10mm vs .45acp

[Maddawg46]

A friend of mine is planning on hunting out of state next year for Bear. He is not much of a handgun guy, but wants a semi-auto to carry while hunting. He was considering a .45acp. I told him that's not a very powerful round for Bear or other semi dangerous game. I suggested a 10mm. Probably the Glock with a compensated barrel/slide. He does not want to spend $1500 on something.

I did tell him a .44 mag or .41 mag would be more appropriate in a revolver platform. He is pretty set on a semi-auto. Do you think the 10mm is a good choice for him?

[RichardBay]

Yes glock 20 and extra mags

[NytWolf]

For bear, a G20 with a 6" barrel.

[GW]

Yep
G-20
15 round mags
Buffalo Bore ammo

[Click Boom]

G20 with a long flashlight that sticks past the barrel to allow contact shots (maybe).

[NapalmCheese]

G20 for a full sized gun.

If he is dead set on porting, he might as well get a G29 (the compact 10mm) and a ported and extended barrel (saving a bit of weight). A 200 or 220 hardcast bullet should do the trick.

If he is hunting bear with a rifle, then he'll already be carrying a rifle that is literally 'loaded for bear'. If he isn't carrying a rifle the .44 or .41 would be more appropriate, but the 10mm is better than a swift kick to the rear. I mean it's good enough for the Danish Royal Navy Special Forces as polar bear protection.

[bwhited]

He could go with the 45 and shoot 45 super out of it (not modifications needed) so he will get 10mm performance.

[John Browning]

10mms is awesome. That said, it is a low end .41 mag and doesn't even come close to a .44mag. With a warm 200gr FMJ load it will do the trick on black bears. It is too light for browns. I will carry my new G20 in the lower 48 unless it is Brown bear country. No need for extra mags, anybody who thinks you will be able to reload is a fool. I have killed bear, I have been charged by them and have seen them inside 10 yards. You will get ONE shot if you need it. If he is carrying a rifle to hunt bear, a pistol might be more of a pain than it is worth unless he won't have the rifle at all times.

[VoxVeritasVita]

Neither, .454 Casull

[Fishslayer]

.460 Rowland.

I'm hoping this isn't going to be his primary weapon for hunting bear if he's "not much of a handgun guy."

[SmellOfCordite]

^ this or .44 mag. 10mm is a hot round, and I know you said he was looking into a semi, but if he is truly serious about self defense I would look into a magnum caliber.

[Click Boom]

It would suck if one got the drop on you and you were on your back but couldn't get off a shot because the contact pushed the gun out of battery. I've read of people surviving because of contact shots before.

[Maddawg46]

Maybe I'll loan him my Ruger .44 mag Alakan. That way he doesn't have to spend a thing other than ammo. I always figured if its for grizzly, you should save one shot for yourself! Suffer less that way. LOL. I think he should probably get some bear spray also.
I remember carrying a .41 mag SW years ago in Wyoming. After two days hiking around the pistol would get left in the truck.....too heavy with a rifle and all the other stuff you have to lug around.

[HUTCH 7.62]

No poll???? OP fail

[mif_slim]

Because dropping your primary firearm to draw your side arm is way quicker than aiming your primary at the charging bear.

Seriously though, i carry a handgun for two-legged creatures. For that, a 9mm will do or whatever your friend has.

If a bear ever decides to rush you, just know that you wont even have time to aim your primary let alone draw your secondary. I witness a charging bear just this pass archery season and they are as fast as a drag car coming out the gates. By the time i thought about what to do, it was 60+ yards away from where i saw it.