a good camping gun

[pythonfan]

I realize this is a very vague question. Open to all thoughts on the matter. Friend woke to a bear next to his tent while camping and now wants to become a gun owner. His first thought is get a dirty Harry gun. Thank you all in advance.

[ParanoidCivilian]

Bear spray

[Cactus_Tim]

Don't shoot the bear!
Stow your food and gear properly.
Use bear boxes and bear canisters.

That being said, I have a S&W 686+ 4" for my camping gun.

[NIKSD]

Bear spray.
If you want a gun-

http://www.ruger.com/products/superRedhawkAlaskan/models.html

Do not shoot the bear! It is not bear's fault that you are in hers/his home...

[pythonfan]

Thank you for comments. He knows that shooting is not ever the first option. Very very very last option after bear spray and only if bear attacking. Really looking for others decisions on type of firearm.

[rambutan316]

Ruger Redhawk Alaskan .454 Casull

[John Joseph]

Two men were robbed, one murdered, the other left for dead yesterday on a Northern Calif. hiking trail. That's a rap you can't pin on Mr. Bear.

http://www.krcrtv.com/deputies-hikers-shot-during-robbery-left-for-dead/26037934

[John Joseph]

I realize this is a very vague question. Open to all thoughts on the matter. Friend woke to a bear next to his tent while camping and now wants to become a gun owner. His first thought is get a dirty Harry gun. Thank you all in advance.

A Model 29 isn't a handgun for newbies.

[NorCalFocus]

My pack gun is a Glock 21. Not that I carry it for 4 legged critters anyways. If I shot at a bear I'd shoot the dirt in front of it first. Hoping the dirt and rocks kicked up would spoke em enough.

[Jeepers]

[TMB 1]

His first thought would be an excellent choice.

[jerhyn]

Personally I would go with a SW 500 or 460.
Looks like this at night


Great secondary use is a flash light at night.

[Sutcliffe]

A good .357 double action ought to be good

I'd stick for the heavier 158 grain bullets if I was interested in bear.

[Oceanbob]

Don't shoot the bear!
Stow your food and gear properly.
Use bear boxes and bear canisters.

That being said, I have a S&W 686+ 4" for my camping gun.

This^^^^^^^

It's against the law to shoot a bear. No only that, the bear gets mad and kills your family.

My choice for a camping handgun is a Glock 20, 10MM.

[beerman]

I take a handgun camping,usually my 36 snub or the Sig p226...I do not take one for possible use on animals....I take it for possible use on humans.