After viewing a lot of different threads about what is the best handgun to defend against bear attacks, I was intrigued to find that the first apparent handgun used in a National Park to kill a grizzly was not a Ruger Alaskan; not a S&W 500, 460, or 454; not a 44 Magnum. It was 45 ACP semiautomatic.

I wonder what the ammunition was.

If you can't use the gun you want, use the gun you're with


Backpacker shoots and kills grizzly bear in Denali National Park | Outposts | Los Angeles Times

I guess there is something to that old saying:

THEY ALL FALL TO HARD BALL

I don't know if you noticed, but the Park Service is apparently now taking the position that, while it may be legal to CARRY a sidearm in the park, it is illegal to DISCHARGE that sidearm in the park. That would seem to render the whole exercise rather pointless, wouldn't you say? Ah, those bureaucrats. They just love to screw with folks don't they?

Indeed they do!
We'd planned a trip to The Grand Canyon for about a year - Just got back
I'd obtained my Tennessee Handgun Carry Permit and was ready to go. First day my wife and I hiked about for several hours (it was GREAT, btw) and finally decided to get something to eat.
To my surprise we ran into the attached sign - Turned out to be on right at every building in the park.
Our Tax Dollars at work, I suppose

On edit - It might be time to set the date on my camera - Duh

Attached Images

BadSign.jpg (66.7 KB, 185 views)

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In dog years I'm dead.

It is legal to carry inside a National Park provided you are in compliance with the law of the state where the park is located. It is not legal to carry inside of any building within the park since they are considered federal facilities.

What is there to understand?

That part of the rule is intended for people that may get the idea of setting up some targets or popping off at local harmless wildlife.

However, I'm sure they would fully expect someone to defend themselves from a charging hog or bear.

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From what I understand about the new law, park buildings where carry is illegal includes only buildings regularly occupied by government employees. The primitive area one-holers are not off limits unless otherwise posted.

....if they don't want a discharge then don't let them carnivores attack...maybe pass a regulation telling the bears it's not legal to bite the tourists....

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Dum vivimus Vivamas

DeadAye:

A good lawyer (I'm not a lawyer) would say that the sign shows the pistol on top of the red line so he could make the argument that the pistol trumps the prohibition sign. Hmmm, maybe I should sign up for law school?

Chris

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/at least she finds me handy.

Pack a lunch, leave without spending any money. Screw 'em.

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VIVERE MILITARE EST

Actually, they would NOT expect someone to defend themselves. Read the article. The government's position, as stated in the article, is that it is illegal to discharge a firearm in the park. Period. They don't care why you discharge it. If you've read the federal legislation, and I have, it does not authorize discharging a weapon in national parks. It simply authorizes carry in accordance with the law of the state where the park is located. Congress didn't say you could SHOOT a gun in the park. Therefore, the Park Service says you can't.

IF....theres a lot of ifs in the world.....but heres my thought.....if... I were out hiking in the outback...and yes...I would be armed.....and had the bad luck to have "something" attack me or whoever was with me.....I would unload everything I could on it......roll it off the trail/whatever.....keep on hiking........and if someone in authority were to stop me later on....my answer would be......"what bear..??(or whatever it was).....Gunshots..????....I did hear "something"....didnt pay much attention to it as Im hard of hearing anyway thanks to the Military........and would make sure my firearm was in my backpack.....more than likely would also exit the area as quickly as I could.........I think what gets most people in trouble is they have to "run tell the teacher every time they do something wrong"......."Hey I just shot a bear..!!!"".......Bull......keep the ole mouth shut and make tracks outta there......oh well....thats just my opinion.........Gerhard

There is a rule in this part of the country that most people recite with a smile on their face, like it's a joke. But most of them know it isn't. I suppose it is often applied in other areas as well. The rule is known as The Rule of Three S's. That is, "Shoot, Shovel, and Shut up!" It's more or less self-explanatory.

The wife and I made a quick day trip up to Glacier NP on Friday as Going to the Sun Road was just opening for the year.

On the way in at St Mary's I asked the Ranger (summer, part timer) if there was any info available regarding carry in the Park. She proceeded to go on quite a tirade. Informed me that there had already been "problems" in other Parks........ and she was in FEAR OF HER LIFE now , with all sorts of people carrying guns in the Park.

I politely asked if there was any printed information and she stated NO. Have to say I was a bit surprised they didn't have any pamphlets or hand outs regarding the subject.

Later talked to a real LE Ranger and he wasn't nearly as excited as she was about it. He stated there was NO Carry in any of the Park buildings but his main concern was firearms being stolen from vehicles more than shooting rampages at campgrounds or whatever.

Going to be an interesting summer if your a bear. I fear some Yahoo from Kali will empty his roscoe at the first bear he sees...despite it being a mile away and the Feds will have the excuse they want to enforce a weapons free Parks system.

FN in MT