Bear Gun

[ZValentine]

The marlin rifles had issues for a few years after they moved shops and didnt bring many of the folks that had been working there with them, I think that in the last few year the reported issues have really not been very many. I really want to get a marlin trapper in 45-70. I primarily hunted with a 1895CB in 45-70 from age 12 until I could afford my own rifle at 16. I also carried a guide gun when I was working for outfitters in my early years. effective out to 300 yards and enough for anything in Montana.

 

[Ndbowhunter]

Hey all, I do a fair bit of hiking, fishing and scouting in grizz country. I currently have a 12 gauge Mossberg Maverick 88 that I carry with me, loaded with slugs, in case I happen across a grizzly that decides it wants to eat me. I’m thinking about replacing it with a Marlin 1895 guide gun or the Dark Series Lever Action chambered in 45-70. I’ve heard there were problems with the 1895’s when Remington bought Marlin but I’ve since heard these problems have been fixed. Does anyone have any experience with these or a different recommendation for a bear defense gun?

Thanks


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Ar15 with bonded bullets and a red dot if you are legitimately concerned about bears.

 

[Dirt Wagon]

Ar15 with bonded bullets and a red dot if you are legitimately concerned about bears.

So not only will they find bullets in the bear, they'll find you too.

 

[Ndbowhunter]

Yup, that’s why! Never seen a grizz, nor a dead one, nor spent anytime near them.

 

[TREE ‘EM]

Check in to a Ruger 96/44, 77/44 or Deerfield 44.
Lightweight, compact and plenty of thump.

 

[Yukon Cornelius]

ADFG and the feds all use 12ga with slugs In Alaska.

I own a 45-70, 12ga, and 10mm. I always carry the 10mm.

 

[Dirt Wagon]

Orange Magpul stock set, or spray paint works too. Maybe attach a bell at the end of the magazine tube like the hikers do, lol.

 

[marshland_max]

Yep, another big vote for the 12 ga .....

 

[FLAK]

I don't my life depending on which way the wind is blowing
at the time.

 

[Kevin Dill]

Can't reload pepper spray. It's a one-and-done defense....something to consider if going in far and staying long. And you also have to gas yourself if Mister Bear does a B&E into your shelter.

I'm currently getting started on building what I want as a big-bore defense gun as well as a backup hunting weapon. Maybe I'll start a thread on that project here shortly.

 

[LeftOverChicken]

Can't reload pepper spray. It's a one-and-done defense....something to consider if going in far and staying long. And you also have to gas yourself if Mister Bear does a B&E into your shelter.

I'm currently getting started on building what I want as a big-bore defense gun as well as a backup hunting weapon. Maybe I'll start a thread on that project here shortly.

Would definitely be interested in following that build.


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[tdot]

Ar15 with bonded bullets and a red dot if you are legitimately concerned about bears.

What caliber are you shooting in an AR15 for Bear Defense? And what type/size of Bears?

I'm a huge fan of Red Dot's for anything up close.

 

[tdot]

Has anyone here actually used a 12g on a bear? I know a ton of guys carry them here in BC. But no one I've spoken to has actually used one to stop a charging Bear. It always ends up being a hunting rifle that they are carrying that gets used.

 

[BjornF16]

0.50 Beowulf in AR-15 would work fine; as well as 450 Bushmaster or 458 SOCOM or 6.5 Grendel or even (gasp) .223 Rem

AR-15 Used to Defend Against Charging Polar Bear (2008)

When facing dangerous opponents, be they men or bears, there is much to be said for rapid, controllable fire at close range. The AR-15 offers those characteristics and 30 round magazines.

www.ammoland.com

But methinks they probably can't have AR-15s in Canada, eh!

Absent AR-15, or a good magnum pistol, I'd vote 45-70.

 

[MattB]

Understand your interest in a firearm but pretty sure the research shows your better off with pepper spray.

I keep reading that but the only data I have seen indicates the opposite.

 

[tdot]

0.50 Beowulf in AR-15 would work fine; as well as 450 Bushmaster or 458 SOCOM or 6.5 Grendel or even (gasp) .223 Rem

AR-15 Used to Defend Against Charging Polar Bear (2008)

When facing dangerous opponents, be they men or bears, there is much to be said for rapid, controllable fire at close range. The AR-15 offers those characteristics and 30 round magazines.

www.ammoland.com

But methinks they probably can't have AR-15s in Canada, eh!

Absent AR-15, or a good magnum pistol, I'd vote 45-70.

Lol. Exactly. Not alot of AR15's up here.

 

[Gatorgrizz27]

Can’t you guys up in CA carry shorter barreled rifles and shotguns than the 16”/18” we have here? That might make things a bit different.

 

[alexanderg23]

I carry a Sako 375 H&H. Those Ruger guide guns are good and affordable too. I’d take a rifle over a shotgun any day.

 

[dreamingbig]

Has anyone here actually used a 12g on a bear? I know a ton of guys carry them here in BC. But no one I've spoken to has actually used one to stop a charging Bear. It always ends up being a hunting rifle that they are carrying that gets used.

My dad was in Montana in November and had a grizzly that wanted to do a B&E of his Alaskan Guide Tent. It took 3 shots from a 12 gauge filled with buck shot to get it discouraged and out of camp. The first two shots were into the air and it simply moved the bear from one side of the tent to the other. The third shot was over the top and it exited finally.

I am not sure how pepper spray would have worked out. It was dark out as well.


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[kid44]

Ruger Toklat .454 Casull in a chest holster.