BearBio
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 30, 2025
- Messages
- 384
Several factors to consider:
1. BIG difference between a black bear and a grizzly! (NOTE: Still took 7 shots!).
2. BIG difference between an unsuspecting bear and one full of adrenalin.
3. Over penetration with FMJ slugs?
4. Lack of penetration with expanding bullets?
5. Lack of maneuverrability! Especially in crowded spaces!
6. Hitting CNS, especially brain?? More chance a slim, pointed projectile will get deflected, especially on a bear's skull!
7. A rifle on your shoulder? Attended a meeting/class in Seattle. I palled-around with a Canadian Forest Service Biologist. I asked him what was the single factor he had noted on Canadian fatal bear attacks. He answered that (1) they all had rifles over their shoulder and (2) they all had safeties on.
My preference is bear spray and a large handgun (45 Colt with heavy handloads in an OM Blackhawk or Glock G-20 or G-29SF in 10mm) when walking or hunting. Number One in firearms: 12 ga with Brenneke bear loads! (What Refuge Biologists use in Alaska).
I asked my old boss, Sierra Franks who is Chief of the Marine Mammal Regulatory Branch for National Marine Fisheries in Alaska for comments or additions.
BTW: Been (bluff) charged once while doing my thesis study; bears are unbelievably fast!!!
https://shopping.yahoo.com/home-gar...-bear-defense-practical-choice-181615713.html
Oh, with the likelihood of some civil unrest looming, our camp guns are a Mossberg 835 (hers) with 3" or 3.5" 00 Buck and a Benelli 3.5" slugs or 00 Buck for me!
1. BIG difference between a black bear and a grizzly! (NOTE: Still took 7 shots!).
2. BIG difference between an unsuspecting bear and one full of adrenalin.
3. Over penetration with FMJ slugs?
4. Lack of penetration with expanding bullets?
5. Lack of maneuverrability! Especially in crowded spaces!
6. Hitting CNS, especially brain?? More chance a slim, pointed projectile will get deflected, especially on a bear's skull!
7. A rifle on your shoulder? Attended a meeting/class in Seattle. I palled-around with a Canadian Forest Service Biologist. I asked him what was the single factor he had noted on Canadian fatal bear attacks. He answered that (1) they all had rifles over their shoulder and (2) they all had safeties on.
My preference is bear spray and a large handgun (45 Colt with heavy handloads in an OM Blackhawk or Glock G-20 or G-29SF in 10mm) when walking or hunting. Number One in firearms: 12 ga with Brenneke bear loads! (What Refuge Biologists use in Alaska).
I asked my old boss, Sierra Franks who is Chief of the Marine Mammal Regulatory Branch for National Marine Fisheries in Alaska for comments or additions.
BTW: Been (bluff) charged once while doing my thesis study; bears are unbelievably fast!!!
https://shopping.yahoo.com/home-gar...-bear-defense-practical-choice-181615713.html
Oh, with the likelihood of some civil unrest looming, our camp guns are a Mossberg 835 (hers) with 3" or 3.5" 00 Buck and a Benelli 3.5" slugs or 00 Buck for me!
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