Posted on 07/06/2024 4:11:01 AM PDT by marktwain
The most important aspect, if a confrontation occurs, is to have a firearm available, easily and quickly accessible. The specific caliber is less important. These updates include all the incidents we have been able to document to the date of the update after several years of intense searches. We have always sought examples of failures. We appreciate readers who help us document more cases.
Here are all the cases that have been documented where .357 Magnum caliber revolvers were fired in defense against bears. These cases do not include incidents where handguns were used with other lethal means or a mix of handgun calibers were used. If more than one handgun of the same caliber was used, the incident is included. There are 14 incidents with a .357 caliber revolver (3 black, 10 brown, 1 polar bear), and 1 incident was a failure with a brown bear. 1 incident was indeterminate. The incidents are listed chronologically.
I interviewed Alex Burton. The details of his cases have been detailed on AmmoLand before. When Alex arrived at the scene, the Cook had gone back to the dump. Alex had to retrieve his 357 Colt revolver, unlock the box it was in, retrieve ammunition from another box, and load it. While he was doing this, the Cook came running back from the dump, with the bear chasing him.
(Excerpt) Read more at ammoland.com ...
A co worker I had, was in the USAF at Elmendorf. He said they carried .44 magnums. I don’t know if they ever had to use them.
My favorite. You can’t beat the weight/power combination. Keep one on my nightstand. A 6” Smith isn’t much for concealability.
I suggest all that are able try a Kimber K6S 4”Combat. For me it is very accurate due to comfortable handling.
I just...
There is a lot to be said for 357 revolver but it comes from an era where proficient shooter made every shot count.
These days I prefer a high capacity semi auto in a large caliber, full power round if I have to go pistol but the real solution for a bear is a high power semi auto rifle
!?Rubber Bullets?! Then I realized that it was a European Country.
I will be packing a 44 Magnum and a 1911 .45ACP both loaded with Home Loaded +P+ and High Grain JHP or better rounds and plenty of spares in Speed Loaders and Extra Magazines ranging from 7 to 15 rounds per should I ever be in a Bear Zone.
And only 5 rounds losded...
Firing warning shots at a bear or mountain lion is a really bad idea.
If you have a bear or big cat stalking you and you are seriously in fear of your life shot to kill as soon as possible, preferably before it charges.
If you fire a warning shot it may just retreat to try a more stealthy surprise ambush attack down the trail.
If it decides to charge, you are going to need all the ammo you can get
“These days I prefer a high capacity semi auto in a large caliber,”
Ditto. A 1911 45 ACP and a 40 cal with red dot sight. Nothing smaller.
IMO if a person carries a 9 mm he might just as well throw rocks.
I wonder what a 12 gauge high velocity 00 buck would do to a bear? Kill it or piss it off? There are some interesting 00 buck 12 ga shells out there that give tighter shot groups that are LEO and military grade ammo. A head shot with 9 of those pellets should incapacitate the bear. I really don’t want to find out for sure.
He said buck shot worked very well, and never failed him.
There is a fella on YouTube who reviews all types of ammo for shotguns, even home made ones, and many of them are very deadly and do a lot of damage- can’t remeber his name now, but some of the ammo he tests is really wicked.
Nice article Dean. Very informative. By me we have mostly 2 legged predators. But if it’ll take down a bear it’ll also take down men with evil intent.
CC
Why did he do this? Did he only have one round? Kinda hard to understand why he didn't fire more rounds...
Having shot bears with rifles, shotguns and a couple different calibers of handguns.
I found buckshot works but I prefer to use it under 15 yards.
Penetration can be a problem when as the distances get further.
At the closer ranges one still has to aim. So why not just carry slugs or even better a rifle.
Handguns work well I prefer heavy for caliber deep penetrating bullets.
Because for decades all the “pro bear experts” told him handguns don’t work. Besides you shouldn’t kill bears.
We have found handguns work very well as long as you are willing to shoot the bear.
Even better if you shoot to kill the bear.
Don’t know if you ever had to face a bear down but I have had to many times
Warning shots work about 25% of the time in deterring an attack.
The amount of paper work risk of prosecution for shooting a protected animal. Just the general hassle involved with killing one.
Make’s solving the problem without actually shooting the critter is appealing.
Should warning shots always be used no. But they are a viable option. If circumstances allow it to be done safely.
Because we all have so many bear encounters.
In Alaska, I used to carry a .44 Mag. I had one occasion to pull it (didn’t fire), and realized then that with the explosion of adrenaline, I wasn’t going to hit a thing. So I bought the shortest legal 12 gauge and alternated slugs and buckshot. Whenever I’m out when bears are out, I have it slung over my shoulder.
I have seen some people carry flare guns.
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