Posted on 10/03/2014 10:24:33 AM PDT by marktwain
A couple of things:
When I am in bear country, I prefer a good carbine... was 30/30 through most of my life, but went to 45/70 lately, as I am not as likely to run as old as I am, so it has to count. Big lead, with relatively low power is what you want, because brush can tend to deflect high powered stuff, especially if lesser weight... That 45/70 don’t care - It goes where I put it. Lever action, for the speed and reliability, and little time-off-target.
I also carry a .44mag revolver - Revolver because they are near stupid proof - Pull the trigger, go bang! Simple systems don’t break.
When I was younger, I carried a sawed-off pump instead of the carbine... carried in a scabbard on the right side of my pack. Pretty good solution for something that you can haul out and get into action quick - and your hands can remain free most the time... But really, for distance, that sawed-off should really replace the pistol, not the rifle.
A bear (or a moose, which is really scarier than the bear) can cover fifty yards in a very surprisingly short time. That distance and power of the rifle is a very good thing. I might get two big powerful rounds off before I have to resort to a pistol. And those are devastating rounds.
And finally, the biggest problems with bear spray:
First and foremost, you have no option until very close quarters.
Second, it either works or it doesn’t - so the option is only ONE option, and there is no fixing it.
Thirdly, in practice, it is fairly likely that it won’t work - Guns need constant care and cleaning. An aerosol can is easily forgotten (kinda like a fire extinguisher), and may well have lost it’s charge, or it’s trigger mechanism may have gotten corroded or obstructed rolling around in the truck for years...
And lastly, considering the close quarters and level of panic, you can just as easily disable yourself with the bear-spray - Wind velocity and direction are probably not going to be taken into consideration in the moment. Nor will you be unscathed if it turns into a full-on tussle.
So to conclude, bear spray is a good option to have, but it is only an option, and it is pretty much the last chance option.
Hmmm - I’d be inclined to a short, double-barrelled 12 guage with magnum buckshot loads. As fast as any bear is, any chance for reloading might not happen. Some people can accurately aim when super-adrenalined, but I wouldn’t count on it for myself. Since I don’t plan on being out there in bear country anytime soon, I’m just woofin’.
Read the sign; sounds exactly right.
Bingo!
bfl
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