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06-26-2010, 03:02 AM
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#1
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self defense while camping
What kind of gun, and what caliber, should one carry while camping?
In case you are attacked by a large predator, such as a bear.
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06-26-2010, 03:08 AM
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#2
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I haven't had any run ins with bears when camping. But I feel okay with my short barreled 12ga, loaded with slugs.
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06-26-2010, 05:27 AM
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#3
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I personally like a handgun in a serious caliber inside the tent with me in case the bear comes in through the side of the tent. Hard to swing even a short long gun in a tent unless it's huge (the tent). If it grabs you by the head you're just screwed, so not much point in worrying about that.
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06-26-2010, 07:48 AM
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#4
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Retired
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We have a couple of bears in some areas. You never know who or what will drop in. A rabid skunk, a couple of snakes, 2 legged varmints, or pigs. Prepare for the worse, and hope for the best.
A large caliber handgun, revolver, with a shotshell or two, and lead bullets in the cylinder.
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06-26-2010, 04:03 PM
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#5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by danf_fl
A large caliber handgun, revolver, with a shotshell or two, and lead bullets in the cylinder.
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why lead?
what is something inexpensive and relatively light/small to carry around with you at all times that can stop a bear? I wouldn't want to have to run looking for my shotgun since a bar can outrun me.
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06-26-2010, 04:18 PM
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#6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by taltamir
why lead?
what is something inexpensive and relatively light/small to carry around with you at all times that can stop a bear? I wouldn't want to have to run looking for my shotgun since a bar can outrun me.
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That would depend totally on the bear. A sub 200lb black bear and a 38/357 would do fine. Any bear much over that and I'll be wanting a 41/44 mag. And you need to have shot 1000 rds. through the gun before you depend on it to save your life.
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Fred Thompson 2008
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06-26-2010, 04:23 PM
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#7
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Retired
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Hollow points don't work too well on bear, FMJ does not deform enough. Lead is what I prefer.
__________________
Amendment II:
"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
Life Member NRA
Life Member NAHC
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06-26-2010, 04:34 PM
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#8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by A5Mag12
That would depend totally on the bear. A sub 200lb black bear and a 38/357 would do fine. Any bear much over that and I'll be wanting a 41/44 mag. And you need to have shot 1000 rds. through the gun before you depend on it to save your life.
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thank you, I will do that.
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06-26-2010, 05:21 PM
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#9
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Location: Alaska
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I use 300 gr hard cast lead in my .44. Never shot a bear with it, can't say how they'll perform. Going to load up some Speer 270 gr JSPs see how they compare in unscientific test media.
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06-26-2010, 07:11 PM
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#10
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The revolution is coming, Stack it high
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Bears that raid camping areas are not the nasty type. I carry my old Ontario combat knife and my .357 w/ 158gr sp's.
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