etc.  A shotgun is just more versatile. 

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=381058#

Joel has one of those vests, any of the aforementioned guns fit in that cross draw holster? 

Hey Mooch,

I'd go with a revolver, won't jam, a lot of options, much easier to carry while fishing, and I shoot better with them.

I purchased a .44 Mag Ruger Redhawk for a back up side arm for bear and boar.
It has a 4 inch barrel which at first look would make you think it's pretty squirrely with 240 or larger rounds but it isn't bad.
It was about $200 less than the S&W .44 Mag
I bought a pancake holster for it through an outfit in Alaska that holds it high and flat against my hip I can send you his contact info and get you 10% off.
I can hike all day without feeling its weight or have it get in the way while walking, climbing, or sitting.

This would be sufficient for black bears but I'd make sure I was a damn good shot before going up against a grizz, so practice, practice, practice.

Mooch,
     I'd also go with the shotgun. And find a good tactical sling for it. Whatever you get make it staiinless or somehow weather-proof. I wouldn't use hollow points on bears as the hair,hide and body of said bear may prevent the bullet from reaching the vitals...in which case you may have to refer to an earlier post.


Good Luck

Gue