 Would You Knowingly Venture Into.....?
#157057
03/09/2015 4:55 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 207
TM
OP
enthusiast
|
|
OP
enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 207 |
Posted this on another forum, got a few responses. Let's see what you guys think.
Would you knowingly venture into bear country with a
.357 Magnum, either for hunting or for defense. Gun and load is your choice. Let's take Alaska out of the equation since that's where we can get into some really big bears. Let's keep this confined to the lower 48.
|
|
|
|
Re: Would You Knowingly Venture Into.....?
[Re: TM]
#157061
03/09/2015 6:30 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,399
Vance in AK.
Pooh-Bah
|
|
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,399 |
Yes. Not my 1st choice but a comfortable one.
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."
|
|
|
|
Re: Would You Knowingly Venture Into.....?
[Re: Vance in AK.]
#157062
03/09/2015 6:37 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
Shootist
|
|
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836 |
I would too, but would prefer something bigger. It would be loaded with 180 grain WFNs for maximum penetration.
|
|
|
|
Re: Would You Knowingly Venture Into.....?
[Re: Whitworth]
#157063
03/09/2015 7:00 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 312
SEAK
enthusiast
|
|
enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 312 |
Yep,plenty of big bears killed by the 357mag.Remember once it was the hottest thing going and bears have not got tougher.
Enjoying to circle of life
|
|
|
|
Re: Would You Knowingly Venture Into.....?
[Re: SEAK]
#157065
03/09/2015 7:33 PM
|
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,006
Zee
Shooting Expert
|
|
Shooting Expert
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,006 |
"To Hell with efficiency, it's performance we want!" - Elmer Keith
|
|
|
|
Re: Would You Knowingly Venture Into.....?
[Re: Zee]
#157066
03/09/2015 7:57 PM
|
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 117
rob-c
member
|
|
member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 117 |
yep, heavy hard cast at max velocity. I have thought about this a few times wouldn't a 357 or 41 loaded with heavy for caliber hard cast be easier and more controllable for fast follow up shots than a big bore and I would think one would / could practice more with the smaller magnum calibers. but having said all that from all the articles I have read nothing beats pepper spray..
|
|
|
|
Re: Would You Knowingly Venture Into.....?
[Re: rob-c]
#157067
03/09/2015 8:02 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715
jamesfromjersey
Shootist
|
|
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715 |
Life member-NRA-SCI
Member-HHI #2900-HHASA #067
Colt-Ruger-Freedom Arms-and S&W Collector Assoc.s
"I have more guns then I need but not as many as I want" "Handgun hunters HAVE to be good"
|
|
|
|
Re: Would You Knowingly Venture Into.....?
[Re: jamesfromjersey]
#157070
03/09/2015 9:32 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 920
billa
old hand
|
|
old hand
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 920 |
Yes. If the 357mag is what I have I would carry it with heavy (180 gr) hard cast loads and be confident in my safety. If I have a choice I would pick my RSB 44 with 300gr XTP loads.
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,... "
Matthew 28:19
Handgun hunter since 1979 - haven't used a rifle since!
HHI member #992, NRA, SCI.
|
|
|
|
Re: Would You Knowingly Venture Into.....?
[Re: billa]
#157071
03/09/2015 9:57 PM
|
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 124
dave19113
member
|
|
member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 124 |
Yep... in fact my girlfriend has small hands and cant shoot my redhawk too well but she handles a gp100 with the smaller grips like a champ.... full power 180 gr hardcast
|
|
|
|
Re: Would You Knowingly Venture Into.....?
[Re: dave19113]
#157076
03/09/2015 10:40 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 271
dvan
enthusiast
|
|
enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 271 |
T/C's~Ruger's~Striker~XP~S&W & the Quest Continues
|
|
|
|
Re: Would You Knowingly Venture Into.....?
[Re: TM]
#157077
03/09/2015 11:25 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,212
Bullelk Hunter
veteran
|
|
veteran
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,212 |
why not? I think a good heavy, clswc would fill the bill but I'd rather have my M29 or Redhawk with me.
BullElk Hunter (Gerry)HHI #2933
And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, whom shall I send and who will go for us? And I said: Here am I, send me!(Is. 6:8)
|
|
|
|
Re: Would You Knowingly Venture Into.....?
[Re: Bullelk Hunter]
#157085
03/10/2015 12:12 AM
|
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963
KRal
Shootist
|
|
Shootist
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963 |
Without a doubt, but I'd probably use 180 NP's.
It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but only 3 for proper trigger squeeze.
|
|
|
|
Re: Would You Knowingly Venture Into.....?
[Re: dvan]
#157089
03/10/2015 1:35 AM
|
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 493
wyote
addict
|
|
addict
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 493 |
If it (a 357)was all I could come up with I would carry it. But not sure how comfortable I would be with it.
We've got quite a few grizzlies around here. Plus moose can be a pain to deal with from time to time.
If it was only black bears, lions, wolves, etc then I could be a lot more at ease with the 357
|
|
|
|
Re: Would You Knowingly Venture Into.....?
[Re: wyote]
#157101
03/10/2015 10:09 AM
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 649
dhom
addict
|
|
addict
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 649 |
Yes, I would. Usually only black bears where I hunt.
|
|
|
|
Re: Would You Knowingly Venture Into.....?
[Re: dhom]
#157104
03/10/2015 11:56 AM
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,757
cottonstalk
Pooh-Bah
|
|
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,757 |
"If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence,try orderin' someone else's dog around" unknown cowboy
|
|
|
|
Re: Would You Knowingly Venture Into.....?
[Re: cottonstalk]
#157110
03/10/2015 1:17 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,725
500WE
Pooh-Bah
|
|
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,725 |
Yes, assuming it is a stout .357, not a lightweight pocket pistol, as I would also use 180's.
|
|
|
|
Re: Would You Knowingly Venture Into.....?
[Re: 500WE]
#157113
03/10/2015 2:22 PM
|
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4,669
Chance Weldon
Distinguished Expert
|
|
Distinguished Expert
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4,669 |
I'd rather have a 357 than nothing at all.
Formerly TN Lone Wolf
"We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided." - J.K. Rowling
|
|
|
|
Re: Would You Knowingly Venture Into.....?
[Re: Chance Weldon]
#157117
03/10/2015 3:48 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,155
Gregg Richter
Distinguished Expert
|
|
Distinguished Expert
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,155 |
I'd rather have a 357 than nothing at all.
|
|
|
|
Re: Would You Knowingly Venture Into.....?
[Re: dvan]
#157122
03/10/2015 5:15 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 345
Festus
enthusiast
|
|
enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 345 |
They should make a suit that has an easy pull cord (like an inflatable boat vest)
But it sprays pepper spray out jets in the suit, just in case the bear beats you to the draw.
Never forget an old photo of a guy that was mauled to death by a bear. Several feet away was a super blackhawk laying on the ground.
|
|
|
|
Re: Would You Knowingly Venture Into.....?
[Re: Festus]
#157126
03/10/2015 6:23 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 312
SEAK
enthusiast
|
|
enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 312 |
They should make a suit that has an easy pull cord (like an inflatable boat vest)
But it sprays pepper spray out jets in the suit, just in case the bear beats you to the draw.
Never forget an old photo of a guy that was mauled to death by a bear. Several feet away was a super blackhawk laying on the ground. Same thing has happened with folks carrying big game rifles even more so.
Enjoying to circle of life
|
|
|
|
Re: Would You Knowingly Venture Into.....?
[Re: SEAK]
#157151
03/11/2015 3:28 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,155
Gregg Richter
Distinguished Expert
|
|
Distinguished Expert
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,155 |
And the Q that comes to my mind is "was the SBH loaded or empty or somewhere in between?" Not that it matters at this point in time but it would be interesting to know.
As far as "folks carrying big game rifles" the whole point of carrying a back-up handgun is that it is much easier and hopefully faster to get into action in very close quarters vs a 22" or 24" barreled rifle...
Sad stories for sure and I am not judging; just making a point. And if the SBH was fired then it comes down to "when it's your time, well then it's your time."
|
|
|
|
Re: Would You Knowingly Venture Into.....?
[Re: Gregg Richter]
#157154
03/11/2015 9:02 AM
|
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,556
junebug
Gun Slinger
|
|
Gun Slinger
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,556 |
[quote=. And if the SBH was fired then it comes down to "when it's your time, well then it's your time." [/quote]
The presence of a backup pistol dosen't mean it will work or be used succesfully .It should give peace of mind and another option to the user,if he or she puts in the time to learn it inside out,day night light or dark,and make it an extention of there hand. Only practice ,or an Angel on your shoulder can save you sometimes.
With that said how many dilligently practice with there back up guns they carry?
junebug
|
|
|
|
Re: Would You Knowingly Venture Into.....?
[Re: junebug]
#157157
03/11/2015 11:57 AM
|
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 738
98Redline
old hand
|
|
old hand
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 738 |
Not to further derail the thread....but this is the reason why I consider a double action to be almost a requirement for a backup gun. I want something that I am able to unholster and fire with a minimum of gyrations required. While cocking a single action may be second nature, if you are actively trying to keep a bear off of you with one hand, the hammer cocking action may be a bigger hurtle than is surmountable, pulling the trigger might be as well but I would like that as an option.
This is another good reason why short barrels are preferred. The 7 1/2" SBH can be unwieldy when trying to work it around close to your body.
|
|
|
|
Re: Would You Knowingly Venture Into.....?
[Re: 500WE]
#157161
03/11/2015 12:52 PM
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 750
bluecow
old hand
|
|
old hand
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 750 |
Yes, assuming it is a stout .357, not a lightweight pocket pistol, as I would also use 180's. X2
Everything before "but" is B.S.
|
|
|
|
Re: Would You Knowingly Venture Into.....?
[Re: 98Redline]
#157174
03/11/2015 5:03 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 207
TM
OP
enthusiast
|
|
OP
enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 207 |
Not to further derail the thread....but this is the reason why I consider a double action to be almost a requirement for a backup gun. I want something that I am able to unholster and fire with a minimum of gyrations required. While cocking a single action may be second nature, if you are actively trying to keep a bear off of you with one hand, the hammer cocking action may be a bigger hurtle than is surmountable, pulling the trigger might be as well but I would like that as an option.
This is another good reason why short barrels are preferred. The 7 1/2" SBH can be unwieldy when trying to work it around close to your body. While the 7 1/2" has it's merits, a close encounter back up gun is probably not one of them. I agree and think the shorter barrels are ideal for this purpose, in my opinion a 4" being about ideal, long enough yet short enough too. I am lucky enough to have 2 to pick from, a 4" Model 29 and a 4 5/8" SBH. Cocking the hammer is second nature to me, but in a close encounter back up gun needed situation I can see where a DA can be the difference between being mauled and not being mauled.
|
|
|
|
Re: Would You Knowingly Venture Into.....?
[Re: dvan]
#157176
03/11/2015 7:33 PM
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 27
IKEWESSON
newbie
|
|
newbie
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 27 |
I would not be worried carrying a .357 mag.as a backup. But I carry a S&wW 44 mag snubnose as a backup. Sometimes I carry my Glock20 10mm. Also a good choice.
|
|
|
|
Re: Would You Knowingly Venture Into.....?
[Re: IKEWESSON]
#157178
03/11/2015 9:01 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 607
nytracker
addict
|
|
addict
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 607 |
I was thinking in a self defence fight for my life with a bear my go too would be my glock... all be it mine is a 21.. then i got to thinking maybe i need a a 10mm... got a little excited... then i remember we dont have grizz here in ny... guess i dont need one. Damn doged that bullet... wife just let me out of the dog house last week after buying the srh 480.
Save liberals from them selves, stich their sphincter closed so they cant talk out their arse
|
|
|
|
Re: Would You Knowingly Venture Into.....?
[Re: nytracker]
#157182
03/11/2015 11:35 PM
|
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,556
junebug
Gun Slinger
|
|
Gun Slinger
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,556 |
Short would be good. I have been on my belly with a 1265# bull on my back and you don't get up till you make him let you up, or he gets tired of beating on you. Room to swing a long barrel was just not there ,but a short one worked. A bear would be lots worse [any bear]as he has teeth and claws.
junebug
|
|
|
|
Re: Would You Knowingly Venture Into.....?
[Re: junebug]
#157187
03/12/2015 5:50 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 312
SEAK
enthusiast
|
|
enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 312 |
DA is no real advantage over SA. I have had people say but what if your thumb goes out of action and I say without a thumb you can't fire any handgun as you can't hold it. For real up close remember that bears long hair is wanting to tangle into anything that moves and can tie up cylinders and slides. Best thing don't think bears but carry what you shoot best and if something does happen do what you can do and know you gave it your best.. Bear kill with their teeth 99% of the time and use their feet like we use out hands.
Enjoying to circle of life
|
|
|
|
Re: Would You Knowingly Venture Into.....?
[Re: SEAK]
#157198
03/12/2015 9:23 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 207
TM
OP
enthusiast
|
|
OP
enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 207 |
DA is no real advantage over SA. I have had people say but what if your thumb goes out of action and I say without a thumb you can't fire any handgun as you can't hold it. For real up close remember that bears long hair is wanting to tangle into anything that moves and can tie up cylinders and slides. Best thing don't think bears but carry what you shoot best and if something does happen do what you can do and know you gave it your best.. Bear kill with their teeth 99% of the time and use their feet like we use out hands. Chances of that are about as great as a bear attack, slim and none. Bears do attack and people do get attacked by bears but if you use common sense and diligence the chances are slim and none. If I were to be attacked, and had a broken/disabled thumb I figure I'd just use my weak hand to shoot with, or wait for the forthcoming lightening bolt to kill the bear. Single action, double action, triple action, I can still shoot with the weak hand, maybe not as well but can still shoot.
|
|
|
|
Re: Would You Knowingly Venture Into.....?
[Re: junebug]
#157201
03/12/2015 11:00 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 104
TGC
member
|
|
member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 104 |
Short would be good. I have been on my belly with a 1265# bull on my back and you don't get up till you make him let you up, or he gets tired of beating on you. Room to swing a long barrel was just not there ,but a short one worked. A bear would be lots worse [any bear]as he has teeth and claws. Sounds like a good time to P*%SS him off with your Pepper Spray!! 
|
|
|
|
Re: Would You Knowingly Venture Into.....?
[Re: SEAK]
#157204
03/13/2015 12:14 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608
s4s4u
Shootist
|
|
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608 |
DA is no real advantage over SA. Don't know about that. I can squeeze the trigger quicker on my GP100 than I can cock and fire any SA, one handed anyway ;-) And I used to carry it as bear backup, back when I bow hunted.
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
|
|
|
|
Re: Would You Knowingly Venture Into.....?
[Re: s4s4u]
#157229
03/13/2015 5:34 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 312
SEAK
enthusiast
|
|
enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 312 |
Only the first shot counts most of the time and that shot needs to break him down.After a good first shot you have plenty of time to kill the bear or what ever is after you. Over twenty years in SE and never a full for sure charge but at twentyfive yards you have your sight lined up if things change for bad
Enjoying to circle of life
|
|
|
|
Re: Would You Knowingly Venture Into.....?
[Re: SEAK]
#157249
03/13/2015 6:28 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 345
Festus
enthusiast
|
|
enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 345 |
I cant remember if the gut got a round off or not.
Been 20 plus years ago I read that story .
The guy could have missed, or not even got a round off.
If I was going to pick a gun it would be a 10MM loaded as hot and as heavy as possible.
But I prefer a 12 gauge.
Bears are big
|
|
|
|
Re: Would You Knowingly Venture Into.....?
[Re: TM]
#157273
03/14/2015 11:35 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 10
K31Scout
stranger
|
|
stranger
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 10 |
Posted this on another forum, got a few responses. Let's see what you guys think.
Would you knowingly venture into bear country with a
.357 Magnum, either for hunting or for defense. Gun and load is your choice. Let's take Alaska out of the equation since that's where we can get into some really big bears. Let's keep this confined to the lower 48. Yes. I live in BB country and have quit feeding the birds except in the winter because my feeder and bird bath have been detroyed during the night too many times. I have carried my .45 M&P and flashlight for bon fires and weenie roasts but never needed it. I think a .357mag would be better.
|
|
|
|
|
1 registered members (Okie Hunter),
48
guests, and 2
spiders. |
|
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|
