Revolver - bear defense & deer hunting
I'm looking to buy a large caliber revolver to be used for deer hunting and to be used in brown bear country as a self-defense weapon. Price range $500 - $800. I'm leaning towards either a Taurus 454 Casull or a Rugar 454 Casull. Any suggestions or opinions?
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Why not save and then spend the few extra bucks and get a Casull? Or save up for a S&W in the 460 or 500?
So of the two listed I'd say Ruger but are you going to shoot scopeless? I you're thinking maybe a scope then I'd get the one that's already tapped for a scope mount.0 -
Out of the two you asked about...get the Ruger Super Redhawk. Built like a tank and will hold it's value better. The Ruger is also already set up for a scope. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by ruger41
Out of the two you asked about...get the Ruger Super Redhawk. Built like a tank and will hold it's value better. The Ruger is also already set up for a scope.
+1.
No brainer, Ruger over Taurus.
SW .460 will fire .454, if you like, and that's a good choice too.0 -
My recomendation would be the Ruger, but before I can say to buy a 454 the question needs to be asked on wether you can shoot a 454 more accurately than a 44 Mag. I say that because most people can not handle the heavier recoiling magnums. Even with Bear, 6 hits in the eyes with a 22lr will work much better than 6 misses with a 700 superboomer. If not, then a 44 Mag, 41 Mag or even a 357 Mag may be a better choice. It is not the power of the cartridge that matters, but what truly matters is your ability to hit the target in a stressfull situation. 0 -
I say the Ruger is the one for you. If you can't take the 454, you can always load t with hot 45 Colts. But then again, the S&W 460 XVR, you can load with 460, S&W, 454 Casull, or 45 Colts. The Ruger is already dressed for scope mounting, should you decide you want to. Run, far away, from the Taurus.
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I've never shot a bear with a handgun nor for self defense. I have killed several deer with a 357 mag and 44 sp. During the trips made to bear country, I carried either a heavy loaded 44sp S&W 624 or a Super Blackhawk 4 5/8" 44 mag. A few years ago I took a 454 in on a trade expressly for use as a bear defense gun. Sadly, I found I could not shoot it due to age related defficiencies in my hands and sold it. Back to the 44 mag now and if it doesn't get the job done, I'll just be bear food. In only instance in which I personally know the individual who used a handgun to fend off a bear, a local bowhunter was treed by a bear in Colorado. He used a 9mm semiauto to end the attack by shooting the bear in the head at less than 10'. 0 -
As an owner of .454, .45 Colt, and .44 Mag handguns, I would suggest you get a nice .44 mag. A couple of reasons why I say this:
a) .44 ammo is found everywhere it is sold. .454, while better than it was in years past, is not. And it's pricy! Good .45 Colt loads are also harder to find than cowboy type stuff, and there isn't a whole lotta oomph in those RNL loads for hunting/bear defense IMO.
b) Recoil is less than fun with the .454, and shooting it rapidly and accurately takes a TON of skill and practice. The Ruger Super Redhawk has a hefty DA trigger pull, and DA shooting with it is much more difficult than with the old 629 Classic. Also, the recoil of full house .44 (to me, anyway) is easier to fire defensively than full house .454 (but still takes LOTS of skill and practice to master ...I'm not even close) Hot .45C is on par with .44 recoil-wise.
3) Both the .44 and .454/hot .45C will do the jobs you state as well as a handgun can do them.
Just my opinion, you choose whatcha want and have fun with what you decide to buy!0 -
One thing to think about.I bought a ruger super redhawk in .454 as a backup bear gun.I found I could handel the recoial,but no way my ears can handle the blast.I then got a srh in .480 ruger,I found this to be just whatI wanted.I know I wont have ear plugs in when a use comes for my pistol.Not saying to fire the pistol without ear plugs but if you had to,a 480 is less sharp. 0 -
When I was in business. Guys that were going Salmon fishing in Alaska were buying Mossberg pump shotguns. It was the combination model that could be used either with the conventional stock, or pistol grip. They would carry it with a sling across their back.
Apparently they felt that 12 gauge slugs were better close range brown bear medicine, then any handgun cartridge.0 -
As Rufe said, I also sold a lot of Mossberg 500's and Remingtion 870's with 18" barrels to Alaska bound fisherman.
If I was going pistol, try to find a Ruger Redhawk in 44mag. A little lighter than the Super Redhawk and still can take the heavy loads.0
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