Best long gun for bear defense... the verdict is in!

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brmfan

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I always see discussions about what is the best rifle/ caliber for a defensive long gun in bear country. Well, I was just watching that new show about Alaska State Troopers, and one guy had the unenviable job of checking (by himself) the bear bait stations out in the sticks. If you watch the show, you will have noticed that this agency has the latest and greatest of all equipment at their disposal. So what did he end up choosing for his personal protection against hungry Kodiak brown bears? An 870 stuffed with slugs! I respect the you-know-what out of those folks, so if that's what they rely on then to me that settles the debate!:D
 
I'd rather have a 18.5" barreled Marlin lever action with either a 45-70 loaded up to max or a .450 Marlin loaded with 400 grain hard cast slugs at about 2000 fps.
 
i watched that too. i don't remember if they said what they were using for shells.

either way, a 1 oz slug is about 430 grains. so if you get some strong rds, you'll have about the same as the 45-70 anyway.
 
Not all shotgun slugs are created equal.The old standard,pure soft lead ,common rifled slug is a poor penetrator.When I really needed some to work on Mr Bear,I was disappointed.
Properly loaded,I'll agree his 870 is an OK choice,Words like "Best" always inspire comment.
Seems I recall some form of Cov employees in AK being issued Sako .375 H+H's
It might depend on the moment you need one.
 
Take a "friend" and all you'll need is a pocket .22lr. :D

.22lr bear defense

1) See bear coming at you and friend

2) Draw your .22lr

3)shoot 'friend' in the thigh

4)leave area asap
 
Friends, a 1 1/4 oz. slug weighs 547 grains--which is right about the weight of the old 45-70 round. Now, the slug has a muzzle energy of 2805 pounds--which is actually equivalent to the full load of a .45-120 Sharps.

Step up to the 3 inch slug at the same weight, and you're throwing over 3000 lb of energy at Brother Bear. That beats a .45-70 all to hell and gone.

I'll take a semi auto, chambered for 3" slugs, with a CompStock on the back, and Vang-Comped on the front, thank you very much. Actually, for Bro Bear, I believe the ideal arm would be a Saiga 12, loaded with full power slugs and a couple of 10 round mags. If not that, then a Remington 1100 with an 8 round capacity will fit the bill well.
 
I've heard soft slugs are poor penetrators as well. What would constitute an excellent high quality slug/excellent high quality penetrator? :confused:
 
You know the Parks service did a study on long arms for bear country in Alaska a few decades ago, and their choice for "best stopper" was the 458 Win Mag.

Evidently a 500 grain pill at 1950 fps is a good choice.

Jimro
 
I think the total package is more important than caliber alone. Like Powderman alluded to, speed of follow ups, overall handling, and reliability are key just like any other firearm. I guess my point was when these folks have every kind of gun & catridge imaginable (including those mentioned) at their disposal, it's interesting that they opt for the 870.
 
NPS bear defense

Don't know about Park Service study regards .458. Certainly could have been done.

Have worked w/ one guy who stated he kept a Rem 870 folder on his person when working afoot in Alaska in the early 90's, loaded w/ slugs, but he did not advise load.

During a big oil spill a few years later, a number of NPS LEO were detailed to Alaska to act as bear guards for personnel actually doing the cleanup.
A guy assigned to that detail told me they took 870's which are agency std loaded w/ slugs, again I never thought to inquire regards load. Agency std is 1 oz, 2 3/4 inch, but there may be exceptions in bear country. There is for carry handgun.
 
I have family that live in bear country... The preferred weapon is a shotgun with slugs.. Centerfire rifles, a .375 works well and so does a hot .45-70 load from a guide gun... No matter what you guys think, unless it's an extremely lucky shot all a .44 mag will do is make the bear mad... If confronted by a bear, a double rifle .470 nitro express would be my choice....
 
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