Yes, unless you don't believe Phil:
458Win is Phil on AR

Picture of 458Win
posted Aug 15, 4:03 AM Hide Post

Wayne, I have been hunting brown bears for 38 years, live within a Federal Wildlife refuge, see brown bears on nearly a daily basis and can assure you that it was an all out charge!

I am not recommending a 9mm, nor any other handgun calibers. The 357, 44 and larger rounds do give deeper penetration, and would be my choice if I knew I had to face a charge with a handgun, but loaded with proper bullets the 9mm does work.

Anyone who claims the 30-06 is ineffective has either not tried one, or is unwittingly commenting on their own marksmanship
Phil Shoemaker http://www.grizzlyskinsofalaska.com

Like I posted before, there is no way to deny that a lot of luck was involved in the bear reacting by spinning and not attacking. There was not a brain/spine CNS hit that dropped the bear instantly. Its pretty obvious that there are two "camps" on this issue that won't be swayed so I'll bow out with a story of another grizzly incident.

Who needs a gun of any caliber or even a bow for that matter. Just grab an arrow with a broadhead on it and get to work.
This happened in Colorado back in 1979. The first time I read about it was in the book Ghost Grizzlies by David Peterson. Ed Wiseman was attacked while bow hunting by the last confirmed grizzly in Colorado. He killed the bear as it attacked him by stabbing it a couple times with an arrow.

http://www.thegazette.com/2014/01/14/marion-man-battled-a-grizzly-and-lived

Beverly grizz that I have shot and or seen shot has reacted to being shot.

If memory serves the guy in your link got chewded on a bit. Phil didn't get chewed on and neither did his clients.

I know I said I was bowing out but...seriously???

Of coarse a bear will react, it was luck in how it reacted.

I posted that link to lighten the mood and because its an amazing story. I was in no way trying to compare it to the Shoemaker incident. The bear was on him (as happens in many attacks) before he knew what happened. We're all friends here, relax.

Luck? I think Phil made his luck when he selected ammo with enough penetration. There is always some luck involved when one escapes certain serious injury or death.

Yes it is an amazing story.

Ok. You're right. I throw in the towel. I'm going out back to enjoy the view before it gets dark. Everybody tells me my place has a nice view of the forest. I can't see it, there's too many trees in the way.

In 1953 an Indian woman named Bella Twin killed a grizzly bear with a single shot .22, that turned out to be the world record at that time. So ya see guys, you don't even need a centerfire or a magazine, a single shot .22 is all you need. Bella "proved" it.

Screw the 9mm............. I`am carrying a 22 short next time I crawl through the alders..........

Seems kind of overkill for big bears. I'd prefer a 17 HMR.

I agree James. Should have had a big bore revolver. Probably carry the nine as a second gun but not a primary.

A grizzly can be killed with a 22 magnum if you hit it enough times, but I would never go into grizzly country with a guide carrying one.

Posted by Phil on AR


458Win
one of us
Picture of 458Win
posted Aug 19, 2:20 PM Hide Post
I have stopped a number of real bear charges with rifles from the 30-06 to the 505 Gibbs and rate "shoot-ability", including speed of fire, as second only to bullet placement.

It's no different with a handgun , as Bill Jorden pointed out in his book " No Second Place Winner " He said he found the ability to quickly place additional hits quicker with a 357 to be of more benefit that the extra power of a 44.

I am certainly not recommending a 9mm for bear defense, but if you are familiar with one and that is what you have then it will get it done.
And I am sure a 357, 44 , 475 or 500 will too, but only if you have it with you and can make hits quickly, and often, with it.

Anyone who claims the 30-06 is ineffective has either not tried one, or is unwittingly commenting on their own marksmanship
Phil Shoemaker http://www.grizzlyskinsofalaska.com

Posted by Phil on 24 hour:


458Win Offline
Campfire Guide

Registered: 01/05/05
Posts: 2889
Loc: AK peninsula
As I stated on one of these threads, I would have been fairly confident of stopping it if the bear was coming for me as I am certain that the ammo in my 9mm would have penetrated the brain from any angle. Otherwise I would not have been packing it.
_________________________
Phil Shoemaker - Alaska Master Guide
NRA Benefactor
Alaska Hunter Education Instructor
http://www.grizzlyskinsofalaska.com

Anyone who claims the 30-06 is not effective has either not used one, or else is unwittingly commenting on their marksmanship