those of you who hunt in grizzly and wolf country, what sidearm do you carry? I'm thinking of a glock 10mm but would like the input of what some guys are carrying, if you're happy with your choice, weight/size, do you notice it constantly, what would you do different if you were to purchase again, etc.
I’m more worried about the two legged “predators” everyday so a 9mm of varying size is always on my hip. I think a few rounds of that would deter most four legged predators.
Not that we have grizzlies in Tennessee, but I would say as far as a sidearm goes, I would take at least a 40 cal or maybe a 10mm. I carry a 9mm when I hunt but the worst thing I’ll run into is a hog. It’s like anything. You get used to the weight after a while. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
A side arm for a Griz is a loosing proposition no matter the load. A wolf is not going to attack you.
I carry bear spray and a nine mm. The nine is for me if the bear spray doesn't work. As said above, I'm more concerned about the two legged predators, but you won't find me walking around in a paranoid state. So far in my life I have not need the protection from any predators. I tend to be the greatest threat to my own health and wellbeing.
.40 and up for Griz. For wolf a 9mm is plenty. More importantly than the caliber is the type of ammunition you’re going to be using. For wolf it’s best to have a fast expansion jacket, where with Griz you want more penetration. It’s the same dilemma I had as a guide in Africa with Lions .458 & Elephants .375 at the end of the day it comes down to being prepared for that type of scenario and how to avoid it, more than what sidearm you carry. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Considering deer can run 200 yards after being hit with a rifle .... for an angry grizzly bear .... I'd go with as big a round as you can carry. I'd also want high capacity, easy of use, and absolute reliability. However, you want to be able to carry the thing and shoot it without breaking your hands. Personally, I'd use a Glock 21 in .45 with the nastiest hollow points I could find. My grandfather used to carry a .357 Ruger revolver while hunting elk in the mountains. He liked the simplicity and reliability of the revolver. Can't argue with him on that. He used to say, "If six rounds of .357 magnum doesn't work, then nothing will."
My Buddy lives in AK. Few guides/experience hunters carry a handgun for bear protection. Slugs from a 12 gauge or .375+ rifle. He calls a 44 magnum a 5 shooter. 5 for the charging Grizzly and a quick 1 for you when it doesn't even slow down. If you are stuck on a handgun IMO - 500SW.
I carried a 10mm for my Alaska hunt last year. Probably more for peace of mind, and my hunting partner had a rifle also. Sent from my LGLS992 using Tapatalk
As much love and respect I have for 9mm+P 147gr HPs; I'd not want to bet my life against a grizz with them. Wolves no problem; but like others have said they're not likely to be a problem. I'd try .10mm/.357/.44mag of some sort. .45 ACP heavy loads and .41 mags are a decent choice also.
Scott made a good point .... having a rifle would be ideal. Certainly more cumbersome than a handgun, but significantly more useful. I have a lever action Marlin that shoots .357 magnum and holds 11 rounds. It's not too heavy and is very accurate with open sites out to 100 yards. I've always thought that would be a fantastic gun to take into the bush on hunting or fishing trips.
Having a proficient round is just one side of the equation. Being able to use it in the heat of battle is a whole 'nuther story...........The glocks are the way to go if not for anything else just the magazine capacity. Either the model 20 or better yet the model 40 with the 6" barrel would help with the muzzle flip and staying on target longer. The big 10mm has plenty of punch but it takes a lot of trigger time to get used to it.
Only need a .22. Just enough to shoot your buddy in the leg so they are slower than you. Unless you are in the open, the chance you will be able to get the gun up to shoot while walking isn't good. From a tree, you just need to have as many rounds as you can.
I'm a gun nut but would prefer a .12g slug in grizz country. I wouldn't even think of carrying anything less than .454 Casul in bear country. Also, if i was dead set on carrying a handgun I would practice religiously not only to hit what I was aiming at but get used to the recoil for a follow up shot. A second shot will be necessary and you don't want to injure a cloud on shot #2. I'd also lean toward FMJ for penetration and not hollow point. Just don't get caught with a dead man's gun.
I'd opt for the bear spray. You have a much better chance of blinding and choking a charging bear than landing a round in it's brain even at close range. Get someone to roll a pumpkin down a steep hill at you and see how many rounds from a big bore handgun you get in it.
When I was in Alaska I carried a .44 mag Black Hawk all the time. Once while salmon fishing a black bear decided he wanted my fishing hole but one round about two feet in front of his nose in the water made him rethink. Revolvers are very dependable.
My preference for a semiauto is 10mm with 200 grain bullet. Comparatively better ballistic coefficient and should penetrate better while punching a .40 hole. I havent shot many revolvers larger than 357 and would do a lot of practice before carrying 44 magnum or larger. If expecting trouble though I'd want a 12 gauge with slugs and 00 buck.
