black bear pistol
#68132
04/16/2010 7:31 PM
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1
jspens
OP
stranger
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OP
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I'm looking for a back up pistol for my bear bow hunting. I had a bad experience with a 357 mag on a bow shot follow up( felt real good about the shot and didn't wait nearly long enough in faiding light. One shot in head, one in neck, one in chest with the 357 and it still managed to make it 75 yds, not to mention single lung with bow). I'm looking for a lot better stopping power. My wife is interested in doing some bear hunting with the pistol as well out to 75 yds. She has relativly small hands but is comfortable with shooting 44 mag type power. I hear the TC contender has a smaller frame that may work. Any thoughts on model and caliber would be appreciated.
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Re: black bear pistol
[Re: jspens]
#68133
04/16/2010 8:15 PM
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 425
pter1020k
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contender is single shot,that could be a disadvantage on a mad bear.that said the contender is a verry diverse and acurate gun with a barrel option for almost any thing you want to shoot.as a backup for a bow or to backup a contender while on a bear hunt I would look into a ruger super red hawk .44 or if you like single action a super black hawk .44. both the red hawk and black hawk are verry reliable and acurate.there are guns larger than a .44 but the .44 will work well on bear without excess recoil and ammo is available almost any were.
Genesis chapter 1 verse 26
When shooting a single shot their are no warning shots.
Keith
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Re: black bear pistol
[Re: pter1020k]
#68134
04/16/2010 8:36 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,861
Franchise
Distinguished Expert
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Distinguished Expert
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I would go w/ the 44 mag also. Instead of a ruger, I would opt for a Taurus Ragging Bull. Due in my opinion to a better/more comfortable grip and a muzzle brake. My wife really likes shooting the 44 mag. in this gun even w/ heavy loads. She has small hands, is 5'1 and weighs 110 pounds. If the gun is comfortable for her, it should work for your wife also.
The Eyes are Useless, When The Mind Is Blind
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Re: black bear pistol
[Re: pter1020k]
#68135
04/16/2010 8:38 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,399
Vance in AK.
Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
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Good advice from Keith, but I would also suggest you look at a 41mag Blackhawk. The grip frame is a little smaller & might fit her hand better, & the 41 mag with 265gr hardcast with a large meplat is a great load for black bear (it's also my bowhunting backup gun when I'm chasing moose here in brown bear country.).
Vance in AK.
Matthew 6:33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."
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Re: black bear pistol
[Re: jspens]
#68139
04/16/2010 9:52 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,097
jwp475
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old hand
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I don't think that Bears should have pistols..
My choice as a back-up the Bow would be a 45 Colt. Properly loaded the 45 Colt is hogher on the food chain than a 44 Mag IMHO and experience. If you need the handgun the 45 Colt will pack mor "Wallop" without excessive recoil
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Re: black bear pistol
[Re: Vance in AK.]
#68140
04/16/2010 9:59 PM
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1
Revolverman
stranger
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stranger
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A Great Day to you and I hope you never find yourself on the running end of a wounded bear (Black Bear or Brown Bear). Neither is what you would call fun.
If it's Power your after The Ruger Alaskan chambered in 454 Casull is the "recommended" Bear gun on a lot of sites. While I admit the 44Mags and higher do have more punch than the 357 Magnum, personally I wouldn't be so quick to count it out. Shot placement is the key more times than power. Me personally I would never take a head shot at a bear unless I absoutly had to. Skulls are way to thick and a bear can travel quit a way with half a head. I still to this day do not understand why a head shot can take so long to kill an animal but a heart shot drops them like a stone. Anyway, I take nothing away from your shots but, well paced shots with a 357 Magnum can do more good than a fairly placed shot with a 44 Mag anyday. Most people honistly dont put in the time to practice for emergencies like the aggitated bear with an arrow in his butt. Again, practicing you contengency plan could include a trip to the range where you throw an arrow downrange then follow up with 2-3 quick "taps" from your 357 Magnum (or whatever you have at the time). Just one man's opinion. Thanks
JB, Magnolia Tx. GySgt, USMC Ret
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Re: black bear pistol
[Re: jwp475]
#68141
04/16/2010 10:40 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,399
Vance in AK.
Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
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My choice as a back-up the Bow would be a 45 Colt. Properly loaded the 45 Colt is hogher on the food chain than a 44 Mag IMHO and experience. If you need the handgun the 45 Colt will pack mor "Wallop" without excessive recoil JWp475 is absolutely right about the 45 Colt & it too is available on the smaller gripframed Blackhawk. By the way, welcome to the site!!
Vance in AK.
Matthew 6:33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."
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Re: black bear pistol
[Re: Vance in AK.]
#68144
04/16/2010 11:54 PM
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,757
cottonstalk
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"If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence,try orderin' someone else's dog around" unknown cowboy
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Re: black bear pistol
[Re: cottonstalk]
#68146
04/17/2010 1:06 AM
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 493
wyote
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I'm also a big 45 colt fan. I would prefer the Ruger Blackhawk over some of the DA revolvers because of it's size and weight.
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Re: black bear pistol
[Re: wyote]
#68149
04/17/2010 1:58 AM
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963
KRal
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I give the 45 blackhawk another vote.
It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but only 3 for proper trigger squeeze.
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Re: black bear pistol
[Re: KRal]
#68151
04/17/2010 2:42 AM
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 577
lamina1982
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Save yourseflf the time of deciding and just go straight to the 500!!!
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Re: black bear pistol
[Re: KRal]
#68171
04/17/2010 1:57 PM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 158
aimingpoint
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Just MHO, I have a very petite GF, she's 5ft and 105# soaking wet, We were out last year and she got hold of mt 454 raging bull, I can't keep her away from it now. My home is Eastern North Carolina and we have some huge black bear, we've never had to put more than 2 into the boiler to to the trick The grips don't seem to be an issue with her and with and Alaska sportsman chest holster, carry isn't an issue even crawling through the laurel tunnels and brambles.
For the People and By the people
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Re: black bear pistol
[Re: lamina1982]
#68174
04/17/2010 2:29 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 335
S.B.
enthusiast
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enthusiast
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Save yourseflf the time of deciding and just go straight to the 500!!! Can't stand those compensators(too loud want to be able to hear after the hunt), my choice would be a John Ross custom:
"The Original Point and Click Interface was a Smith & Wesson."
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Re: black bear pistol
[Re: S.B.]
#68176
04/17/2010 4:05 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,399
Vance in AK.
Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
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Man, the black bears must be REALLY BIG where you guys are!!! I don't even need a 500 for the brownies up here in Alaska :-) 44 mag is still the most popular handgun with Alaskan outdoorsmen by a HUGE (2 to 1 over all others combined I believe) margin.
Vance in AK.
Matthew 6:33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."
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Re: black bear pistol
[Re: Vance in AK.]
#68179
04/17/2010 5:51 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 335
S.B.
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Sorry I thought the discussion was for charging black bears, not a handgun to hunt with. Big differnce. Once their adrenelins up can be very hard to stop. Steve
"The Original Point and Click Interface was a Smith & Wesson."
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Re: black bear pistol
[Re: S.B.]
#68181
04/17/2010 6:05 PM
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 425
pter1020k
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Sorry I thought the discussion was for charging black bears, not a handgun to hunt with. Big differnce. Once their adrenelins up can be very hard to stop. Steve that is ok just remember someone taking a shot at you will get your adrenaline up same as a bear.
Last edited by pter1020k; 04/17/2010 6:06 PM.
Genesis chapter 1 verse 26
When shooting a single shot their are no warning shots.
Keith
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Re: black bear pistol
[Re: pter1020k]
#68186
04/17/2010 7:22 PM
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,105
Russell
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I'd vote for the .45colt, Blackhawk with the Bisley grip frame.
It's not the gun, but the man behind it.
Sheriff Russell Cottle, Ret. USMC; 1967-1970; Vietnam-'68-'69
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Re: black bear pistol
[Re: KRal]
#68189
04/17/2010 9:45 PM
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,755
johnwilliams
Shooting Master
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You never mentioned what type of bullet you were using in the .357 mag.Hollowpoints are not the best choice when penetration is needed,ask Larry Kelly about that,.44 mag revolver emptied into a brown bear with 240 gr.hollowpoints.After that lesson he used a non-expanding bullet and shot a bigger brown bear than the one his guide finished after Larry made him mad.I'm partial to the .454 casull eventhough the .357 mag. would work with the right bullet.
H.H.I.#8190 Colossians 1:17 And He is before all things,and by Him all things consist!
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Re: black bear pistol
[Re: S.B.]
#68229
04/18/2010 12:18 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,097
jwp475
old hand
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old hand
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Sorry I thought the discussion was for charging black bears, not a handgun to hunt with. Big differnce. Once their adrenelins up can be very hard to stop. Steve Cottonstalk has taken and/or been in on more Black Bear kills than anyone that I know of and he uses and is a big fan of the 45 Colt. He has had great succses use hard cast LBT style flat point hard cast 300 or more grains. He has taken them full of adreinaline with out a problem with the 45 even on his hands and knees in very thick brush. Hard to beat a properly loaded 45 Colt IMHO and experience as an all round handgun, plenty of stoping power with out the excessive recoil or size of the stretch frame revolvers
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Re: black bear pistol
[Re: jwp475]
#68246
04/18/2010 5:29 PM
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,757
cottonstalk
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Use your head is the best advice.A bear charged up by hounds is big adrenalin for the bear but how you control yours means alot.I have witnessed great shooters fall to pieces when the chips are down.Now I know of no way to try to practice this,but I run to get my blood pumping then shoot with what I plan to use.I have seen 44mags take lots of bear with 300gr xtps,wfns,and cast core factory loads,and 45 colt hard casts from 260-300s.I have seen tried some smaller calibers with not so great results,so from my experience a 44 would be minimun.I have seen a 500 S&W used and they work,but aren't necessary.Learning to shoot under pressure is the key,any way you can prepare for that is good.
"If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence,try orderin' someone else's dog around" unknown cowboy
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Re: black bear pistol
[Re: cottonstalk]
#68252
04/18/2010 9:13 PM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,434
H2OBUG
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I think the 45 colt with the right load is the best option.--JMHO
If it jams force it! If it breaks it needed replacing anyway.
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Re: black bear pistol
[Re: H2OBUG]
#68279
04/19/2010 2:14 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
Shootist
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This would be my first choice...... But, I will throw another vote in for the venerable .45 Colt.
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Re: black bear pistol
[Re: Whitworth]
#68292
04/19/2010 3:25 PM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,331
TCTex.
Shootist
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Shootist
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Revolver in 44 mag or 45 LC...
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb deciding what to have for dinner. Liberty is a well armed lamb Benjamin Franklin
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Re: black bear pistol
[Re: KRal]
#68332
04/20/2010 5:16 PM
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,155
Bob Roach
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old hand
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My 2 Cents On a Primary Hunting Handgun a Muzzle Break is OK. You will probably be using hearing protection when shooting it. In this application we are talking about a bowhunting backup handgun. You will probably need it in a hurry and not be in a situation to get hearing protection in play. This leaves out the really big magnums in my opinion. This leaves the 41 Magnum, 44 Magnum, 45 Colt and handloaded 480 Ruger. Any of these should work well when properly loaded. This leaves picking what you want to shoot them in. I would probably go for open sights on a backup gun as well.
See You At The Range
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Re: black bear pistol
[Re: Bob Roach]
#68336
04/20/2010 9:34 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,097
jwp475
old hand
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old hand
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The difference in noise between a revolver with a brake VS one without is not enough that I can tell. Remember a revolver has a barrel cylinder gap that is closer to the shooter than is a brake.
I fail to believe that a 41, 44 mag and a 480 is quiter than a 475 of 500 L or JRH
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Re: black bear pistol
[Re: jwp475]
#68342
04/21/2010 12:31 AM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
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The difference in noise between a revolver with a brake VS one without is not enough that I can tell. Remember a revolver has a barrel cylinder gap that is closer to the shooter than is a brake.
I fail to believe that a 41, 44 mag and a 480 is quiter than a 475 of 500 L or JRH
I agree with you. But, some calibers seem to be quite noisy IME such as the .454 Casull and the .460.
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Re: black bear pistol
[Re: Whitworth]
#68346
04/21/2010 1:16 AM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,655
wapitirod
Shootist
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the smaller and faster the projectile the louder the noise. My 460 was loudest I'd had until I bought a 410gnr and that even without the brake like the 460 had was absolutely deafening and considerably worse than any of my 475's or 500's. I was running a 41 cal bullet to the same speed as the 45 cal. I've noticed the same thing with my rifles, when my wife shoots her 222 the noise is sharper and harder on the ears than her 270 and when I'd got to the range out of my 3 big rifles the 300 and 375 RUM and the 458 LOTT it was the 300 that would turn heads when it went off. Anyways that's been my observations.
I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them. John Wayne-The Shootist
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Re: black bear pistol
[Re: wapitirod]
#68549
04/26/2010 3:38 PM
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 65
TCUMan
journeyman
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journeyman
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Go with a Ruger Alaskan in 454 then you can put 45LC's in it.. this is my fiance's favorite revolver, she is 5'6" and 126lbs she shoots the buffalo bore 325gr hard cast loads out of it and it is a wonderful backup to any thing.
.257JDJ, 6.5JDJ, 6TC/U, 7TC/U, and soon to be, 6.5-284, 7 Sundance MOA.
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Re: black bear pistol
[Re: TCUMan]
#68552
04/26/2010 4:22 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4
JD338
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Black Bear are easy to kill and die fast if hit properly. If something goes wrong, they can be tough. I think the 44 mag with a good 240 gr bullet or heavier weight would be the minimum I would want stop a bear. JD338
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Re: black bear pistol
[Re: JD338]
#68553
04/26/2010 5:31 PM
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 222
wizzard
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Black Bear are easy to kill and die fast if hit properly. If something goes wrong, they can be tough. I think the 44 mag with a good 240 gr bullet or heavier weight would be the minimum I would want stop a bear. JD338 Just my opinion, but that right there is enough to make me look into something bigger. I have no experience with bear, nor do I crave any, but I wouldn't use the "minimun" anything to save my life. lol
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Re: black bear pistol
[Re: wizzard]
#68554
04/26/2010 5:36 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
Shootist
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Shootist
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Black Bear are easy to kill and die fast if hit properly. If something goes wrong, they can be tough. I think the 44 mag with a good 240 gr bullet or heavier weight would be the minimum I would want stop a bear. JD338 Just my opinion, but that right there is enough to make me look into something bigger. I have no experience with bear, nor do I crave any, but I wouldn't use the "minimun" anything to save my life. lol I'm with you, I'm not one for minimum calibers.
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Re: black bear pistol
[Re: Whitworth]
#68588
04/27/2010 2:28 PM
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 81
trad-hunter
journeyman
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journeyman
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Thats funny! I never considered a 44 magnum a minimum caliber!
T/C Contender Super 14 30-30win In GOD We Trust!
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Re: black bear pistol
[Re: trad-hunter]
#68592
04/27/2010 2:49 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
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Shootist
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See the little guy in the middle? That's a .44 magnum -- flanked by a .475 Linebaugh on the left, and a .500 Linebaugh on the right......LOL!
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Re: black bear pistol
[Re: Whitworth]
#68593
04/27/2010 3:36 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 427
Recoil
addict
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addict
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I don't do minimum!
Recoil
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Re: black bear pistol
[Re: Recoil]
#68597
04/27/2010 4:35 PM
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 81
trad-hunter
journeyman
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journeyman
Joined: Aug 2008
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Sure there are bigger calibers out there now, but how big a caliber do you really need?
T/C Contender Super 14 30-30win In GOD We Trust!
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Re: black bear pistol
[Re: trad-hunter]
#68599
04/27/2010 5:08 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 427
Recoil
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As big as you can handle I reckon. No such thing as too big. Is such a thing as too small IMHO.
Recoil
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Re: black bear pistol
[Re: trad-hunter]
#68600
04/27/2010 5:25 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
Shootist
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Shootist
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Sure there are bigger calibers out there now, but how big a caliber do you really need? As long as you can shoot it well, there's no downside to larger calibers, but there is a whole lot to gain with regards to performance on game. The key to this argument is competance with the increase in recoil generated by the bigger calibers. They are difficult to master and require a boat-load of practice.
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Re: black bear pistol
[Re: Whitworth]
#68625
04/28/2010 1:40 AM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 435
BINGO
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I think I'd like a quick follow up shot for anything that bites & is upset w/me. That situation IMHO begs for a DA. I prefer SA's & don't even own a big bore DA. I'd go for the 4" Redhawk in 45 Colt. I've been warming up to those since they introduced them. I'd stuff it w/as big a fat, flat bullet I could handle! I agree w/"No such thing as too much"!
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