Posted on 03/31/2023 5:23:01 AM PDT by marktwain
In the summer of 1976, I was working alone on the grizzly bear research and was on a trip in the Scapegoat Wilderness south of the Benchmark Road end on USFS land. I was riding my saddle horse and leading two pack horses with my equipment and camping supplies. I rode into a small grassy opening suitable for horse feed north of Half Moon Peak at about dusk. I unloaded the two pack horses and turned them loose to graze with hobbles and was starting to unsaddle my riding horse.
A very heavy, tall, dark colored grizzly bear appeared walking on the nearby USFS trail about 30 yards away. He made no bad threats and kept walking. I had been out about two weeks and my flashlight batteries were dead. Quickly I threw some stove fuel on dry sticks and got a large fire going for light. I put a double halter rope on my horse so he could not break loose from the tree. I set up my small tent and then I stood outside watching my horses and listening to the bear circle the small clearing breaking sticks. The horses with hobbles were not eating and were pivoting sensing the travel of the bear circling around us.
After about two hours, I knew I had to do something to scare away the very large and aggressive bear. I fired six fast shots with my Colt Python and reloaded quickly. The bear left and I tied up all the horses, ate some supper and went to bed in the tent. The horses were allowed to graze the next morning before we headed back to our pickup and trailer at Benchmark Road.
(Excerpt) Read more at ammoland.com ...
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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