I had the same results with a charging Snapping Turtle a few years ago.In bear country, I'd carry my ar 458 socom. I 'd load one FMJ then follow by a HP then FMJ again. Meaning i load my magazine one after another. This way, if you are good shot, then first FMJ enter the bear, then the hp enter do more damage inside. You have be very fast pulling the trigger. I shot a brown bear a few years ago, it was charging at a distance. Coming in close very fast. I shot it with a FMJ in the head and it stopped, but got going again, then my following shot was HP and entered less than an inch from the first shot and it's done. The bear dropped dead.
Did you use it against a big brown bear?
1)If you think it's necessary or appropriate to shoot on sight, you couldn't be more wrong.
Did you use it against a big brown bear?
1) Bells/noisemakers
2) follow every rule and precaution re: food storage, kitchen area, tents (nothing smelly in tent- no sunscreen, toothpaste, drinks, snacks... Just you and your bag/clothes.
3) use common sense
4) can of bear spray
that alone should guarantee that you won't have any problems. If you HAVE to to have a gun to sleep at night, any .44 mag or larger is appropriate. Lots of people say 10mm is good, but can't speak much to it.
I've had multiple grizzly encounters in Alaska and Canada. One ransacked our kitchen area (above the treeline, bearcans stored on the ground) which resulted in some lost/damaged gear and supplies, but overall not a big deal. Another approached our campsite one morning as we were packing up. It was within 50 feet. We just grouped up and chattered it away. Had bear spray but didn't use it, no guns at all.
If you think it's necessary or appropriate to shoot on sight, you couldn't be more wrong. Just follow the rules and you'll be fine.
750 lb? Kodiak bear can go over 1,000 lbs.
Save the gun for the friggin' snakes.
750 lb? Kodiak bear can go over 1,000 lbs.
I love to marlin 45-70. Especially the shorter barrelled version. If I was looking for a guide gun, that would be it hands down.
Wpmason- I'm happy that you've been safe in close proximity to brown bear. However, there are many stories where people followed the rules and had a very different experience. I am by no means saying that I would want to prematurely shoot and hurt an animal. But at the end of the day, that bear that came in to your site was likely not sick or hungry. I have had a fair amount of experience with black bear, and have been very lucky. with brown bear, it's one of those "I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it" situations.
I can kill the Serbu idea for you real fast:I have decided to get a .44 mag, likely a model 29 or 629. I do appreciate all the opinions. I love the idea of getting a shorter barreled 12 gauge to keep in the tent as well, especially something like a serbu super shorty.
Which ever plan or plans you use to take care of the bear, make sure you have a plan C which you will need to put into effect after dealing with the bear. Make sure you bring a "Full" change of clothing with you unless of course you planned for the inevitable and wore a diaper.Careful with the spray. When you're close enough to use it if it fails you may be too close for much of a second chance with the firearm. I'd recommend drawing on it then spray with the other hand if you can so if it doesn't turn or just gets more angry you have immediate recourse to plan B.
Also, watch the direction of the wind...