Hunting Sidearms

[tsmithson]

[k1dude]

IIRC, in that case, the G20 was never discharged. They used bear spray that was totally ineffective despite hitting their targets. It was foolish of the guide to be hunting in Grizzly country without a gun. It was cowardly of the client to abandon his guide while the guide was being mauled. The client states he threw his G20 at the guide. The guide obviously never got a hold of it. Lots of mistakes were made all around, including poor situational awareness.

When you're tracking a wounded elk the next day in bear country, your radar better be operating 360 degrees on full alert with one hand on your reins and one hand on the butt of your gun.

[saber]

[ECVMatt]

I'll throw in my .02 cents from my limited experience in AK on a moose hunt. I would absolutely carry a handgun for a few reasons. The first is during cleaning/handling meat. It is very difficult to do this and keep a rifle nearby. When transporting meat through the bush, you can not effectively handle a rifle. Second is for camp. We used a raft to travel from sandbar to sandbar. The brush line was very close and often you would end up away from your rifle. Third is for the tent as night. Unless you set up a bear fence, night time encounters were common in my area. Should a bear trap you in a tent, it would be very difficult to manipulate a rifle.

Now to the gun I will bring when I head back up. On my first trip I brought a Glock 20 and it served me well. I would look and the Lehigh Defense xtreme penetrator ammo in either 10mm or .45 if I went the Glock route again.

However after that trip I will go back with my Ruger Alaskan or Toklat. The Alaskan is in .44 and the Toklat is .454, but I would most likely use my heavy .45 Colt reloads. I like the revolver because it won't jam if you have to use it in a confined space, like a tent that is being pushed down on you. You can also press it against a target and shoot multiple shots if needed.

I totally get the Glock 20, but feel that revolver is better for the type of problems we encountered up there.

[tsmithson]

There are times in thick brush where you might be lucky to get one shot off before a bear is on you. If you only get one shot before wrestling would you rather hit him with a 44mag or a 10mm(equivalent to 357mag). Then while fighting the bear the Glock 20 will not shoot if pressed against the bear causing it to go out of battery.

I might lean to the 44 mag in a wrestling match. If I only got one shot I would choose the 44 mag over the 10mm.

[tek818]

Glock 20 or 40 for sure

[pl411]

[KrisDSA]

Before every trip. We would have the clients in front of us shoot a target to make sure their sites were dead on n for client saying that we are crazy for carrying a 10mm not a big bore revolver. We had a moving target set up at 10 yards with it coming at you. In 5 years n over 40 clients willing to take the challenge, that target Less then 10 holes in it.




Set up a moving target n see for yourself.

[SDCarpenter]

You just have to run faster then the guy next to you....

[JTROKS]

Depending what terrain you’re on and knowing how to use it to your advantage can get you several shots before a bear is on you. Thinking your plan out while typing on your computer is mighty different than actual pucker up something strong, big, mean, with fangs and claws is about to get you.

When I was in Alaska fishing for Reds I’ve seen grizzly bears in the water upstream and I could probably empty the whole mag of my Glock 40 at ready position if the bear comes for me from across the wide portion of the stream.

Now imagine same ready position, but bear is in thick brush while you’re in a narrow trail with lots of brush and trees around you. This will be the time I want my Ruger SRH in 454 Casull instead of 10mm.

[Jeepix]

You just have to run faster then the guy next to you....

Easily done if you shoot him in the leg before running.

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[mlentzner]

I've been chased by a bull before. I couldn't shoot it. My parents would kill me

I ran up a steep hill that it couldn't or wouldn't climb and threw rocks at it until it decided to leave. No idea if bears have trouble with steep terrain - going up or down - like cattle do

[walmart_ar15]

Get one of these if expecting to have body contact

https://darkhourdefense.com/shop/GLOCK-STAND-OFF-DEVICE-STANDARD-SIZE

[MrFancyPants]

I actually haven't shot it yet, just picked it up a couple months ago, but from the reviews I've read it's a solid pistol. I've never owned a RIA before. The primary selling points for me were 1911 steel frame and 16 rounds of 10mm. It's a double stack magazine so it's a beefy grip, so if you have girly hands I wouldn't recommend it, but it feels great in my hands. Taking it to the range soon.

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[Jeepix]

I actually haven't shot it yet, just picked it up a couple months ago, but from the reviews I've read it's a solid pistol. I've never owned a RIA before. The primary selling points for me were 1911 steel frame and 16 rounds of 10mm. It's a double stack magazine so it's a beefy grip, so if you have girly hands I wouldn't recommend it, but it feels great on my hands. Taking it to the range soon.

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I have an RIA 38 Super. And it's solid and consistent. Friend of mine bought the target 45 and loves it. If you get the 1911A1 style, it's plain Jane, but follows military spec. and just works. I think you'll enjoy it.

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