Losing interest.....

[retired]

I've actually carried an unauthorized handgun (SA XD .45acp) for bear protection while camping/fishing at Rock Creek Lakes Resort, in the Sierras. Was I wrong to think that 14 rounds of .45acp would be strong enough to kill/fend off a bear attack? It is the strongest caliber handgun I own. I figured I would only be dealing with small black bears, and not Kodiaks or Grizzlies. It was either that, or the 870 on my back. Think the 870 on my back would have caused a few double takes.

-Gnome

To answer your question, yes. I posted a thread about just that very subject a couple of years ago and there have been others posted since then. The general consensus was that you want as a minimum a .44 magnum if using a handgun, even on small black bears.

I'm sure there have been instances of someone killing a black bear with a .45 and perhaps even a 9mm, but why take that chance. The 870 with a slug would be perfect, but as far as a handgun, I wouldn't settle for less than a .44 magnum.

[Gnome]

To answer your question, yes. I posted a thread about just that very subject a couple of years ago and there have been others posted since then. The general consensus was that you want as a minimum a .44 magnum if using a handgun, even on small black bears.

I'm sure there have been instances of someone killing a black bear with a .45 and perhaps even a 9mm, but why take that chance. The 870 with a slug would be perfect, but as far as a handgun, I wouldn't settle for less than a .44 magnum.

Interesting. Good to know. The Ruger Alaskan looks nice. Pricey though!

[cowboykenny]

My Dad told me many years ago your guns are like your children you just don't sell them.

[psango]

good advice

My Dad told me many years ago your guns are like your children you just don't sell them.

I've regretted it more times than not!

[Gnome]

My Dad told me many years ago your guns are like your children you just don't sell them.

Got the same advise from my range staff in the academy. One of my instructor's last words to us were "Remember, when it comes to guns, it's always addition. Never subtraction."

I've heeded his words so far.

[emvampyre]

[QUOTE=psango;7120974]Now that I'm retired I've lost interest in Duty type handguns, MP40, 4006, etc. QUOTE]

When my dad retired, he stopped shooting his duty weapon (S&W 39) but carried his old Mod. 36 and shot it frequently. He shot his revolvers and "fun guns" as much as he could, pretty much up until the end. He never shot another PPC or "assault" course ever again. He said it wasn't fun, brought up too many memories of "the bad times".

The last gun I bought was a department authorized duty gun, Sig P226 Tac Ops, bought the tac light, holster, mag pouches, etc...However, I love shooting the stuff I can't/wouldn't carry. I love ringing the steel with one of the .44's, or .45 Colt's. Don't get me started on one of the .22's, be it a rifle or handgun.

I personally find shooting to be relaxing and just plain fun and sometimes just plinking with something that isn't high speed low drag is just what the therapist ordered...

[emvampyre]

Got the same advise from my range staff in the academy. One of my instructor's last words to us were "Remember, when it comes to guns, it's always addition. Never subtraction."

I've heeded his words so far.

LOL! Those boys and girls up at Wayside are smarter than they look!

[Ron-Solo]

Why do these threads always end up discussing shooting a bear?

What did Yogi and Boo Boo do?

And me, I like shooting a variety of guns. Sometimes when we go out, it is revolver day, or bolt action day, or WWII day. Keeps it interesting.

[retired]

Got the same advise from my range staff in the academy. One of my instructor's last words to us were "Remember, when it comes to guns, it's always addition. Never subtraction."

I've heeded his words so far.

My guns will go to my son when I die. The only gun I have ever sold is a S&W Model 59 jamomatic that could not be fixed by Cheshire and Perez no matter how many times I took it too them. I wouldn't think of leaving that to my son.

[Gnome]

LOL! Those boys and girls up at Wayside are smarter than they look!

Yes they are. My first impression of some of them was "OMG! These are the weapons instructors for the department!? They're a bunch of crazy Yosemite Sam wannabes!"

After a couple of range sessions with them, my thoughts turned to "Hell yeah! These guys (and gals) ARE a bunch of Yosemite Sams!"

They are so laid back, which makes learning easy and fun. I look forward to every training session that reads:

Location: PDC Range (APR)