Quote:
Originally Posted by masraum
I feel like buckshot is not ideal against a BIG bear ready for winter hibernation, but maybe taking 9 "small" shot at a time would be a deterent for a bear.
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I have no personal experience here. From what I gather from those who do, however, buckshot - 00 or 000 buckshot - is the way to go. Many experienced guides, and some I hunted with, carried their shotguns with a slug up first, followed up by buckshot. The idea was the slug would be the first thing they would hit with at the extremes of "defensive" range, then buckshot as the range closed.
No one on Earth would ever consider any size birdshot for this duty. It simply would not make it through their skulls, fur, hides, layers of fat, and muscle. It's not even recommended for home defense by those in the know.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 911 Rod
Don't they make short barrel O/U with a shot gun and center fire?
They would break down for an easier carry too?
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The old H&R "Handi Rifle". It's been produced by a number of manufacturers under different names. Unfortunately, it's usually a .223, .22 Hornet, or .30-30 barrel over a twelve gauge. Wouldn't be my first choice. I think they were marketed as more of a "survival" gun.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cajundaddy
Caveat: Personally not a bear hunter and I am sure Jeff forgot more about bear guns than I will ever know.
That said, a rifle is a tool and the best tool is one that is well-suited for the job at hand. For a bear gun, range, penetration, stopping power, and consistent shot placement all matter. For hunting black bear at 200+ yards I would think a 30-06 or 300 Win mag with the right loads would be effective.
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Absolutely. Lots of hunters just bring a .30-'06. With today's premium bullets, it's a better choice than ever. And, remember, one will always have a guide, by law, in Alaska or Canada, unless one is a resident.
Shot placement trumps everything. Granted, the bullet must be capable of adequate penetration, but put it in the wrong place, and all bets are off. Much like real estate - "location, location, location".
Quote:
Originally Posted by 911 Rod
At 100 yards in the brush the 45-70 is a proven choice for both black and brown bear and one of the most-chosen guide guns for defense in bear country. You still need good shot placement but these deliver a stout projectile with high stopping power.
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That seems to be the popular choice these days. Pretty hard to go wrong with one.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 911 Rod
At 30 yards or less I would favor a 12GA for defense. Either a slug or a double aught delivering 8 x 9mm projectiles into a fist-sized pattern with one trigger pull. This represents a whole lotta "stop that" to an aggressive bear. We live in Idaho and the northern half where we often get out in the woods is griz country. I hope I never find myself in a situation where this is needed.
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Most folks not actively hunting carry something along the lines of a 12 gauge pump or autoloader with the afore mentioned slug then buckshot loading.
Quote:
Originally Posted by HardDrive
I have tried to come up with excuses to by .45-70, but I don't really have a need. And I doubt it would be a gun I would like to spend a lot time on the range with. My father decided to give up hunting about 3 years ago, and I hung it up as well. I have been tempted, but I don't enjoy hunting as much without my Dad. Don't really enjoy hunting in Ohio, I like northern Michigan. If I ever do go back out in rifle country, my .30-06 has served me well. I have a Harrington and Richardson single shot 12 gauge slug gun for Ohio.
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You're overthinking this. There is a very blurry line between "need" and "want"...
