Need Pistol Recommendations For Grizzly Country (Vanity)

Stonewall Jackson | 12/02/11 | Stonewall Jackson

[Stonewall Jackson]

I have a friend and colleague who is moving to Fairbanks next week and he is looking for a pistol to carry in grizzly country. He is an avid outdoorsman and will be hunting up there on a regular basis, but the only pistol he currently owns is a Browning 9mm.

He'd thought about getting a 1911A1, but I've pretty much convinced him that a .45ACP is okay against black bears, but is too slow hitting for effective use against grizzlies.

[Stonewall Jackson]

Some suggestions I was thinking about are the .44 Magnum, .45 Long Colt, .454 Casull, or one of the .50 pistols. Are these decent suggestions, or should I make some changes? And if so, why?

Thanks.

[mylife]

454 casull

[mylife]

.44 mag should do.

[Melas]

A 30.06 is the best pistol against grizzly bears. For the sarcasm challenged, that is to say that no pistol is good enough protection from grizzly bears.

[unkus]

.44 Magnum would do.

[Stonewall Jackson]

Any thoughts or suggestions on a pistol to suggest to my friend? He is fairly well off financially, so money isn't too much of a hindrance (although he might balk at a $2,500 or $3,000 price tag).

[NVDave]

Here’s a joke told to me by Alaskans on the subject of handguns and grizzlies:

“If you’re going to carry a pistol in bear country, make sure to file down the front sight.”

The typical question from a person of the lower 48 is then: “Why? So you can draw it faster, or it doesn’t snag on your clothes in winter?”

Alaskan: “No, so it doesn’t hurt so bad when the bear shoves it up your ass.”

Any pistol is scant protection against a really PO’ed griz or brown bear. Alaskans prefer to pack 12ga slug guns with Brenneke slugs. Most people can’t control those hand cannons well enough to gain proficiency with them.

Here in Wyoming, I pack a .45 LC when in the woods, but then we have few griz. More of my hazard is moose.

[Bobibutu]

The last guy I heard about got into a contest with a griz down in the Kenai Pennisula over a salmon. The guy shot the griz in the chest 6 times with a 44 mag. Luckly some hikers came by and called for a medivac. The guy woke up in hospital in Anchorage eight (8) months later. Rangers found the griz dead ... 15 miles away.

[Daffynition]

A couple of days ago, it was -47*F in Fairbanks. I think he needs the best long underwear money can buy.

[mylife]

I think the 45 colt is a bit under the weather, and I think the 50 has to much recoil and muzzle rise to get back on target.

Thats my opinion.

[VicVega]

The grizzly died from eating the contaminated salmon.

[BCR #226]

Given the location and the wildlife, I'd probably suggest a Magnum Research BFR. I have one in .50 AE and it's a very powerful and accurate handgun. It also fits the hand well. However, it's a 5 shot single action revolver. You can also get it in .454, .45-70 and other calibers.

Here's mine:

[Daffynition]

[voteNRA]

.44 mag I would take, the long colt's I'm not to sure about

The 44 would be my choice, FWIW

[VicVega]

I have the FN 5.7 which holds 20 rounds and comes with 3 clips. Unload the clip on the bear but don’t stick around to see what damage you did.

[SIDENET]

I used to carry a Desert Eagle .50AE in griz country.

I'd opt for a Super Blackhawk in .45 LC these days.

[umgud]

[gimme1ibertee]

.500 Linebaugh.

[the_Watchman]

If it has to be a hand-held weapon I’d opt for a grenade.

[BradWesleyoftheInternet]

If he is a 1911 fan then I would recommend trying to find a LAR Grizzly Winmag in .45 Winchester Magnum. I have short fingers with a large/broad palm and I was able to shoot one comfortably. The recoil is manageable, especially compared to the calibers you already mentioned. If he has very short fingers it might not be a good match as the grip is longer than a .45 ACP 1911.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LAR_Grizzly_Win_Mag