Bear Gun?

[dirtynails]

Ok, so I like to go camping out here in the west. I don't usually sleep in a tent . I like to look up at the stars (as long the the temp isn't going to drop below the dew point, in which case I sleep under a tarp). So, if I am asleep out in the open and the bear comes for a visit, what would be the easiest gun to wake up to, find, figure out which end is which and then decide what to do with it? I would think some kind of a long gun would be best, like say an old Remington 870 slug gun. What do you think? What I really suspect though is there would be no time.

 

[Hossbaby50]

If it is only for pure defense and no hunting of bears then I have always recommended a short barreled shotgun with slugs or buckshot in it. A slug gun would work but a smooth bore is more versatile. You can shoot rifled slugs from a smoothbore (with mod choke or more open) and also everything else. A slug gun limits you to slugs.

I have a 870 express 18.5" shotgun that I had threaded for chokes. I use it as my all around gun when I am camping. It can kill everything from squirrels and birds all the way to bears with just the change of a shell. It isn't great for killing anything specific but it can kill pretty much anything.

I also usually carry a sidearm or .357 mag or larger when I am in bear country. A double action revolver is the easiest weapon to utilize quickly in sleeping situation. No safety, no action to pump, just point & pull.

As an all around gun, shotgun, as a sleeping gun double action revolver.

Harley

 

[greyhoundjc]

Do a google search for Smith & Wesson 329pd airlite 44 magnum. They have incredible stopping power and they are lite enough that you could take it hiking.

 

[mxfireman]

Do a google search for Smith & Wesson 329pd airlite 44 magnum. They have incredible stopping power and they are lite enough that you could take it hiking.

My father n law has that hand cannon it would be great for bear.

Long gun I like the 870 mine has never let me down.

 

[454k30]

I spent a couple years up in alaska and some guys carried pistol handled shotguns, but what worked best for me was a .44 mag revolver. no safety to fumble with, no trying to maneuver a long gun around in a tent or truck bed. Just grab, point, and shoot! Usually the noise alone was enough to scare one off.

 

[mofugly13]

When camping in bear country I take my short barrelled Mossberg 500 loaded with slugs and buckshot. I hike with my .357 loaded with HARD solid lead slugs. I'd like to take a .44 Mag when I hike, but I don't have one, yet. For bear hunting, I'd take my Marlin 1895 in 45-70.

 

[Speedo]

I like to shoot bears with my .375 H&H, Swift A-frame 300 gr.

Gus

 

[CDA 455]

Ok, so I like to go camping out here in the west. I don't usually sleep in a tent . I like to look up at the stars (as long the the temp isn't going to drop below the dew point, in which case I sleep under a tarp). So, if I am asleep out in the open and the bear comes for a visit, what would be the easiest gun to wake up to, find, figure out which end is which and then decide what to do with it? I would think some kind of a long gun would be best, like say an old Remington 870 slug gun. What do you think? What I really suspect though is there would be no time.

Don't laugh but I want to get a Taurus Raging Bull Model 500 in 500 S&W:

 

[JEBSR]

Nice looking gun. I hope you have strong wrist.

 

[Elevator Man]

I have a H&R handi-rifle that was chambered in .223 and I ordered the .500S&W barrel for it. It cost $85+shipping (total about $100) I like the versatility of being able to change the barrels in a matter of seconds. The 500 kicks like a motha!!! Outa knock the poop out of a grizz!