Newbie from Wyoming

[rhinorv]

Very new to this forum and to handguns! Currently don't own a handgun but now that I will be hunting in bear country I am planning on getting one! Any information on good calibers for self defense in bear country and a caliber that will be good for a newbie would be great! Thanks!

Ryan


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[P&R Fan]

Welcome from Iowa.
Never encountered a bear, so I can't say I know much about the subject. If I knew I was gonna encounter one I'd want a rifle.
If it has to be a handgun, at least a .44 Magnum.
Maybe a .41 Magnum.
Jim

 

[jimmib]

welcome from Washington state....whichever magnum you decide on I would also carry bear spray

 

[jinx]

Welcome fellow Wyomingite. I personally don't ever want to go up against any bear with a handgun, but if I did it would be a minimum of 44 mag.

 

[BaaBaa]

The local folks who have shot bears with handguns say .45 .357 or .40 S&W are the minimum ones to use. I know 2 people who have shot attacking bears with handguns. 15 feet and 20 feet was where the bears dropped. Interesting both were using revolvers.

Long guns or shotguns with slugs are better for sure but hard to carry with you all the time.

I went with a .357 and hope I never have to use it.

Bear spray is also good but for it to be effective they are a lot closer than I want them to come.

 

[sw1834]

Welcome from another resident of Wyoming. I'm with the others on a .44mag. at a minimum. Also be aware that depending on where you go hunting, bear spray is mandatory in some areas.

SWCA #1834

 

[rhinorv]

Thanks guys. I have bear spray all the time just want a little "extra" protection. Sounds like .44 mag may be the route to go...

Ryan


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[feralmerril]

A lot of people will tell you a warm old .45 colt can do the job too.

 

[shouldazagged]

Welcome from Louisville. Stick around after getting your recommendations--this is a great forum, with lots of chances to learn and laugh.

 

[RevTracy]

Welcome from Colorado! I just returned from visiting friends in Missoula and we had this very discussion. His research showed that .357 Mag or .44 Mag are the minimum for bear protection. However, he also found that bear spray is the best way to protect yourself.

Good luck! And stick around this forum...you'll receive a lot of great information!

 

[Wyo]

Welcome from another Wyomingite - there's quite a few of us here. Knew a Warden up in the Jackson country some years back whose job was, among other things, putting down problem griz. He carried the G&F issue sidearm which was, I believe, a .357 mag., but he didn't think much of it for bears. His strong preference was for a 12 ga. Slug gun.

 

[Dikinalaska]

We do a lot of hiking/camping/fishing here in AK (Alaska, not Arkansas) and the 44mag is the most popular. A few things to take into consideration though- A bullet, no matter of size or velocity, doesn't matter if you can't hit what you need to. So bigger is better, IF you can reliably shoot it. You should carry something you're comfortable with. A good friend of mine was hiking and a bear came out onto the trail and started charging him and his dad. He pulled out his Smith 500 and unloaded, but not one bullet hit the intended target. His dad luckily had a 12ga loaded with slugs and successfully dropped the brownie. I don't know if you've ever shot a handgun before, but I'd suggest seeing if anyone you know has a larger caliber handgun that you can shoot. But as far as calibers go, I'd suggest the 44 mag. It's a beefy round with good stopping power. Mine is a 1911 in 10mm. Went that route because it's a decent round and I have 9 rounds instead of 6. Others to consider- .357mag, 454, Smith 500, 45lc than there's long guns. A shotgun is always a great option. Pistol-grip with extended tube, sling, and slugs is pretty easy to carry.


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[DesertFox]

Black bear territory -> .357Mag on the hip
Grizzly bear territory -> .44Mag on the hip
Alaska brown bear territory -> 12 Gauge slugs

Might as well have the bear spray too. And if you cannot manage big/hot/recoiling rounds, they won't do you any good. Might as well carry a sharp stick and a 22LR snub-nose.

I have 2 good friends who are bow hunters who got mauled by grizzly bears over the last several years. A very real and scary fact of hunting in certain areas at certain times. Both survived.

Welcome and be careful out there in WY!!

 

[rhinorv]

Thanks for all the replies. I'll have to do some looking and see if I can shoot a few different calibers.

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