Bear Protection
I just moved to the U.P. in Michigan, and there is a lot of bears coming on the property, and if they were to attack, what would be the best gun to use on them? I am hoping that there is a handgun that would do the job. Anyone have any good ideas??
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s&W .500
"Not many like us, in fact very few, and most of them are dead" LtCol Pratt - USMC0 -
I would go with a .44 mag. the s&w .500 is a wee bit scary
"A good scope can end a bad situation"0 -
12 ga. Shotgun with slugs, 44Mag back up. Much easier to sight a shotgun and they use them in Alaska! Best,Robert[;)]
"Endurance"<P><br>0 -
The bears you have in the UP are black bears, and very seldom attack any people. They also are not as tough as a grizzly, and a 44 Mag. should to the trick. I agree with the shotgun, but it is not always easy to carry one, if you are thinking about bowhunting or the like. 0 -
first off make sure you keep any trash/food well away from the house ,
2nd get a good dog
3rd take a look at a Ruger
try this link to some of their new handguns for this year
http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=5302&return=Y
this model comes in 454casull/45lc and 480 ruger ,,
you can also get the Super Redhawk in 44mag, 454casull/45lc and 480 but the shortest barrel lenght is 7 1/2" or
you can get the Redhawk in 44mag or 45lc with a 5 1/2" barrel any of them would work0 -
I guess Im the only one that actually lives in bear country here. First, black bears are far more likely (at least in Montana) to attack you than Grizzlies. Second, your average black bear is very similar to a deer in weight and anything suitable for a decent size whitetail will put one down. Any heavy revolver from 357 magnum on up will work. Make sure you get something you can shoot. Ive fired the 454s and 500 and they are really beyond what 90 percent of experienced handgunners can fire accurately. 357, 41, 44, 45 colt will all do nicely. I put down one black bear with my Colt SAA 45 using standard loads a few years back. If you are just worried about them coming in your yard, Id keep a rifle handy, much easier to hit with. Grizzlies are another matter and for that Id recommend a short rifle like the Marlin Guide Gun.
First thing is to take the standard precautions, dont leave garbage unsecured, etc. Compost bins are also a no no in bear country..0 -
Only 10% of experienced handgunners can handle a 454 or a 500? Where did you come up with that fact?
Chris8161
Admit nothing, deny everything, demand proof!
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Not a fact, an observation. But then, I actually live in bear country and see these guns all the time, not a computer geek expert here... 0 -
Ive lived in black bear country for 62 years, camped, fished, bowhunted,etc. and cannot recall anyone being attacked. Ive heard the occasional story of one inquisitive animal approaching or sniffing around, but personally do not recall anyone ever being maimed by one. 0 -
While fishing in Alaska last year most people have the S&W 44 mag, and locals agree with the Shotgun / 44 mag advise, Les 0 -
4C has it right from what I have read, experienced, and seen.
There really aren't that many people capable of COMPETENTLY handling a HEAVY recoiling handgun in a high-stress situation. For those of you out there that are...feel blessed. Consider a short-barreled shotgun.
Black bears are FAR more likely to attack than a Grizzly. Two reasons: 1) more frequency of encounters; 2)not as intolerant of people, so are likely to get closer, add to that the PERSON closes the distance even more (out of stupidity or curiosity);...then you have a bear that fells threatened and defensive.0 -
I believe you have a consenses here a 12ga pump will do nicely and will full fill several rolls around the property. The 44mag in hand gun or rifle format. My 2 cents [8D]
Greg
Former Marine
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