Top 10 Bear Country Carry Guns

Published on July 3, 2018
Duration: 5:28

This guide, drawing on the expertise of a seasoned firearms instructor and outdoorsman, details the top firearm choices for bear country. It emphasizes the critical importance of follow-up shots and discusses the pros and cons of various revolvers and semi-automatic pistols chambered in calibers like .357 Magnum and 10mm Auto, considering factors like recoil, capacity, and reliability for defense against large predators.

Quick Summary

When choosing a firearm for bear country, prioritize calibers like .357 Magnum and 10mm Auto, and models known for manageable recoil and effective follow-up shots, such as the Glock 20 or Smith & Wesson Model 66. Extreme power without shootability, like that of the S&W 500, can be less effective in a charging animal encounter.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Bear Country Carry
  2. 00:52Top 10 List: Revolvers 1-4
  3. 02:23Top 10 List: Semi-Autos and Revolvers 5-10
  4. 04:18Exclusion of Large Calibers

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best calibers for bear country carry?

For bear country, .357 Magnum and 10mm Auto are highly recommended. .357 Magnum offers a good balance of power and manageable recoil for follow-up shots, while 10mm Auto provides greater energy and velocity, making it very effective against large predators.

Why is follow-up shot capability important for bear defense firearms?

Effective follow-up shots are critical because a single shot may not stop a charging bear. The ability to quickly and accurately fire multiple rounds increases your chances of deterring or neutralizing the threat, making firearms with manageable recoil preferable.

Which firearms are recommended for bear defense?

Top recommendations include revolvers like the Smith & Wesson Model 66, Ruger Blackhawk, and EAA Windicator in .357 Magnum, and semi-automatics like the Glock 20 in 10mm Auto. These offer a good mix of power, reliability, and shootability for dangerous encounters.

Why might a powerful handgun like the S&W 500 not be ideal for bear defense?

Despite its immense power, the extreme recoil of the S&W 500 makes accurate and rapid follow-up shots very difficult. In a high-stress encounter with a charging bear, this lack of shootability can be a significant disadvantage compared to more manageable firearms.

Related News

All News →

More from God Family and Guns

View all →