Howdy,
This if my first post at this forum and hopefully it's in the proper spot.
My question is this: What caliber of handgun would you carry if you were in the bush a lot and came across a lot of predatory animals (bears and mountain lions, wolves)?
Here's the criteria:
Mainly bear country - black and grizzly.
My budget is limited - I have a choice between .40 S&W, .45 ACP, 9mm and some 7.62X25mm round I've never heard of.
The weapon needs to be light and compact - otherwise I would carry my shotgun loaded with slugs.
The .45 only holds 7 rounds all the others carry 10.
Here's the scenario:
We do a lot of back woods dirt bike riding in the mountains of Alberta. Last year while riding one friend hit the dirt and a grizzly came out of the woods right at the same time. The bear did not charge and the friend was able to start the bike and ride away. One of the people with us carries his desert eagle .50 cal and another carries a revolver, I'm not sure of the caliber. I do not ride with these people all the time and I think it's a good idea to carry at least some form of protection. Confrontation is the last thing I want but is a very likely possibility.
I'm worried that none of these rounds will penetrate a bear hide?
I appreciate any and all feedback, if you don't mind letting me know what caliber you think is best from my list, then you could add what you think is the best caliber to have (probably .44 or .357?).
Thanks
Indy
This if my first post at this forum and hopefully it's in the proper spot.
My question is this: What caliber of handgun would you carry if you were in the bush a lot and came across a lot of predatory animals (bears and mountain lions, wolves)?
Here's the criteria:
Mainly bear country - black and grizzly.
My budget is limited - I have a choice between .40 S&W, .45 ACP, 9mm and some 7.62X25mm round I've never heard of.
The weapon needs to be light and compact - otherwise I would carry my shotgun loaded with slugs.
The .45 only holds 7 rounds all the others carry 10.
Here's the scenario:
We do a lot of back woods dirt bike riding in the mountains of Alberta. Last year while riding one friend hit the dirt and a grizzly came out of the woods right at the same time. The bear did not charge and the friend was able to start the bike and ride away. One of the people with us carries his desert eagle .50 cal and another carries a revolver, I'm not sure of the caliber. I do not ride with these people all the time and I think it's a good idea to carry at least some form of protection. Confrontation is the last thing I want but is a very likely possibility.
I'm worried that none of these rounds will penetrate a bear hide?
I appreciate any and all feedback, if you don't mind letting me know what caliber you think is best from my list, then you could add what you think is the best caliber to have (probably .44 or .357?).
Thanks
Indy
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