I shot a 300 lb. male black bear in self defense in 2015. I used a 12 gauge with a 3" load that had a slug and 00 buck in it. He was about 30' away and moving towards me. This was after running him off 3 times earlier, including with a warning round. I wouldn't have wanted to have been any closer when I made the decision. Not being a proficient handgun user (at least not in a life or death situation) I was glad I had a shotgun. Hit him in the left shoulder and he went down very quickly after cartwheeling about 40' and bellowing something awful. Ironically, I had researched where to shoot one just months before, and almost everything I read said "not the head" and recommended the shoulder. It worked, but I didn't sleep a wink that night.
SPMPLS, post: 449756, member: 11785 wrote: I shot a 300 lb. male black bear in self defense in 2015. I used a 12 gauge with a 3" load that had a slug and 00 buck in it. He was about 30' away and moving towards me. This was after running him off 3 times earlier, including with a warning round. I wouldn't have wanted to have been any closer when I made the decision. Not being a proficient handgun user (at least not in a life or death situation) I was glad I had a shotgun. Hit him in the left shoulder and he went down very quickly after cartwheeling about 40' and bellowing something awful. Ironically, I had researched where to shoot one just months before, and almost everything I read said "not the head" and recommended the shoulder. It worked, but I didn't sleep a wink that night.
I agree with the 12 ga. option, and given a choice in that situation, the 12 ga. wins hands down, every time, no question about it!
There is however a significant difference in portability.
Loyal
This is my every day carry and holster. Many people don't even know it is on me at all times. You can get double stack magazines and that allow for a 12+1 combination. It also has an extended magazine option that will extend the grip to get the 12+1 or else I believe it is only a 10+1 option. I always carry the most ammo I can have in the gun at all times and then two magazines on an ankle holder above my boot.
http://www.springfield-armory.com/products/xd-mod-2-3-sub-compact-40sw/
http://aliengearholsters.com/shapeshift-modular-holster-system.html
No first hand experience with the Judge, but word on the street is that the rifled barrel spirals the 410 shot into an undesirable pattern.
Taurus has sold a bunch of them, the 410 - 45LC combo makes for a good pitch for the salesmen.
When I am in the woods in NE Texas, the most dangerous thing out there is me.
During hunting season would be when that changes and I really do my homework to find out if anyone is supposed to be on the land when I am surveying, at the neighbors land too.
James Fleming, post: 449749, member: 136 wrote: The gentleman surveyor, when faced with potential dangerous game, carries a double rifle in .470 Nitro Express. 😉
And his rodman's name is Meryl.
Richard Imrie, post: 449771, member: 11256 wrote: And his rodman's name is Meryl.
Just take along a couple of "contractors" with some real heavy firepower. Add it to the invoice.
I picked up one of these chest holsters for my 44 Anaconda and won't be going back to anything else. Comfort and quick access are second to none.
https://gunfightersinc.com/products/kenai-chest-holster/
Williwaw, post: 449779, member: 7066 wrote:
https://gunfightersinc.com/products/kenai-chest-holster/
Thanks for the tip. My experience with a revolver in a shoulder holster is that it becomes so unwieldy that I finally just shove it in my pack, where it settles to the bottom ( =useless). This looks waaay better.
if you want a discrete option, lots of hikers recommend the Hill People pack, several versions:
http://www.hillpeoplegear.com/Products/CategoryID/1/ProductID/2
http://www.hillpeoplegear.com/Products/CategoryID/1/ProductID/37
LRDay, post: 449733, member: 571 wrote: I'm probably going to start taking a gun when in the mountains. We have some black bears and cougars.
A client recommended this:
http://www.taurususa.com/product-details.cfm?id=693&category=Revolver&toggle=tr&breadcrumbseries=JPD
Weight 22 oz.
Chambers 410 shotgun or 45's.
Client hasn't actually proved it works, but I like the weight for carry in the mountains.
Does a 410 triple ought (4 pellets) and a 45 have enough punch assuming you can hit the target? 5 shots, so maybe the 410's first and then 2 or 3 45's. Gotta be better than a prism pole.
A Taurus Judge with a .410 round has a velocity of around 1100 fps with 550 ft, pounds.
A .357 Magnum (Buffalo Bore) round has a velocity of about 1475 fps at around 775 ft, pounds.
Both much better than a prism pole....
Williwaw, post: 449779, member: 7066 wrote:
https://gunfightersinc.com/products/kenai-chest-holster/
Whatever protection I decide on this probably the way to carry it for sure. Thanks!
LRDay, post: 449733, member: 571 wrote: I'm probably going to start taking a gun when in the mountains. We have some black bears and cougars.
A client recommended this:
http://www.taurususa.com/product-details.cfm?id=693&category=Revolver&toggle=tr&breadcrumbseries=JPD
Weight 22 oz.
Chambers 410 shotgun or 45's.
Client hasn't actually proved it works, but I like the weight for carry in the mountains.
Does a 410 triple ought (4 pellets) and a 45 have enough punch assuming you can hit the target? 5 shots, so maybe the 410's first and then 2 or 3 45's. Gotta be better than a prism pole.
My daily carry is Smith and Wesson's version "The Governer". I carry two rounds birdshot, two rounds buckshot, and two 45 colt rounds in that sequence. I like the versatility. It's also got a laser pointer in the hand grip which I really like. It also goes on the nightstand every night.
I had a client inform me last week I need to carry some heavy 44 mag for self defence while working in the woods. Coming from a guy who admitted to never hunting and rarely even shooting a gun.
I carry a XD-S 3.3 45acp. Small and light and typically use 10 rnd. Mags for it. I never notice it on me. Pocket, vest holster don't matter. Depending on the pants I wear I can tuck it behind my wallet with a 7 rnd. Mag and hardly noticeable.
Shooting a Taurus judge I would never carry one for self defense. But like I tell everyone you need to go to a shop and handle what feels comfortable in your hands and what caliber you feel comfortable shooting. Something you are not comfortable shooting won't do you any good at all. Black bears can run up to 35 mph and if game is stalking you, you probably have only one real shot before they get to you and shot placement is key as well. A big bear can handle a high power cartridge in the wrong spot.
Personal experience working deep in the backcountry for a few years I never encountered anything trying to eat me. I always felt we made to much noise working and the critters kept away.
N.W. Staker, post: 449808, member: 11801 wrote: Shooting a Taurus judge I would never carry one for self defense. But like I tell everyone you need to go to a shop and handle what feels comfortable in your hands and what caliber you feel comfortable shooting. Something you are not comfortable shooting won't do you any good at all. Black bears can run up to 35 mph and if game is stalking you, you probably have only one real shot before they get to you and shot placement is key as well. A big bear can handle a high power cartridge in the wrong spot.
Coming from a human-predator-less-land-environment I did wonder whether bears stalk and ambush or just run at you with a lot of noise. I guess if they don't stalk and ambush, the other similar danger is surprising one that didn't know you were there.
