What are you carrying in g-bear country?

[MuleyFever]

Curious what people are carrying for protection when rifle hunting, not bow hunting.

 

[Slickhill]

My rifle when hunting and a handgun around camp or after I’m tagged out. I did the carry both deal when I first got to AK and then decided to skip the pistol when I realized a rifle is far more effective and easy to use.

 

[chanson_roland]

Given the proctology exam you apparently have to endure if you shoot a G-bear in self defense, I'm carrying:

1) Rifle for the bear
2) Spray for the attack scene
3) Pistol to put in the bear's paw, so I can claim self-defense

 

[rayporter]

pistol in right paw and knife in left.

 

[TradLife406]

Glock model 40

 

[Hunter26]

I would prefer to use my rifle obviously but I keep a pistol on me because to often you set down your rifle or it just isn't in a handy place if things get western.

 

[hiker270]

Rifle season - Rifle only. Archery season - Bow and Glock 10mm

 

[jjohnsonElknewbie]

In '21 I carried a 5" .357 revolver. Since then I thought a 10mm auto would be better for capacity, but I've come full circle since then and still plan on a revolver for the next trip. Not sure if I'd go .357, 10mm, 45 LC, etc... Key is accuracy and reliability. If the SHTF and a bear is on you, I wouldn't want my auto push out of battery and not go off. One way to prevent would be to get a screw on brake on the end of the barrel, IDK, gonna be a few years before im up in that country again.

 

[clebysantos694]

I carry both. If your going to carry a pistol, I would highly suggest looking into G9 ammunition. It has pretty significant performance results.

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[chanson_roland]

I carry both. If your going to carry a pistol, I would highly suggest looking into G9 ammunition. It has pretty significant performance results.

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I just bought some G9 Woodsman for my 9mm. I'm going down the path of "shoot what you own" vs. buying a new pistol.

I also think a 9mm pistol is smaller, so easier for the G-bear to digest and won't cause any GI tract issues going down. That way I'm staying on the right side of the Endangered Species Act.

 

[ianpadron]

I carry a rifle and pistol. Seems every grizz encounter I've heard about happens when you least expect it. Some of these instances include (while taking a leak, taking a nap, glassing 50 yards from your pack and rifle, field dressing an animal with your rifle leaning on a tree 10 yards away etc)

I have my 10mm on my pack belt and then anytime I put my pack down I swap it to my hip. Goes everywhere. Idc if the probability is low of needing it, I've got a family at home.

 

[Turkeygetpwnd38]

If it's just me, a rifle and pistol, but I carry a pistol any time I'm in the woods. If I have any family with me or someone I am responsible for, all three.
I think there is a pretty good argument for all three. There are times when spray is going to be less than ideal, rainy/windy. There are also times when I'd want to use spray over a handgun. I can think of situations I wouldn't want to pop a round off but spray might be deterrent enough. Then there are situations like I found myself in last year where I was really happy to have a pistol. Last light, close quarters, thick brush and a bear roars and starts stomping the ground within 15 yards. My rifle wasn't great for that and was glad to have my handgun. I think that equation can change some depending on one's capabilities with handguns though.

 

[Justin (Raz) Rasmussen]

Will you always have your rifle in your hands? Like, always? Have you practices fast up close shooting with your rifle? Will you?
How well does your rifle cycle rounds fast and aggressively? Are you in the habit of keeping your scope powered all the way down? Do you plan to always carry a round in the chamber of your rifle? Does your rifles safety allow for that or is it easily bumped off safe?

That is what Id ask myself about rifle only. The answers I've come to are to carry a sidearm.

Spray has its uses, curious bears and predatory bears come to mind.

Whatever you decide practice like your life may depend on it.

 

[WCB]

Rifle and Pistol...I don't have my rifle strapped to myself 24/7. If I'm on a glassing spot I might walk 40-50yds to pop a squat and take of business. Also, if I kill something my hands will be full working or if I start relaying meat or hauling meat out the 4wheeler or a certain pickup location Im making one trip out with the rifle then leaving it and going back and forth with just the pistol. Don't have to go back to camp to get it.

 

[Isildur]

Your best bet for bear defends is a weapon you’re comfortable and familiar with.

If it’s a Taurus Micro 9mm you strap on daily for concealed carry and practice with twice a week you’ll be more effective than with a .490 Thunderfuck you break out once a year because it’s a beast and ammo is $120 a box.

With that being said my primary bear gun is a Marlin 45/70 followed by a Savage Scout .308.

 

[Scollette111]

FN 510 tactical 10 MM with hard cast Coated Underwood 200s

 

[Scollette111]

Reality is, almost all encounters would be too quick to effectively use a rifle. Maybe one person in the group would have that opportunity but that's taking a chance you arent first in line.

 

[Fetty Wapiti]

As someone that used to handle Grizz for a living, I would feel quite uncomfortable without bear spray on my body. It is going to be your primary defense in most situations and by far the most effective option. Sure there are instances where the gun is the better option, but those instances are far and few between. As for the gun... a rifle will always be the most effective option. I would be far more fearful of people, falling trees, wasps, and environmental factors while recreating in Grizz country. Go have fun and make good decisions. You will most likely never need the gun or the spray and the vast majority of folks that have used a gun or spray most likely never needed to in the first place.

 

[realunlucky]

Here's a podcast I just did. Check out some of the YouTube links for a better idea how the options differ in the actual field.

TT#57 Bear Defense with Justin Rasmussen - Rokslide

ipsy Tuesday #57 is Bear defense with Justin Rassmussen of Razco. Justin discusses firearms vs spray and where each shines in deterring an attack, along with the best practice techniques and along with insight on keying into a bear's body language. We jump into Rokslide's Cold Bore Challenge...

www.rokslide.com

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[Bcool208]

Rifle only while I still have a tag in my pocket, then drop the rifle and switch to a pistol first load of meat back to the truck. Have stopped carrying the heavier x ten 10mm and now carry an xmacro 9mm with Underwood hard cast and 17 rounds, (in a Razco holster) realizing none of the above options are probably going to get me out of trouble fast enough. Makes me feel better anyway