Hiking Pistol/Bears

[PureRockFury]

I've recently been looking into picking up a gun to carry while hiking. My wife and I enjoy traveling to various remote locations to enjoy the outdoors, and while I currently carry a 9mm, I'd like something that I would feel confident in stopping say, an angry mother bear.

I really like the Taurus Tracker 44 w/4" barrel, and similar that I have viewed... However, I'm on the proverbial budget. I was just wondering if anyone could recommend something comparable, or other suggestions for the intended purpose, in the sub $300 range. I'm certainly open to anything used, so if you've got something let me know!

Thank you as always.

[Wasz]

I dunno about sub 300 but maybe around there a used ruger.

[halo23pa]

I've been looking at revolvers for similar purposes. The Ruger blackhawk caught my eye. The 45 colt version can be loaded pretty hot from what I've read (some say 44mag range or more). I'd imagine you could find one used for around your budget. Keep in mind the gun is single action.

[Hawk]

Stick with the 9 for controlled follow up shots and typically at least twice as many rounds as wheel gun.

Hawk,

[JayBell]

1. if using a wheelgun, go high caliber, or high power. Nothing less than 357 magnum(use full magnum loads), and go with a double action for easier and faster reloading.
at LEAST a 4" barrel to keep the power and accuracy up, a 4" barrel is easily packed.

2. same advice for a auto, go large caliber/power, and carry quality defensive ammo.

personally, on the occasions where I pack when hiking/hunting, I carry a S&W 396 mountain lite in 44spl, or S&W 686+ in 357, with 135gr loads by "Doubletapp"...they are 135gr at 1600FPS from a 4" barrel...thats sufficient.

As a note, the best bear medicine is a 12ga shotgun, with slugs, it has significantly more power than a handgun.

as a further note, since animals do not exibit the same self awareness and reasoning/psychology as humans, they are not going(and often do not) to immediately associate the pain of a mortal or crippling wound as being such, and are likely to continue to attack until literally killed, or disabled with a heavy CNS shot. Simple example is deer running a mile or more with no heart/lungs after a killing shot by a hunter.

Humans KNOW what a gunshot means, and even slight wounds can be instantly incapacitating due to panic or shock.
On the other hand, mortal wounds can and have been fully ignored for long enough to continue and finish a violent attack.

pick a firearm you cna use, practice with it, and be prepared to use it.

[BearTitan]

It is very difficult to stop a bear intent on hurting/killing you. Even with a vital shot from a heavy caliber like a .338, the bear will probably catch you and kill or hurt you badly before it dies from the wound. Make no mistake, a .30-06 will kill bears all day long, but not the kind of instant incapacitation that we look for in a self-defense situation. Bear skulls are incredibly tough so forget about a head shot.

Some would argue that the best use of a pistol to end a bear encounter is to fire it in the air to try to scare the bruin away. I would argue that, if you have any gun, go down fighting and put as many rounds in the bear as possible. To penetrate skin you will need a .357 magnum or greater power cartridge and you just might get lucky and nick the spinal cord in between the vertebrae.

Bear spray is a very effective deterrent because it's use actually makes the bear want to leave you alone. The caveat to bear spray is that its effective range is very short, at about 25 feet. Keep in mind that a bear can cover that distance in less than a second.

I read an article a couple of years ago that had a little humor. The author suggested removing the front sight from any firearms intended for protection agains bears (grizzlies in the article). He suggested removing the front sight on any such firearms as it will not hurt as much when the bear shoves the gun up your....well, you get the picture.

Be careful out there.

[Karys]

My current trail gun is a Glock 20 10mm loaded with Double Tap 180 grain Hornady JXT's. I usually carry it in a shoulder holster, but occasionally I use a slide holster on the belt.

I used to carry a 3" Smith 629 .44 mag but it started to get kind of heavy, especially when I was carrying a lot of other gear.

I concur with everything JayBell says. If your budget is limited, a used 4" .357 of whatever brand you favor will work. I have a few friends that carry .357's loaded hot with 180 grain bullets for protection against bears.

[bert304]

I would go with a 357 mag or a 44 mag the bigger the better, the louder the report the more then likley the bear will run off. I run in to them when I am fishing. I just shoot in their direction and they run off.

[gf45acp]

I picked up a used S&W 13 .357 in 98% for $300 not long ago. Not bad for carry. Just remember that the animal most likely to hurt you in the wild is man.

[glockbull]

shorter barrel("no less the 4" )500 s and w will do the trick. probally not in the 300 dollar price range though. your looking at 600 -750 used.