JASON KRASSOW
New member
I have a single shot survival shotgun that I use while backpacking. I was curious how effective a 12 g slug would be for bear defense? Thanks..
12 G Slug for bear defense?
- Thread starter JASON KRASSOW
- Start date
I have to ask what Plan B is if you miss? I’m thinking that once Boo Boo the bear is wounded you’re going to have a much worse situation on your hands.
Years ago I had a friend; mind you he wasn’t the smartest friend I ever had, shot a bear that took an interest in his tacklebox while he was fishing. I don’t remember the caliber, but six shots just made the bear mad enough to chase him to his pickup. He apparently is faster on his feet than he is in his head. The bear then tore up his pickup, not enough to stop him from getting away though.
Next thing my friend had to deal with was one really *&^ off Ranger. The Ranger drove him back to the last place he had seen the bear, handed my friend a rifle and told him to take care of the problem he had created.
He tells the story much better than I do and it is really quite funny when he tells it; the truth of the matter is having a *&^off bear is not a laughing matter, unless of course you survive and tell stories as well as my friend did.
Years ago I had a friend; mind you he wasn’t the smartest friend I ever had, shot a bear that took an interest in his tacklebox while he was fishing. I don’t remember the caliber, but six shots just made the bear mad enough to chase him to his pickup. He apparently is faster on his feet than he is in his head. The bear then tore up his pickup, not enough to stop him from getting away though.
Next thing my friend had to deal with was one really *&^ off Ranger. The Ranger drove him back to the last place he had seen the bear, handed my friend a rifle and told him to take care of the problem he had created.
He tells the story much better than I do and it is really quite funny when he tells it; the truth of the matter is having a *&^off bear is not a laughing matter, unless of course you survive and tell stories as well as my friend did.
Para Bellum
New member
Taser
There is an extra strong Taser (electric defence gun) which is designed to stop bears and bulls.
There is an extra strong Taser (electric defence gun) which is designed to stop bears and bulls.
I spent the summer of 1997 on Kodiak Island in Alaska, where the bears are REALLY big. I took a ferry to the island from the mainland & there was a ranger on board that gave a presentation on the bears on the island (it was like a 12-hour ferry ride). She told me that a shotgun slug to the head of a Kodiak Grizzly would, at best, knock the animal unconscious.
It is easy to argue the statement, because if you shoot the animal in the eye with a slug, it will probably die from brain rearrangement. However, her point was that a big bear’s skull is extremely thick. If you only get one shot, don’t try to take its head off; shoot for the vitals
It is easy to argue the statement, because if you shoot the animal in the eye with a slug, it will probably die from brain rearrangement. However, her point was that a big bear’s skull is extremely thick. If you only get one shot, don’t try to take its head off; shoot for the vitals
I have to say one more thing about your using a single shot survival shotgun. The makers of those shotguns are not envisioning you using a shotgun for defense against a bear. Survival shotguns are made so you can shoot dinner as it runs past you. Think Thumper or Bambi!
Somewhere on the internet there are pictures of a man that had become dinner for a large bear. I would suggest you find those pictures and decide for yourself if you still want to rely on a single shot to save your life.
Somewhere on the internet there are pictures of a man that had become dinner for a large bear. I would suggest you find those pictures and decide for yourself if you still want to rely on a single shot to save your life.
Huntergirl
New member
I also wouldn't feel very confident using a single shot for bear defense. Another thing. Have you shot slugs out of that thing yet? Could be a mighty recoil depending on the kind of slug, if the shotgun is a lightweight as I suspect it would be. 
Even a home defense pump with 18 1/2in barrel, I think would be better. There's also the 45-70, the 444Marlin guide guns and the trapper 44mag in lever actions, that are short and pretty easy carry, and pack a punch for bear defense. And don't forget bear spray. It comes in a big bottle, yet has a carry pouch to put on your belt.
Even a home defense pump with 18 1/2in barrel, I think would be better. There's also the 45-70, the 444Marlin guide guns and the trapper 44mag in lever actions, that are short and pretty easy carry, and pack a punch for bear defense. And don't forget bear spray. It comes in a big bottle, yet has a carry pouch to put on your belt.
The dog could easily outrun me . . . UNLESS there's a bear chasing me!!
In Dixie, the biggest critter I'm apt to have to face would be either a black bear or a wild or feral hog, and the chances of such an attack are slim to none. However, when I'm beating around the brush, and not armed with a rifle or .44 magnum revolver, I like to carry my 12 gauge, with a couple of Brenneke slugs ready, just 'cause I can!
In Dixie, the biggest critter I'm apt to have to face would be either a black bear or a wild or feral hog, and the chances of such an attack are slim to none. However, when I'm beating around the brush, and not armed with a rifle or .44 magnum revolver, I like to carry my 12 gauge, with a couple of Brenneke slugs ready, just 'cause I can!
Para Bellum
New member
A skunk?
...ever thought of carrying a living skunk on your backpack? I'm sure it will wet it's pants once a bear approaches. And that might stink the bear away
but, seriously: I wouldn't rely on a single shot weapon or a gun with so little penetration as a shotgun. Ask parkrangers or big game hunters what calibers they use to kill bear. I guess its something like a .50 BMG. Pissing a bear of (except with a skunk
) might be the last thing you want and - ever do in your life.
...ever thought of carrying a living skunk on your backpack? I'm sure it will wet it's pants once a bear approaches. And that might stink the bear away
but, seriously: I wouldn't rely on a single shot weapon or a gun with so little penetration as a shotgun. Ask parkrangers or big game hunters what calibers they use to kill bear. I guess its something like a .50 BMG. Pissing a bear of (except with a skunk
) might be the last thing you want and - ever do in your life.Grizzly or Black Bears?
Where do you normally hike, and which type of bear frequent that area?
I wouldn't consider a single shot shotgun adequate bear defense, and also would not employ taser or spray (both have been known to malfunction) if you can carry a gun. A compact repeating shotgun or rifle is your best bet if you're really interested in a defensive weapon.
.44 magnum rifle, or 45-70, with 300 grain, strongly constructed bullets would be my suggestion, since they're somewhat compact for rifles and you're more interested in backpacking than hunting.
Where do you normally hike, and which type of bear frequent that area?
I wouldn't consider a single shot shotgun adequate bear defense, and also would not employ taser or spray (both have been known to malfunction) if you can carry a gun. A compact repeating shotgun or rifle is your best bet if you're really interested in a defensive weapon.
.44 magnum rifle, or 45-70, with 300 grain, strongly constructed bullets would be my suggestion, since they're somewhat compact for rifles and you're more interested in backpacking than hunting.
Huntergirl
New member
For the record, many Park rangers use a 12GA alternating 00buck with slugs for dispensing a rogue bear.
Para Bellum
New member
small effective rifle
There is a short Winchester lever action rifle, the "94 Trapper". It's only 34 1/4" in overall length and you can have it with 5 shots in 30-30 or 9 shots in .44 Magnum. Sounds reasonable to me. However I have no relyable information on the effects of those calibers on a bear, so we must rely on "mdhunter's" advice on the caliber. I assume though, that one or up to nine hits with .44 Mag from a rifle with a 16" barrel to the chest or even head of a beast will take the fun out of attacking you for every creature I could imagine. If it doesn't kill it, I assume it will make it back off...
http://www.winchesterguns.com/prodinfo/catalog/detail.asp?cat_id=534&type_id=094&cat=003C
There is a short Winchester lever action rifle, the "94 Trapper". It's only 34 1/4" in overall length and you can have it with 5 shots in 30-30 or 9 shots in .44 Magnum. Sounds reasonable to me. However I have no relyable information on the effects of those calibers on a bear, so we must rely on "mdhunter's" advice on the caliber. I assume though, that one or up to nine hits with .44 Mag from a rifle with a 16" barrel to the chest or even head of a beast will take the fun out of attacking you for every creature I could imagine. If it doesn't kill it, I assume it will make it back off...
http://www.winchesterguns.com/prodinfo/catalog/detail.asp?cat_id=534&type_id=094&cat=003C
You never mentioned what type of BEAR
black bear...grizzly or kodiak....Polar
.........>
starting with the smallest and working up have you ever heard the stories of those hunting these bears
shooting one not aware of you is one thing...then shooting 1 pissed off and charging you is another.
reports of hunters using 7mm...300 win. mag rifles emptying clips into the bear at full charge only to find out the first 2 shots blew out the bears heart and it still kept charging.
single shot....I DON't think so!!!!
black bear...grizzly or kodiak....Polar
.........>
starting with the smallest and working up have you ever heard the stories of those hunting these bears
shooting one not aware of you is one thing...then shooting 1 pissed off and charging you is another.
reports of hunters using 7mm...300 win. mag rifles emptying clips into the bear at full charge only to find out the first 2 shots blew out the bears heart and it still kept charging.
single shot....I DON't think so!!!!
I would hesitate to take anything smaller than a 45/70 for bear. Then again I happen to enjoy this mortal coil and hesitate to shrug it off!
If I HAD to have a shotgun, it would likely be something short, with a very large capacity!! Now that the AWB is gone, consider an 11-87 with a 8-9 shot extension and a folding stock.
If I HAD to have a shotgun, it would likely be something short, with a very large capacity!! Now that the AWB is gone, consider an 11-87 with a 8-9 shot extension and a folding stock.