Best Bear Gun?

[A.J.]

What's a good bear gun?

My wife and I were hiking through a wilderness area this weekend with our two dogs. Out of nowhere a big black bear stepped onto the trail 15 to 25 yards away. Dogs came to us quickly and we hastily walked the opposite direction. Got back to the car. No harm done.

All this got me thinking.... Maybe I need a little more than my .38 five shot Ruger LCR. Possible options for wilderness hikes:

1. Pack my Ruger GP100 (.357, 6" barrel) or Ruger P98 9mm or Beretta M9 9mm
2. Pack a short barreled 870 12 gauge with pistol grip.
3. Get one of those "not shotgun" guns. (Mossberg Shockwave or Remington Tac14)
4. Get a big 'ol high caliber bear revolver.

For the short term, options 1 and 2 will have to do, but later I might consider 3 or 4. What do you think?

 

[GunnyGene]

What's a good bear gun?

My wife and I were hiking through a wilderness area this weekend with our two dogs. Out of nowhere a big black bear stepped onto the trail 15 to 25 yards away. Dogs came to us quickly and we hastily walked the opposite direction. Got back to the car. No harm done.

All this got me thinking.... Maybe I need a little more than my .38 five shot Ruger LCR. Possible options for wilderness hikes:

1. Pack my Ruger GP100 (.357, 6" barrel) or Ruger P98 9mm or Beretta M9 9mm
2. Pack a short barreled 870 12 gauge with pistol grip.
3. Get one of those "not shotgun" guns. (Mossberg Shockwave or Remington Tac14)
4. Get a big 'ol high caliber bear revolver.

For the short term, options 1 and 2 will have to do, but later I might consider 3 or 4. What do you think?

Question: Why were you the only one armed? Other than that, I'd suggest the GP100 as a minimum, with 180 Gr LFNGC, & carried in a chest rig.

Ammo: https://www.underwoodammo.com/collections/handgun-ammo/products/357-magnum-180-grain-lead-flat-nose-gas-check?variant=7865928220729

Chest Rig: https://www.diamonddcustomleather.com/products/guides-choice-chest-holster

 

[A.J.]

I was the only one carrying a gun. My wife carried an air horn and pepper spray. She's used the air horn against aggressive dogs in the past. Works great. Against bears? Neither of us ever want to find out!

I've always wanted a good chest rig. Thanks for re-planting that seed.

 

[Pat-inCO]

For most people, at least the ones I know, a six inch barrel .44Mag would
fill the bill. Since I already have a 10mm I would be inclined to carry one
of those, but would also give thought to a lever action .45/70.

Depends a lot on what you are willing to tote with you. :wink:

 

[Montelores]

Just a couple of comments -

Black bears are not grizzly or brown bears, so your response should include that information.

Black bears generally shun contact with humans, although you should never insert yourself between a mother and her cubs.

As far as "hastily" retreating, conventional bear wisdom discourages this, because you may be viewed as prey. I'm not criticizing, just pointing out the perspective of the bear. Generally, slowly retreating without turning your back on the bear (which presents a "flight" impression, possibly triggering pursuit), while making yourself appear larger (arms up, coat spread, etc.) can discourage interactions.

Bear spray might be a good addition to your inventory. I do realize that you're asking about firearms, but the goal is survival without injury.

As far as black bears not attacking, I believe that there was a woman near Telluride, CO, who regularly fed a black bear from her porch. One day, this relationship turned sour, and she was killed.

There's some conflicting information in these 2 websites below, but you might want to peruse your available resources for some more perspectives.

Here's a humourous maxim which was imparted to me by some local horsemen in Yellowstone N.P. (where both grizzlies and black bears are present): How do you tell the difference between a black bear and a grizzly bear? If the bear is up the tree, and you're on the ground, it's a black bear. If YOU'RE up the tree, and the bear is on the ground, it's a grizzly.

:wink:

https://bear.org/website/bear-pages/black-bear/bears-a-humans/119-how-dangerous-are-black-bears.html

https://www.americanhunter.org/articles/2018/5/25/bear-defense-from-the-professionals/


The best fight is the one which you don't have.

Monty

 

[BearBio]

I would invest in a second can of bear spray as selection one (so you are carrying two).

Gun wise: Anything 357 or over with a slug designed to penetrate. Unless you PRACTICE (and PRACTICE and PRACTICE), I would forget a 44 mag or 454 Casull. A good 45 Colt load or a 10mm will do fine. My wife likes the 41 mag and I carry a 454 but we live in grizzly and moose country. Black bears are not grizzlies!

 

[reuben_j_cogburn]

I don't know about down there... but up here black bears often shadow people... what was their intent?.... Not sure.... But I know quite a few people who have had it happen to them....
I have had one extended experience with one... and even my dog couldn't get it to stay away, for long. And it was his job....
The bears that shun contact you probably wont know are ever there... but a bear that doesn't seem intimidated by you should very much be taken seriously, as it probably hasn't heard of the "shunning", thing.....
Carry the biggest you can tote easily. Why go against the mostest with the leastest.....??

 

[Montelores]

Interesting to hear that about the black bears and stalking. That was mentioned somewhere as behaviour exhibited in Alaska, not necessarily in the lower 48.

I would certainly follow your advice, Reuben.

Best wishes to you -

Monty

P.S. One additional thought, based on Reuben's comments - surprising a bear can have "unwanted" outcomes. Wearing bells, singing, loud talking, can "encourage" a bear which is unseen by you to amble off in a different direction, just to avoid contact.

 

[reuben_j_cogburn]

Bears also get lost in their thoughts.... to say you can't surprise one just isnt true.... I encountered a very large brown bear on a very wide trail (going around a bend)..... be noisy.... sing a song...

 

[A.J.]

I don't know about down there... but up here black bears often shadow people... what was their intent?.... Not sure.... But I know quite a few people who have had it happen to them....
I have had one extended experience with one... and even my dog couldn't get it to stay away, for long. And it was his job....
The bears that shun contact you probably wont know are ever there... but a bear that doesn't seem intimidated by you should very much be taken seriously, as it probably hasn't heard of the "shunning", thing.....
Carry the biggest you can tote easily. Why go against the mostest with the leastest.....??

Great advice. Consider it done. I'm going 12 gauge.

I would NOT want to be "shadowed" by a bear. No thanks. I saw a utube video of this happening to a guy (unarmed). It was scary as hell.

 

[loaded round]

I have always been taught that the best bear gun you can have is the one you're carrying when you have your bear encounter. AKA ''be prepared''.

 

[Doc Holliday]

Great advice. Consider it done. I'm going 12 gauge.

My choice as well.

 

[JohnBoy]

Here's a dandy little backup to that Twelver:



Light packing with a goodily amount of bark.

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

AJ, glad everything turned out ok. You didn't really give us any information as to what the black bear did, or how it responded, that will tell you a lot. I've had a black bear shadow me as well, in Alaska, but not in the lower 48. I've spent most of my adult life in Alaska so that's probably why. One of my biggest perspectives is if you are going to be around bears (of any kind) is to learn as much as you can about them. There are a lot of biologists that will educate you but (IMHO) they aren't as concerned about you as they are the bears. Herrera is one and a guy much closer to the forum. I will give you my knowledge of bears, and the first is (and what many folks want to know) does bear spray work? It seems to be more effective with juvenile bears than adults, and that's true if it's black bears, grizzly, or polar bears. (Also black bears may come back after being sprayed if they have taken a like to you (being sarcastic here) and are being predatory. Eskimo's will tell you it just doesn't work on polar bears and they (polar bears) surely are not intimidated by much at all. When a bear is shadowing you they are predatory. They may be working up the nerve to give you a go, or they may just be looking for an opportunity. Being there was two of you and a dog or two, probably that wasn't a serious danger in itself. Personally I don't believe bears know what they are going to do it until they do it.

Getting out of the area is a good decision. Don't run, and try to be as quiet about it as possible. Many people think it's important to yell and scream as soon as they see the bear, personally I think that's a bad idea. If the bear hasn't noticed me I'm going to try to step around a tree, and make sure he hasn't noticed me. Then the plan is (as you did) go the other direction and not run, or turn your back on the bear until you have created some distance. Then just get out of the area. Sometimes it's hard to know if they have given up on you or are just looking for an opportunity to size you up. This is given they are predatory, and not the average black bear that is going to mind his own business and would appreciate your doing the same which is the majority of adult black bears.

I don't have a lot of confidence in shotguns with pistol grips. Pick up some slugs and see how accurate you are. Many folks don't really use their gun enough to have a lot of experience based confidence in their gun. It's mostly they used to be ok with it, or how hard can it be. It's hard. Add an adrenalin dump and it get's harder. I tend to think long guns are preferable to handguns. Not because a handgun is not capable of solving the problem, but most people shoot a long gun better than a handgun. Depends on which you are. Since I moved to the lower 48 where there can be grizzlies, I think in terms of a 44 Special with a good load, or a 45 Colt, or the venerable 44 magnum as minimum for black bears. Heavier recoiling handguns are not necessary and have more recoil which slows down your recovery and next shot. Bears can be put down with a 9mm provided a good load (bullet) and intimate knowledge of body parts.

Bear in mind also that you may never run into another bear. But it doesn't hurt for both of you to be armed and capable. Unless guns are your wife's forte bear spray is better than nothing, just understand that it may not settle things permanently.

Until you get something bigger your GP100 with the LFNGC or WFNGC either one in the 180 grain or even 200 grain as that gun will handle it. I know a couple of people that, like any other round, short of a really good hit, it didn't settle the argument.

Excuse my random unorganized thoughts here.

 

[protoolman]

Heck, your original post was just a perfect excuse to get the wife to approve the purchase of a nice Ruger Super Blackhawk .44. I shoot a .45 Colt so I don't need one but for black bears I think a Super with hard cast .44s would be about perfect.

 

[Wyandot Jim]

Well If I knew I was in Bear country a 50 bmg would be a good start as a minimum

 

[bentblade]

As long as you can outrun your wife the 38 spec. should be fine. If you can't then I would suggest you carry the biggest gun that both of you can shoot well. I wouldn't go crazy buying some cannon for black bear unless you just need an excuse to buy a new gun. Your GP100 or either of the 9MM's should do the trick also. Don't know if your wife is a shooter or not but you might consider a 20 ga. pump with slugs. Remington makes a nice youth model with an 18" barrel and short stock, that's what I got my girlfriend for her house. Nice and light and won't beat her to death.

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/Remington-Model-870-Express-Compact-JR-Pump-Action-Shotgun-with-Synthetic-Stock

The Girlfriends has a black synthetic stock with spacers to adjust the length of pull. This gun weighs 5 3/4 lbs about 1 3/4 lbs than an 18" 12 ga.
After shooting hers I got one for myself, put a mag extension on it and the standard compact laminated stock it's a fun little gun to shoot.

 

[Jeepnik]

Don't know if it's true, but I hear tell black bears do attack quite a few folks. Heck here in my state all bear attacks are black bears. Why, well that's cuz even though the grizz is on our state flag we killed them all.

When I'm out where the bears do frequent I'm happy with a .45 colt Blackhawk. The only exception is if I'm hunting, and then I have whatever long gun plus a side arm. But it's not uncommon for that side arm to be a .22 lr handgun.

 

[kmoore]

Black bears, I have come in contact around 10 times, several while deer/elk hunting or 5 times in 8 years at my beach house. They all looked at me and either walked or ran away. Most were seen as they were running away in brushy areas. None stood up, I was told they do that to see and smell better. For sure I do not know. Only once was there 2 together at 50 ft. away when I came out the back door of the house. I will only guess a young with mother. None turned violent. I was armed with a rifle or at home had the handgun inside. They poop in the driveway when home or away.
I never tried to approach them. The dog barks at them and deer from time to time. Those times they leave.
Regarding a gun, forget the pistol grip shotguns unless you practice a lot. If you do not practice you will shoot high and with a running bear likely over them. Every shot after the first will be higher. I say that as a shooter and instructor of pistol grip 12 ga. guns with 14 to 20 inch barrels, most at 18. A full size stock will point and hit much better even in a 14 inch barrel. From the waist under your trigger arm or if you have time aim it.

 

[mistermills357]

I carried a .357 Security Six or a .44 Mag Super Blackhawk, when I was stationed at Fort Greely. Looking back on things, the .44 Mag was the better choice.

 

[RolandDeschain]

Black bears, I have come in contact around 10 times, several while deer/elk hunting or 5 times in 8 years at my beach house. They all looked at me and either walked or ran away. Most were seen as they were running away in brushy areas. None stood up, I was told they do that to see and smell better. For sure I do not know. Only once was there 2 together at 50 ft. away when I came out the back door of the house. I will only guess a young with mother. None turned violent. I was armed with a rifle or at home had the handgun inside. They poop in the driveway when home or away.
I never tried to approach them. The dog barks at them and deer from time to time. Those times they leave.

Pretty much my experiences as well. Have had quite a few short range black bear encounters. Pretty common to have one hanging around the outpost cabin on our annual Ontario fly in trips, and invariably a rock or chunk of firewood tossed their direction will chase them off. Also had a mom with cubs hanging around the bait all week one hunting season . She knew I was there, and didn't like for me to come down from the tree. Popping her teeth, growling, swatting the ground, etc.. Would have to throw my pack at her to get enough room to climb down. Also a few encounters in the Smokys too. Was chased by one once when I was a teenager, but that was before I knew not to run away, (and truth be known, he was probably just looking to mooch anyway)... Really just never had a problem with a genuinely aggressive black bear.

That said, the cove here in TN where I have my cabin has black bears, and when working on my property I like to keep a gun handy just for peace of mind. My favorite outdoor carry is a Glock 32 (12 rounds of 357 Sig) but of the ones you mention I wouldn't hesitate to carry my GP100. FWIW, I also have a SBH in 44, and of the two, I would carry the GP100, for the simple reason that I shoot it better.

FWIW - Am not a bear hunter though - have only been a couple of times and in fact have only shot one black bear, and that was an unneeded confirm kill shot on one my daughter shot with her 30-30. I shot it with a 44 magnum from a Marlin 94 at about 20 yards. The exit wound on the 30-30 was about the size of my thumb - while the exit wound on the 44 was about 3 times the size - from a standard 240gr Winchester White box...

 

[BearBio]

FYI: Black bears (esp. young males) can be predatory and stalk (as in HUNT) you. Grizzlies just want to eliminate a threat and move on. More fatalities from black bears than grizzlies. If attacked, play dead for grizzlies and fight back for black bears.

 

[bogus bill]

 

[vito]

I think the OP should be very grateful that folks here took his question seriously and offered some real advice, not just jokes and insults. It seems the question about the "best handgun for bear country" comes up pretty often on all gun forums. Not as often as "which is better, revolver or semi auto?" or "what is better for self defense, 9mm or 45cap?" but pretty often.

As to black bears, two years ago while at Sequoia National Park my wife and I, and a bunch of other tourists came upon a black bear mom and her three cubs grazing in the clearing. Then a male, about three times her size came into the area, and the sow and her cubs climbed a tree. After about 20 minutes the small sow came out of the tree and confronted the big male, who then ran off into the woods. This entire time we were on a walking path that surrounded the clearing, looking at huge Sequoia trees, and the Park Rangers that appeared asked us to stay in place until the situation resolved as the bear were too near the paved path we were using to leave the area. The Rangers carried only bear spray, saying that they were not allowed to carry firearms, and both added that even if allowed they would not likely bother doing so because they felt that short of provoking the bears, the black bears were literally no threat to humans. Whether or not I agree with them is irrelevant, but I tend to not be overly concerned about black bears and would just behave prudently as recommended by many here on the forum. At the time of this incident my concealed carry gun that I had in an OWB holster was a Ruger sr40c with the extended magazine in it. Push came to shove I felt pretty comfortable with those hollow point 40 S&W rounds.

 

[nekvermont]

Here's a link about a NH lady who was wheelchair bound and mauled by a black bear in her own home.

http://www.mysuncoast.com/news/national/nh-woman-mauled-by-bear-tells-her-story/video_76506e22-5d54-591a-9aa5-1cd2b06eefcc.html

 

[A.J.]

AJ, glad everything turned out ok. You didn't really give us any information as to what the black bear did, or how it responded, that will tell you a lot. I've had a black bear shadow me as well, in Alaska, but not in the lower 48. I've spent most of my adult life in Alaska so that's probably why. One of my biggest perspectives is if you are going to be around bears (of any kind) is to learn as much as you can about them. There are a lot of biologists that will educate you but (IMHO) they aren't as concerned about you as they are the bears. Herrera is one and a guy much closer to the forum. I will give you my knowledge of bears, and the first is (and what many folks want to know) does bear spray work? It seems to be more effective with juvenile bears than adults, and that's true if it's black bears, grizzly, or polar bears. (Also black bears may come back after being sprayed if they have taken a like to you (being sarcastic here) and are being predatory. Eskimo's will tell you it just doesn't work on polar bears and they (polar bears) surely are not intimidated by much at all. When a bear is shadowing you they are predatory. They may be working up the nerve to give you a go, or they may just be looking for an opportunity. Being there was two of you and a dog or two, probably that wasn't a serious danger in itself. Personally I don't believe bears know what they are going to do it until they do it.

Getting out of the area is a good decision. Don't run, and try to be as quiet about it as possible. Many people think it's important to yell and scream as soon as they see the bear, personally I think that's a bad idea. If the bear hasn't noticed me I'm going to try to step around a tree, and make sure he hasn't noticed me. Then the plan is (as you did) go the other direction and not run, or turn your back on the bear until you have created some distance. Then just get out of the area. Sometimes it's hard to know if they have given up on you or are just looking for an opportunity to size you up. This is given they are predatory, and not the average black bear that is going to mind his own business and would appreciate your doing the same which is the majority of adult black bears.

I don't have a lot of confidence in shotguns with pistol grips. Pick up some slugs and see how accurate you are. Many folks don't really use their gun enough to have a lot of experience based confidence in their gun. It's mostly they used to be ok with it, or how hard can it be. It's hard. Add an adrenalin dump and it get's harder. I tend to think long guns are preferable to handguns. Not because a handgun is not capable of solving the problem, but most people shoot a long gun better than a handgun. Depends on which you are. Since I moved to the lower 48 where there can be grizzlies, I think in terms of a 44 Special with a good load, or a 45 Colt, or the venerable 44 magnum as minimum for black bears. Heavier recoiling handguns are not necessary and have more recoil which slows down your recovery and next shot. Bears can be put down with a 9mm provided a good load (bullet) and intimate knowledge of body parts.

Bear in mind also that you may never run into another bear. But it doesn't hurt for both of you to be armed and capable. Unless guns are your wife's forte bear spray is better than nothing, just understand that it may not settle things permanently.

Until you get something bigger your GP100 with the LFNGC or WFNGC either one in the 180 grain or even 200 grain as that gun will handle it. I know a couple of people that, like any other round, short of a really good hit, it didn't settle the argument.

Excuse my random unorganized thoughts here.

Thank you for your great wisdom regarding this topic. I used to be a very good shot with a pistol grip shotgun. I'll practice a bit to see if I still got it. Eventually, I may get a really short shotgun like a Shockwave or Tac14. Until then, I'll pack a pistol gripped 870.

 

[A.J.]

I think the OP should be very grateful that folks here took his question seriously and offered some real advice, not just jokes and insults. It seems the question about the "best handgun for bear country" comes up pretty often on all gun forums. Not as often as "which is better, revolver or semi auto?" or "what is better for self defense, 9mm or 45cap?" but pretty often.

As to black bears, two years ago while at Sequoia National Park my wife and I, and a bunch of other tourists came upon a black bear mom and her three cubs grazing in the clearing. Then a male, about three times her size came into the area, and the sow and her cubs climbed a tree. After about 20 minutes the small sow came out of the tree and confronted the big male, who then ran off into the woods. This entire time we were on a walking path that surrounded the clearing, looking at huge Sequoia trees, and the Park Rangers that appeared asked us to stay in place until the situation resolved as the bear were too near the paved path we were using to leave the area. The Rangers carried only bear spray, saying that they were not allowed to carry firearms, and both added that even if allowed they would not likely bother doing so because they felt that short of provoking the bears, the black bears were literally no threat to humans. Whether or not I agree with them is irrelevant, but I tend to not be overly concerned about black bears and would just behave prudently as recommended by many here on the forum. At the time of this incident my concealed carry gun that I had in an OWB holster was a Ruger sr40c with the extended magazine in it. Push came to shove I felt pretty comfortable with those hollow point 40 S&W rounds.

You're right. The people on this forum are the best. That's why I posted this topic here.

 

[gramps]

For Black Bear, I would be comfortable carrying a GP-100, in .357 with 200 gr lswc. Corbon used to sell them. In Alaska I carried an Redhawk .44 mag with 240 gr Winchester white box (Kotzebue), when I went up to Barrow for 19 weeks, I carried the RH with 310 gr WFN over 15 grs 2400. I had considered a shotgun, but it weighed too much to fly. The RH was a great talisman. The only bear I saw in Alaska was in the Anchorage Zoo. Good luck! Lots of good advice.
gramps

 

[wolfsong]

My GP100 6 in. barrel with 180 gr. cast bullets is my field/back-up sidearm always.

Most of my black bear encounters entailed them running away from me. A couple of times they didn't run too far before my 30.06 stopped them. All other encounters involved us chasing them out of our camp while they were raiding our grub. They seem to enjoy Pepsi in cans and absolutely love red licorice. Never crossed my mind to be afraid of them - they were stealing our food and we weren't putting up with those shenanigans!

 

[Montelores]

My GP100 6 in. barrel with 180 gr. cast bullets is my field/back-up sidearm always.

Most of my black bear encounters entailed them running away from me. A couple of times they didn't run too far before my 30.06 stopped them. All other encounters involved us chasing them out of our camp while they were raiding our grub. They seem to enjoy Pepsi in cans and absolutely love red licorice. Never crossed my mind to be afraid of them - they were stealing our food and we weren't putting up with those shenanigans!

Ha!

Excellent!

Monty