Posted on 03/31/2023 5:23:01 AM PDT by marktwain
I had a friend who was camping in the mountains in Colorado with his girlfriend. A large black bear came into their camp and was not interested in leaving. He had a compact 40 cal and fired it into the ground in front of the bear which convinced it to leave.
The Montana backcountry is out my doorstep and I spend lots of time hunting, fishing and hiking in grizz country. Warning shots are fine and Can be effective if you have time. Most deaths over the years in my area have happened from lightning fast encounters like hunters ambushed while gutting, campers pulled out of tents and a few hikers who’ve gotten between mamma and cubs. It all happens fast. A few seconds. I carry a 15+1 10mm on a chest rig and spray. We’re still under feet of snow but they’re coming out around here now!
Another fine fact… no instances of grizz attacks on mounted people in Montana. A few charges, but all bluffs…. Man and horse appears to be more than the grizz want to fool with.
The only good bear is a dead bear.
Warning shot to the brain works well.
When I was in Northern Arizona I went to get ammo for my dads Ruger 44 that I inherited after he died. I told the wise old man behind the counter I wanted something that would stop a grizzly. He looked at me and laughed and said you come across a grizzly you’re more likely to shoot your buddy’s leg off with that thing.
The Colt Python is a revolver I started coveting way too late in life — well after their value went through the roof. I had to content myself with a Ruger knockoff (which of course I have since lost).
Thats funny i have lost a couple of my hand guns also.
Thats funny i have lost a couple of my hand guns also.
I have a S&W .38 spl that I am planning on trading for a S&W .357 mag. I'll still be able to use up my .38 spl rounds.
In the database I and others have compiled of all known instances of pistols fired in defense against bears, the .44 magnum is the most common caliber used. Out of 123 cases where only pistols were used (no combination cases), 37 were with .44 magnums. All were successful.
Not with the YouTube I watch
Consensus is high powered rifle with penetration ammo 300 mag minimum
Id carry 340 weatherby minimum
For pistols seems 44mag is good but 10mm high cap are best
Always penetration rounds
.45 has been found repeatedly in the skull or just under the hair and super thick hair hide and fat layers with little penetration
.357 would be bear minimum
My Python cost about $450 back when I bought it at my uncle’s gun shop.
The shop and my uncle are long gone...
I’ve never encountered grizzly except long range of several hundred yards
They can close 50 yards in a few seconds
It seems 10mm with chest rig best
My experience was 70s when there were far fewer around than now
Especially around Yellowstone area
There are 38 Special rounds out now that have .357 stopping power using hard-cast(deep penetrating)bullets and very modern powders that reduce the need for extreme .357 pressures to achieve high bullet velocities.
In compiling the database, I and others repeatedly ask for the documented failures.
One .22 LR; one .38 special, one .357 magnum.
Read them, and it is easy to see how the failures occurred.
“The front paw print was 8 inches wide...”
Gulp.
Interesting. I’ll have to look into that. Thanks.
“My "Front Paw" is only six wide; but can handle a ".357" if necessary.
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