Bear defense

[naturegirl]

I have a dilemma. I carry a Ruger LCP .380 (w/laser) with me when I’m hunting. I like it because of its size and ease to carry.

 

Well, 2 weekends ago my husband and our hunting buddy were chased by a mama bear with a cub. My husband was carrying a 40 caliber and his shot gun for turkey. The bear chased/charged them multiple times and they had to shoot their shot gun in front of her 3 times and finally she backed off enough to let them get out of the area.

 

My husband spoke to a friend who was carrying a 40 and was attacked by a bear in Colorado. It took 6 shots to take the bear down. I want to upgrade to a bigger caliber sidearm, but am unsure if I should go with a smaller caliber that holds more rounds or a larger caliber that holds 2 less rounds. I also prefer something small enough to carry inside my waistband.

 

I know it’s not likely that I will ever be attacked by a bear, but I want to be prepared if I am…LOL. Just curious of others thoughts/opinions on this.

[AverageJoe]

I was in the same situation last year. I ended up getting a 44 mag but never use it due to its size. I still carry my s&w 38 revolver. I carry a glock 22 on occasion but it is not as cOmfortable as my .38. I would say go with a glock of ur liking. Plenty to choose from that will fit your need.

[singleshot]

I also carry the LCP in 380. I carried an XD 40 for a couple of years and it always got in the way while glassing, sitting etc. I would much rather have the 380 with 7 shots than a cannon in the truck.

[CouesWhitetail]

I recommend carrying Counter Assault bear spray. To me it's better than a handgun because it sprays in a wide shotgun pattern so your aim doesn't have to be perfect and it ruins their eyes and lungs so they stop and run away. The other reason I like it better is that for the most part you dont' really want to kill the bear, you just don't want it charging you and making contact. For instance, say there is a mother and her cubs and the mother charges you. If you shoot her she will likely die and so will her cubs. But if you bear spray her, she will leave and still survive to raise her cubs. It's a non-lethal way of handling the problem.

 

Here is a video of an AZ highways photographer using the can of bear spray I gave her just in case she had a close encounter while trying to photograph some bears.

http://www.coueswhitetail.com/video_clips/bear_spray_clip.wmv

[Guest akaspecials]

I have the same concerns that you do about bears. I am currently carrying a Glock 30 (45ACP) in the woods. I originally bought this for 2 legged threats but it’s become my woods gun because my other pistols are smaller caliber. The G30 is fine for IWB carry, but it is very obvious it’s there on me. I also don’t like carrying with one in the chamber because I’m worried it will go off when I fall or put it back into the holster. That's a huge issue for me because I prefer one in the chamber at all times. For that reason I am trying to switch to a .357 mag revolver with a 2-4” barrel. My research led me to believe that this is the perfect mix between power and kick. I am also very comfortable that a revolver won't go off with "one in the chamber." I will probably carry the .357 in a holster on my belt though. I also looked at .44 mags and decided that it’s way too much gun for me and I couldn’t get back on target fast enough. I’ve also read a lot of stories about people being blinded by them at night. Good luck and let us know your decision!

[Big Browns]

I carry a full size 45 Cal Glock. It's a great gun, but I've been thinking about getting something a little smaller and lighter. I think a snub nose 357 would be a great gun for this situation.

 

I agree that having Bear spray is better. I personally carry the handgun to protect against people and Mt. Lions more than Bear. I supose the spray would work for those situations as well, but I feel more comfortable having a gun on my side.

 

Adam

[naturegirl]

I recommend carrying Counter Assault bear spray. To me it's better than a handgun because it sprays in a wide shotgun pattern so your aim doesn't have to be perfect and it ruins their eyes and lungs so they stop and run away. The other reason I like it better is that for the most part you dont' really want to kill the bear, you just don't want it charging you and making contact. For instance, say there is a mother and her cubs and the mother charges you. If you shoot her she will likely die and so will her cubs. But if you bear spray her, she will leave and still survive to raise her cubs. It's a non-lethal way of handling the problem.

 

Very good suggestion. I would never want to shoot one, but of course if I absolutely had to if it was a choice between me or the bear, I would choose me. I've spent so many years out in the field and have never come across one in person, but after my husband's scare I would like to be prepared.

[AverageJoe]

I have come within ten feet of a bear twice in the last year. Neither wanted to hurt me, just get away. One was a big boar too. We locked eyes for a minute then he turned around and hauled up the hill. I think it was when i growled at him that made him run away.

[Snapshot]

I recommend carrying Counter Assault bear spray. To me it's better than a handgun because it sprays in a wide shotgun pattern so your aim doesn't have to be perfect and it ruins their eyes and lungs so they stop and run away. The other reason I like it better is that for the most part you dont' really want to kill the bear, you just don't want it charging you and making contact. For instance, say there is a mother and her cubs and the mother charges you. If you shoot her she will likely die and so will her cubs. But if you bear spray her, she will leave and still survive to raise her cubs. It's a non-lethal way of handling the problem.

 

Here is a video of an AZ highways photographer using the can of bear spray I gave her just in case she had a close encounter while trying to photograph some bears.

http://www.coueswhit..._spray_clip.wmv

 

+1 on that.

 

Being up in Montana the last 2 years, I bought a can of bear spray with holster. $39.95 . Carry the spray and a handgun in bear country. Spray first, shoot only if neccessary.

I fished a creek in MT. that is lined with thick willow brush jungles. The bears come in there in the spring looking for winterkill. You can't see 10 feet in some places. It is one of those places that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up

 

I think next year I might buy a S&W .500 Mag

[kidso]

I carry a Glock .40 filled with hollow points for honory critters that get too close. Pulled it out of the holster once, but never had to fire it.

[Critter]

This is a good post - I just spent a week in Alberta watching bears all week must've watched 15 bears or so - I think bears are one of my favorite big game animals and although yes they can get nasty... 99% of the time they are just curious and are more scared of you yet they may want to get close to check you out. That doesnt mean they want to hurt you - you're just a smell they've never smelled before and they're intrigued... Personally I like that idea of having and using bear spray first and only shoot if necessary. They are usually the first to run - we spooked quite a few after we had tagged out just messing around. Bottom line if a bear is getting that close to you jack a bullet and get ready but avoid killing it if necessary IMO

[maximus]

A friend of mine goes to Alaska every year and over there they tell you the best thing is the bear spray, the also tell you to carry a 44 mag but if a grizzly is charging you i don't know how good you can aim.

[#1huntinfool]

The bear spray is a swell idea. But if you want to get a gun, get a springfield 1911 .45,

not a glock, its tupperware ( plastic). Some people like them cause there cheap. But when you rely on your life, why get less than the best?

[AverageJoe]

Hah, worst gun i ever had was a springfield 1911. Best gun ever, you guessed it, a glock.

[AZHUNTER05]

I definitely would not say the 1911 is the worst gun ever. In fact the 1911 is going to be way more accurate then the glock. The glock is a good gun but i wouldn't compare the two to each other.