Saw a bear the other day...

[Hudson69]

Scouting some high mountain lakes and while out of my little SUV which held my AR-15 I saw a bear waddle out of the woods and wander down to the edge of the lake about 30 yards away; between me and my car...

All I had on me was my Glock 23. Up until then I had never really thought too much about the rounds I was carrying (Speer Gold Dot in 180 grain). Nothing happened, I just waited for him to leave and then I got a little closer to my SUV as Smokey went back into the woods but I wonder what would be a good round to carry when out in the sticks?

I have heard to carry ball ammo in FMJ so that the round can penetrate better when dealing with really large, aggressive wild animals. Since I dont plan on slinging my AR or 700 every second I am out, or lugging around a .44 mag does anyone have an opinion as to the best "wilderness defense" round for .40? Not looking to shoot anything but if I have to I have to (especially if my son is with me).

[Norm357]

There is no good handgun round for a bear. That said, unless you are really stupid, a bear is not goingto mess with you. At my family house up in the mountains, we have bear that pass through the backyard every day.

[MikeG]

Here's what Park Rangers say:

The National Park Rangers are advising hikers to be alert for bears and take extra precautions to avoid an encounter. They advise park visitors to wear little bells on their clothes so they make noise when hiking. The bell noise allows bears to hear them coming from a distance and not be startled by a hiker accidentally sneaking up on them. This might cause a bear to charge.

Visitors should also carry a pepper spray can just in case a bear is encountered. Spraying the pepper spray into the air will irritate the bear's sensitive nose and it will run away.

It is also a good idea to keep an eye out for fresh bear scat so you have an idea if bears are in the area. People should be able to recognize the difference between black bear and grizzly bear scat. Black bear droppings are smaller and often contain berries, leaves, and possibly bits of fur. Grizzly bear droppings tend to contain small bells and smell of pepper spray.

[Ispbear]

There is no good handgun round for a bear.

I'm guessing a 500 Smith and Wesson Magnum would do the job.

[Norm357]

I'm guessing a 500 Smith and Wesson Magnum would do the job.

Hell a .22 would do it if you put the round in the right spot, but no, I would not trust the 500 either.

[MikeG]

I'm guessing a 500 Smith and Wesson Magnum would do the job.

Get the double action. Bears have trouble manipulating the hammer if he takes it off you.

[Norm357]

Get the double action. Bears have trouble manipulating the hammer if he takes it off you.

He should file the sights off too, to make it easier when the bear sticks it up his butt.

[Safety Steve]

I would invest in the pepper spray and carry a pistol.


Mike, your killing me with laughter! Good stuff!


Be Safe.

[ChesCopPodz]

Oddly enough, since I've been here (near the original poster), I've seen a mountain lion, two bobcats, but up until last week hadn't seen any bears even though one liked to raid the dumpsters in my apartment complex.

Finally saw a mama and two cubs last week.

[MountainMan]

Just saw this thread so i know its a bit old. Your speer gold dots will do just fine for what you need it for. Rarely are black bears aggresive out of the blue.

I come across them frequently in Colorado. Never had a problem. Its a last ditch thing anyway and shot placement is much more important than worryinign about carrying a 44 mag etc. If 16 rounds of 40 can't take care of it your screwed.