Is 12ga slug enough for bear ?

[repubconserv]

If you can't see it, you can't see it.

I still dont see it.
Let me rephrase my original post for those who are slow on the uptake.

"if shotgun is the only choice, IE, you dont have any other gun as a backup, dont use anything less than a mag slug.

30-06+ would be an adequate rifle round

If you have a hand gun, a 44 to 50 would be a great choice too."

clear? or am I going to have to draw a diagram for some of you? perhaps use simpler words?

"44-50 would be great" doesnt = "better than slug"

And when I say I would prefer a 44, it is because I would rather carry a 44 on my hip, than carry a shotgun on my shoulder, while walking around town, or hiking, backpacking etc.

If a bear invaded my home a shotgun would definitely be my first choice.

[Interloper]

12 ga. w/ slug is what Alaska Fish and game carry even for Polar bear and they are a whole order of magnitude meaner than a Grizz.
There are a lot of premium slugs out there...you should shop around and compare.
The Winchester slugs I buy are fairly cheap. A true 1 oz slug (435 grains) in a 3" shell. The box claims 1800 fps. .45-70 and .500 S&W can't touch that.

[4Defense]

.357 magnum, .45 acp, .44 magnum, slugs, .223, 7.62x39, .308, you're fine with any of those.

I do not know of anything that walk the face of this earth that can still breathe after taking a whole mag of 30 of .223, 7.62x39, or .308.

Before you put your life on the line in Alaska, I suggest you seek expert opinions from the Alaska forum. People whom have been there and done that. Not people with wishing thinkings.

[hawkeye]

308 would be a bearly acceptable choice

ha ha

[bob7122]

.50 ar...

[DisgruntledReaper]

From what I know-

Handgun-44mag MINIMUN

If you have a 12ga-yea slug is fine....Brennekes will go through a 73 caddie so they should be fine for bear...also a 3" mag slug should work...that is a STOUT round out of my Benelli Nova-flames in the day have not tried the 3 1/2 inch mag loads, that must be brutal..... good luck,I am jealous and come back in 1 piece!

[YourHuckleberry]

Damn Im starting to think Im gonna need a lawyer to write posts on here for me

Nope. Knowing what you are talking about will suffice.

[toby]

I can't believe no one said everything has been killed with a 22!....

[ilikeguns]

I would go 12g with slugs. But what do I know

[-hanko]

The real question is, will it kill an elephant at a thousand yards?

I thought the long range elephant thread went from 1000 to 2000 yds.

-hanko

[ElvenSoul]

Yet another reason to own a 458SOCOM

[cavemanlrrp]

To OP. You didn't mention what part of Alaska or what you would be doing, but this may help.

I spent 6yrs living, working and playing in SE Alaska. Mostly Chichagof Island, a Brown bear island.
At the time (late 80s) 12ga pump was the standard for bear protection. Some would load with alternating rounds of slug and buck shot. Theory being, slug for thump power, buck shot to take out nose, eyes etc. Many, including myself, would carry a 44 mag for general knocking around, fishing etc. knowing full well that it was no where near big enough for browny, but better than nothing and easier to pack. I prefer shoulder holster. Saying was, use first 5 on the bear and the last round for your self. Shot way more Halibut with my 44 than I ever pulled it because of bear.
May be more important is to learn about Brown/Grizz behavior. Lear about bear sign. Try not to surprise a bear. See sign, make (more) noise. Don't carry smoked salmon in back pocket. Don't dispute the fishing hole with browny, in fact leave your stringer of fish on the bank, in fact wish him a good day in a calm confident voice and leave slowly but firmly. DON'T run! He wants fish not you. Don't pet bear cubs.
If I were going to be out and about where there is lots of bear activity. I'm packing a short 12ga. with 3 1/2 in slug and buck. But not one with only pistol grip instead of stock, too hard on wrist. And a LARGE (maybe 500 with solids) revolver in shoulder holster (easier to get at from fetal position).
If it happens it will likely happen fast (surprise!). Also keep in mined a bear will often make a false/bluff charge. Don't run! YMMV.
Enjoy the last frontier.
cavemanlrrp

[PsychGuy274]

Uh...Calguns mall ninjas that actually think they know what they're talking about with this 44 mag and 12 gauge slug nonsense. How many of you have actually gone up against a bear before? No one? That's what I thought.

I've been confronted by everything from a wimpy black bear to a beefy polar bear and a simple 22lr has taken all of them down without a problem. Why don't you guys get off of internet forums and actually go up against these guys and see what works? I know why...because you're all wimps.

*NOTE* Seeing as this this thread is pointless I decided to make fun of people.

[sig220]

I don't know much about slugs but I'll be taking my shotgun to Alaska for protection.
What would be a good round for my 12ga pump action ?
Must be enough for grizzly

no gaurentee. there are people shot by slugs which dont die/go down. Id use slugs though.

[Will Goes Boing]

Pump 7 rounds of slug into anything and I don't think it will be moving anymore.