[RonF]

As long as you have both the nerve and the skill to hit the bear in the right spot. Especially if it’s moving. Most especially if it’s moving at you, as in this case you may not get a 2nd shot.

Not saying that you don’t, just pointing out that it’s not for everyone.

[damondonion]

Shot placement is far less critical with the 45/70 than with the usual 30-cal rifles most people hunt with. With 420 - 500 gr bullets the big Marlins will put African game down quickly and a grizzly simply isn’t that big.

[poinq]

how far does the spray travel? Aren’t you giving up the first blow if your spraying a charging bear. A spray does not travel more than 4 feet. And don’t you have to get the spray near his face. It seems you have one shot with the spray. A bullet gives you a shot from 20 feet and 5 feet and then you have a problem.

[Hardastarboard]

you may not get a 2nd shot

I would never venture into bear country without a high power semi-auto rifle and the biggest magazine I could jam into it, legally or illegally. I might miss 20 times, but the bear WOULD at least be deaf.

[BuffaloJack]

> As long as you have both the nerve and the skill to hit the bear in the right spot. Especially if it’s moving. Most especially if it’s moving at you, as in this case you may not get a 2nd shot.

When did the second or third shot ever do any good if you missed with the first? After the first shot everything else is a desperation activity.