Best Gun For Bear

Published on April 19, 2013
Duration: 5:36

This video discusses the best firearms for bear defense, differentiating recommendations for brown and black bears. For brown bears, a .45-70 rifle like the Marlin Guide Gun or a .44 Magnum/.500 Magnum revolver is advised for penetration. Black bears can be deterred with a .357 Magnum revolver. The speaker humorously warns against bears evolving to use firearms.

Quick Summary

For brown bear defense, a .45-70 rifle like the Marlin Guide Gun or a .44 Magnum/.500 Magnum revolver with hard-cast bullets is recommended for penetration. Black bears can be deterred with a .357 Magnum revolver.

Chapters

  1. 00:27The Question: Best Gun for Bears?
  2. 01:12Bear Encounter Philosophy & Safety
  3. 02:06Brown Bear Rifle Recommendations (.45-70)
  4. 02:36Best Handgun for Brown Bears (S&W 500)
  5. 03:07Black Bear Defense Calibers (.357 Magnum)
  6. 03:28Satirical Warning: Bears Evolving

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best rifle caliber for defending against brown bears?

For brown bear defense, a .45-70 rifle like the Marlin Guide Gun is highly recommended due to its significant power and manageable size. This caliber offers excellent penetration capabilities necessary for large, dangerous game.

Which handguns are suitable for brown bear encounters?

If a handgun is necessary for brown bear defense, consider at least a .44 Magnum with a 4-inch barrel or, ideally, a .500 Magnum. Focus on using hard-cast or FMJ bullets for maximum penetration against thick hides and muscle.

What handgun caliber is recommended for black bear defense?

For black bear self-defense situations, a .357 Magnum revolver with a barrel length of 3 to 4 inches is generally considered sufficient. This caliber provides adequate stopping power for most encounters with black bears.

Should I prioritize bullet expansion or penetration when choosing bear defense ammo?

When selecting ammunition for bear defense, especially against large bears like grizzlies, penetration is paramount. Hard-cast lead or Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) bullets are preferred over expanding bullets to ensure deep wound channels through thick hides and bone.

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