Bear Protection

Kenk · October 09 2019 01:06:53 PM MDT

I would sure think so, we only have black bears in MN, which rarely attack, however a quick draw, cupeled with proficient shooting skills certainly wouldn't hurt

cmtmike · October 09 2019 01:47:26 PM MDT

I can only speak for myself, but I want my sidearm ready and easily available. That said, you would have to be gunfighter quick in a lot of the incidents I've read about. This also brings up an important point regarding bear spray. I carry it and it rides in a floppy holster like most everyone else you see hiking in Glacier Park. If you are in heavy brush or thick timber and it's not in you hand, it's hopefully in a place where you can draw it while the bear stands on your back because it's not quick or easy to get it out of the holster and safety off. I can draw my handgun faster but I'm no gunslinger. Truth is, I need to practice my draw and sight acquisition alot more.

Every bear encounter is different and many don't get as messy as the article, but those are the type that give me the most concern. Most of my encounters were interesting but not hair raising. These guys got the full load of hay so to speak with regard to a grizzly bear experience.

Kenk · October 09 2019 04:15:57 PM MDT

Absolutely, way scary stuff!

Thebear_78 · October 09 2019 05:43:13 PM MDT

I'm a big proponent of a chest holster. There are several very good options out there now. If you are balled up by a bear the chest holster is the easiest place to draw from. A chest holster is above the waders and out of the way of the pack straps.

A true predatory attack will be almost impassible to draw before contract is made. It will happen in seconds.

The bear will most likely be chewing on your head, a double action revolver or an auto that can be fired easily repeatedly would be better than a single action revolver.

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Kenk · October 09 2019 05:51:34 PM MDT

Exactly, I have the Kenai Chest Holster for my G20 and really like it

Thebear_78 · October 09 2019 05:59:18 PM MDT

It's hard to go wrong with a kydex chest holster. Gunfighters Inc kenai is a very good one. The Dimond D guide's choice is a very nice leather chest holster.

I'd give the kydex the edge in weather resistance.

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Captain O · October 09 2019 10:18:38 PM MDT

An "across the chest flap holster" might make the difference between life-and-death. A heavily-waxed holster and a 6-7" Stainless Steel Match Barreled 10mm loaded with 200-grain Underwood loads would get the nod.

cmtmike · October 10 2019 04:07:57 PM MDT

https://youtu.be/WrMmQHSA6Cs

Jump to the 1:35 mark and watch this bear move. 1st time I saw this earlier in the year I thought, "That's a lot of agitated muscle to take on with a handgun".

Spudmeister · October 10 2019 05:01:43 PM MDT

Quote from: cmtmike on October 10 2019 04:07:57 PM MDT
https://youtu.be/WrMmQHSA6Cs

Jump to the 1:35 mark and watch this bear move. 1st time I saw this earlier in the year I thought, "That's a lot of agitated muscle to take on with a handgun".

No kidding. That's a lot to take on with a RPG!

Kenk · October 10 2019 05:09:12 PM MDT

Scary stuff, gosh

Thebear_78 · October 10 2019 05:25:18 PM MDT

When you have one charging towards you nothing feels adequate. I remember my 375 RUM feeling under sized when getting charged. I had a 458 LOTT built just for backup at the bear baits.

I watched a fair sized grizzly nonchalantly reach down and shatter a 13" piece of pressure treated 2x6 that was being used as a lid on a bait barrel. Their power is hard to imagine.

I watched a grizzly kill and eat a small black bear one time, it was one of the most brutal things I have ever seen, Just the sound was terrifying.

I never go out without a sidearm but more important than all the firepower in the world is an ounce of common sense and precaution. Keeping a clean camp, making enough noise and staying vigilant in areas where likely to encounter bears will save your life many more times than your handgun. The odd freak encounter or predatory attack can still happen, but your odds are much better.

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sep · October 14 2019 10:00:55 AM MDT

This 10mm bear shooting took place in mid September and seemed appropriate to post in this bear defense thread.

Alaskans Stop Grizzly Bear Charge with Glock 10mm On Elmendorf-Richardson
https://www.ammoland.com/2019/10/alaskans-stop-grizzly-bear-charge-with-glock-10mm-on-elmendorf-richardson/#axzz62LP9Pbo6

Spudmeister · October 14 2019 01:05:01 PM MDT

Quote from: sep on October 14 2019 10:00:55 AM MDT
This 10mm bear shooting took place in mid September and seemed appropriate to post in this bear defense thread.

Alaskans Stop Grizzly Bear Charge with Glock 10mm On Elmendorf-Richardson
https://www.ammoland.com/2019/10/alaskans-stop-grizzly-bear-charge-with-glock-10mm-on-elmendorf-richardson/#axzz62LP9Pbo6

Thank you for the link. Good story. That is not much of a load with 200 gr at 1041 fps. But at least this once it was enough.

Graybeard · October 14 2019 01:21:03 PM MDT

This actually occurred in Sept of 2018. I remember this story and thinking the HSM ammo was an odd choice for the stated purpose.

Thebear_78 · October 14 2019 01:34:02 PM MDT

Did a little shooting this weekend with a few of my "bear guns".

I shot a 4" 500 smith, a 2.75" 44mag, a 3" 357, a Glock 40, and a sig tax ops 10mm.

Hands down putting more lead accurAtely with either 10mm, especially the RMR sighted G40.

The 357 and 44 weren't terrible, 5 hits with the 357, 4 with the 44.

Chances are high that I'd be bear shit with the 500 SW! One round gotten off. But the 500 is impressive! Maybe the blast would be enough to turn a bear!

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