Black Bear self defense handgun/rifle

[.280fan]

Originally Posted by J E Custom

The last one forced me to shove an arrow down his throat when he not only climbed
the tree but wanted to share my tree stand. later when I talked to the game warden
he said there was a big silver back that had harassed other bow hunters that were
in His turf. I told the warden that I shoved the arrow way down his throat and that he
probably would not make it .After that I carried a snub nose 454 !!!!

J E CUSTOM

You are one tough cookies. I nearly crapped my pants just thinking about this scenario.

[phorwath]

If you go with the 500 S&W revolver, make sure to get the muzzle-braked version. Then the recoil is comparable to a 454 Casull.

I'm talking brown bear. A 44 Mag revolver is sufficient to defend against a black bear, will kick less and be more manageable to shoot.

[J E Custom]

Originally Posted by .280fan

You are one tough cookies. I nearly crapped my pants just thinking about this scenario.

Thanks 280 but I'm not that tough. you do what you have to when things go bad.

I tried swatting him on the head with the broad head and he would not be discouraged
so the next step was to hurt him and I already had the arrow in my hand and things were
getting a little dicey so when he opened his mouth to show me his BAD I rammed it down
his throat and that seemed to take the starch out of him. (And I was glad because I was running out of ideas).

Buy the way the racing stripe in my shorts was believed to be the results of this encounter.

J E CUSTOM

[specweldtom]

I have no experience with bears up close, but my choice would have to be a short barrelled (20-24") 12 ga pump with a slug on top, then two 000 buck and slugs again for the rest. For a minimum handgun, a 4" model 29 S & W with 240gr heavy jacketed bullets, or preferably a 5 1/2" .454 Casull Super Redhawk and 265gr Corebons.

I still wouldn't feel good, but would have a chance, maybe.

Off the question........... I'm the guy who said if I ever get to hunt a big bear, I'll use the .460 Wby. Nothing like a 500gr jacketed roundnose at nearly 8000 ft/lbs. I'd feel pretty good about that. Nothing sporting about messing around with an animal that can outrun a racehorse and decapitate you without even trying.

My racing stripe is yellow and higher up than the one JE is talking about.

As I recall, the Alaska F & G people say that if you are attacked by a black bear, fight back. You're what's for dinner.

Tom

[Westcoaster]

JE Custom, well done. Last time I had one that close I was using a chainsaw. I agree, at the time you do what you got to do, looking back I kind of shudder.

To the original poster, lots of good council already but here is my two bits worth.

Heavier bullets, even traveling slower are better than light bullets. Your current 30 30 is probably better than a mini 14. Bears are not armor plated they are just heavily muscled and boned animals that are remarkably powerful.

Whatever you shoot, shoot it very well and practice a lot so that it's as natural as pointing your finger if that makes sense.

I personally prefer CRF bolts but the best for you is what you are comfortable and effective with.

As far as rifle cartridges I think the 3006 type power level on up is good with more power (if you can shoot it well) being better.

My goto hunting rifle is a CRF bolt 338wm. My stopping rifle when I'm backing up hunting partners on Grizzly hunts is a big bore CRF bolt.

[Outerspace]

Originally Posted by Westcoaster

JE
Heavier bullets, even traveling slower are better than light bullets.

Thanks for this, I wonder about it. Back in school in engineering class or physics we learned 1/2mv squared, mass or velocity being interchangeable. When you get into advanced stuff it gets tweaky though.

I have yet to find online any study of this phenomena related to bullets and game ie bigger slower bullets being more effective, would be interested in any references. I trust the wisdom of the people with loads of experience, it just doesn't show up in the energy charts at the Federal Ammo site.

[theodore]

jbmballistics.com

click on calculations, then click on trajectories. Then you'll have a page of info to fill out. sinces its close range(under 500 yards), all the details doesn't matter, just select the bullet, velocity, max range(you don't need 3000 yards) and range increasement then calculate. Viola, you see drop, energy, velocity...