survival / defensive handgun

texas shooter

hello

I spend alot of time outdoors in the back country and the other day while I was clinging onto a tree for dear life the thought Occured to me that it would probably be a good idea to pack a big bore handgun while in the woods. the situation is this, I was comming back from a outing and decided to cut across woods instead biking the extra 40 miles around. tver the course i had a flat and in the middle of changing the tire a black bear of about 900 pounds came charging at me I immediately got into the nearest tree and watched the bear destroy my stuff. I waited 8 hrs to get down needless to say the wife was verrrrry pised.

I have decided to carry an pistol for this reason. I am considering the ruder redhawk 44mag. would this do the trick, I do not want an air light frame, however I am not sure if I can handle something bigger like an 454, I am 6'2" and 210lbs.

all assistance is welcome

rovernut

The Ruger .44 Mag will do nicely. That is pretty standard in Alaska, and if you think you could not handle the .454, you probably couldn't. Practice a lot with it, and don't shoot at bears or lions past 2 arms lenghts, you'll just piss 'em off!!

gap1916

For a revlover a 41 or 44mag will do nicely I like S&W. For a semi auto the 10mm both EAA or Glock are very reliable and they have Hi-cap mags. My 2 cents [8D]

zipperzap

I always used to carry a holstered SS Ruger Security Six 6" .357/trigger worked - light - very effective and wears well in the outofdoors. The same one is still aboard my boat - salt water sailor - and she's still A+![8D]

scottb

900 pounds? That sounds like a big one. You must catch some real big fish too. In the early 90's I think the record in the lower U.S. was 880 pounds. Maybe they do have 900 pounders now.
Consider a revolver with a lightweight(titanium/scandium) frame. Its going to cost more, but it will definitely be worth it if you are going to put in large amounts of time working or walking/hiking with it. You won't regret the money spent. I've complained about revolvers being too heavy, but never about being too lightweight and comfortable.

mbsams

He's shootin' that 900 pounder with a ruder. And how big his fish are is none of your business.

v35

First off I'd report the incident to the Conservation Dept so they can trap & dispose of the bear.
From descriptions in Shelton and Herrero's books on bear attacks, it sounds like he wanted you for lunch.
Also get a major size can of bear spray.
That and the 44Mag need to be real easy to get to, like a shoulder holster for one and a side holster for the other.
Read Shelton's book.

rsnyder55

I usually carry a 3" S&W 629, but where I go mountain lions are the biggest concern lately. A Ruger Vaquero in 44mag with a 4 5/8" barrel would be another choice.

Laredo Lefty

Last I heard bears CAN climb trees. How did climbing save you if he really wanted you for chow.

I agree, a .44 mag Smith would be my choice. Double actions are a little faster with follow-up shots. Load whatever you get with heavy bullets for deeper penetration.

Dont leave it in the car or truck. It will only be of help if you have instant access to it.

Beer gut

Go with a 500 S&W big enough for the biggest bears[:D]