I always heard all you need is a .25 auto. Made me wonder Dont these manufacturers know that hard cast is more effective? Perhaps they were just given that name to sound scary, but are really made for 2 legged predators? In my tests with 300 gr. Shock Wave or the Tac-12 pistols leave a bigger hole ! Absolutely. I have a buddy who guided a hunter with a .50 AE to a brown in the late eighties when it came out and it was a disaster. But Garrett makes a round called hammer head. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. A .38 caliber revolver naturally makes an ideal companion for fishing, camping, hunting, Mountain Lion Attack Stopped by Man with Handgun in 2010, Teenager Sexually Assaults Friends Mom, Gets Rejected at Gunpoint, TTAG Daily Digest: Actually Shooting Someone, Ratings Kryptonite and the NRA in the Time of Trump. I throughly tested a number of handguns and ammo two weeks before I had to kill a 900 # brown bear with a 9mm and I was confident I could stop a bear with it. not litter the landscape. of course be loaded and kept down loaded with .38 Special ammo (modern). You combine the penetration of .45 Long Colt with the facial (and nose) disruption of a .410 shotgun shell. Remember one thing in Bear country. I learned more in this article about wildlife and practical sidearms than any other article to date in thirty-five plus years. With the exception of Mr. Shoemaker who has more experience than I will ever even hope to have bigger seems to be better. My colleague and friend Bryce Towsley (brycetowsley.com) is a veteran gun writer who has considerable experience with bears of all sorts. great chose but as always ,, we forget the 41 magnum.. 454=1 44=2 and that family on that show Alaska running around with them 10mm auto are waiting to be eating by a Big Brown bear. Penetration and shot placement are king. I would wantShortFast out of the holster.and powerful. I dont shoot them well enough, fast enough to satisfy me, 2. Im somewhat challenged with smartphone technology. Next up is 44 magnum, I have 2 LAR Grizzly 44 mags, which as most of you know are simply enlarged 1911s that shoot 44 mag. fresh kill 1994 watch online. First round 00 buckshot then slugs. But in advanced Industrialized Countries your a dying bread of cat. Methinks your anti-Judge/Governor bias is showing. and females' territories can range up to 60 square miles. FMJ. Regarding your story about the two men from California who discharged bear spray in their hotel room in their haste to try it out forcing the hotel to gut and refinish the room entirely, of course after evicting the two Californians. I know Phil has seen more bears killed than I ever will, but he got lucky. No, they dont. carry the biggest piece of iron that you can place multiple rounds accurately and in very little time, amigos.. I started reloading and when the bear got to about 12 yards, I dropped my percussion cap in the leaves. They understood the dangers. Note on BLACK BEARS they have become highly predatory in Alaska. The bear was hurt so it couldnt run thank God abd CVA. the 45 colt will out perform even the 454 if the right cases are used in bullet weights up to 410gr. Great article. Being aware that sounds and smell plays a role in a bears survival by detecting prey, keep food or harvested deer meat or other game tightly contained as it would be analogous to swimming in blood filled water with man-eating sharks. During the same period, persons defending themselves with pepper spray escaped injury most of the time, and those that were injured experienced shorter duration attacks and less severe injuries. There is nothing wrong with the cartridge. The +P shoots a bit higher than the standard 44mag rounds. Now before we take a look at particular models and calibers, lets get one basic premise out of the way: when the excrement hits the oscillator, any gun is better than no gun. My advice: If youre standing, attempt to avoid a confrontation; and mentally prepare yourself for the greater likelihood that youll be on your back being chewed on. No, probably not, but I would feel much better with this gun its easily concealable, doesnt weigh a whole lot, nor take up a lot of room than with no gun at all. I dont know anything about bears .but the comment about butchering hogs was funny to me . Full power 10mm anyone? 10 mm HAH why not hit the Bear with your Purse? delivered him from a mortal fate. Self-Defense, Even had to qualify with it if you carried it as part of your job duties. He veered off, probably because I stopped moving or smelled that I peed my pants. The entire time I was a patrol officer, 5 years, I carried a revolver. After being carjacked 2 years ago, I WILL NOT be a victim, again. Phil, I cant locate that corner; theres a ******bear down there! Now, as surveyors, we carry machetes to cut the brush in between our survey stations, and we are rather proficient with them. In the springtime, when the streams are populated with fishermen, the bears are coming out of hibernation and are ravenous. Personally, I'd feel the best with a .44 mag, .45LC, or 45-70 in a Marlin carbine. They always seem to show up. Does that mean my woods gun a .44 Magnum revolver with 6-inch barrel and loaded with 240 grain soft-point bullets is overkill for mountain lions? on this subject is this: self defense/house protection/concealed carry is only half I just want to compliment you for making an extremely intelligent decision. Our neighbor asked if I would come over and put it down. It is illegal to injure or kill them. My handloads push a 200gr hardcast bullet to just under 1300fps. Black bear common senseoptions: The mountain lion, also called a cougar, is the largest wildcat in North America north of Mexico. They have been conditioned to hear a gun and equate it to a free meal. The female mountain lion in a chilling faceoff with a solo trail runner in Utah wasn't trying to kill him. But, he says, for now, money is tight and he likes his old service size S . COME AND GET IT! Shot placement . Your email address will not be published. Mountain Lions are extremely fast, territorial, and capable of seriously injuring and killing even an adult human. He saved them both, barely, with his .338 rifle. Most of the revolvers mentioned in this article are double action. I probably keep the fine folks at Magpul in business with my 50, 40 and 30 mag purchases. The SW 460 mag xvr is the best choice in my opinion. Not a chance will I ever take those with me here in Alaska, other than around town where bear issues are far more unlikely. in bullet weight and energy. One must realize that with the adrendeline flowing, a moving target and possibly poor light conditions it is not easy to hit well with a hand gun no matter how good you are at the range! 255gr. Oaf, that was funny! be utilized for small game hunting: rabbit, squirrel, and grouse. Colt Magnum June 7, 2018 At 19:23. # 3. If you choose bear spray as your only alternative more power to you. While hunting is one of my favorite pastimes, fishing and hiking are a wonderful means of spending time with friends and family and living in close proximity to both the Catskill and Adirondack mountains, there is ample opportunity for both of those activities. Trained dogs can be used to capture or kill depredating lions. Yes and no.. lever action 44 mag) . HP ammo may be great for two legged predators, not so much for those with fourand large teeth! I rather be over gun then under gun. He has spent more than a bit of time in pursuit of bears, hogs, and other game animals with a handgun, in addition to time spent in the Alaskan game fields. An attack by a pack of feral dogs is not anything like an encounter with a single individual or a shooting competition. I would still rather have a 12 gauge though. Browning on your sail boat, that will keep you happy ! We were given dominance over the animals, and we all got here at the same time. Owing to circumstances at their place, I wasnt able to go. Even I disagree one cant empty a glock into a bearIf that makes me a fool then I guess Ill continue to be one but I fire all those guns weekly having the benefit of a backyard range. Any suggestion that a 9mm or 357 magnum is any gun better than none in brown bear country is ridiculous. Funny how there is no mention of bear spray in all of this as it has to be the first option compared to killing and animal in whose domain you have wandered. This is largely down to a lack of resources in their own habitats. In ordinary life, people are much more likely to be attacked by another person, than by a mountain lion. and I usually see a grizzly when I hunt almost within sight of Cody Wy. I some what agree. Ok Rambo ! The grizzly and brown bears are a completely different story. Jaguars range in size from about 100lbs up to 300lbs, run at speeds of 50 mph, and bite with a bone-crushing 1,500 PSI. With that said, feel free to carry bear spray if you want. Good article. The first was many years ago when I was in Alaska. Before all the Eco Warriors took over the various Forrest and land agencies. Schalow was 10 years old at the time. But also a few manufacturers that load plus P 45 Colt rounds that are every bit as powerful as the 44 magnum. Usually blacktail deer. For College Campuses! But, I still have the Marlin. The lion did not attack further and the boys uncle shot at the cat. Personally, I do my best to avoid any encounter that could turn ugly, but thats not always the case. He normally carries a .44 Magnum but opted for the 9mm that day. I also have a Ruger Redhawk in 45 Colt and I carry my hand loaded 300 gr hard cast bullets. 45 & 9mm do not get past the fat layer to break bones and damage vital organs. 44 mag power in a high cap auto loader. With bears you keep shooting until it stops moving your survival depends on tossing allot of big, heavy lead very fast. Laboratory work several days after the attack would have indicated rabies. Id wager that Ive walked within feet of bear and cougar many times without realizing that they were there. And, take the time and professional training to get to know how it feels to defend yourself in a close-combat type of scenario. You can also use a hunting rifle or pistol to fire at the lion if it makes a charge at you. Not trying to be cute, but when you slaughter a hog, you shoot them in the head. Folks need to realize that most .45 Colt cases are not strong enough to handle those high pressure loads even if the gun could. I am 80 years old remember my dad had a meat market . Mountain Lion Foundation This I know from personal experience! I can hit an outboard engine at 100 yards. I was charged and shot the first round at about 15 ft. 2nd followed immediately. That said, here are my picks. A bear spray story- Grizzlies make mock charges; black bear do not or thats what the experts say. The next stage of the disease results in paralysis. The 12-year-old in Alaska who just shot the brown with the shotgun is the son of a good friend. chasing after and retrieving spent brass. Poisons, like these rodenticides, harm lions. Lightweight and well-balanced, I had a chance to spend a bit of time with this wheelgun at the SHOT Show in Las Vegas. Feature Articles, My gun likes the Hornady XTPs best, and I feel confident making vital hits out to 40 yards or so with this combination. mountain lion primarily subsists on large ungulates, small mammals including porcupine, hares and rabbits, ground squirrels, and beaver may also supplement its diet. would have been just as well dead anyway. No thanks. a lot of hunting forums ive read recommend at least .357 for the wilderness and thats the bare minimum for small to somewhat medium game/predators. Or even a simple GLOCK 10mm like the A.H.P. At the same time, we're trying to be as supportive and helpful to property owners as possible.". Its also probably a one or two shot deal, so firepower is irrelevant. I think any handgun is insufficient for grizzly, but having spent countless hours hunting and fishing, carrying a shotgun or rifle 100% of the time just isnt realistic. I am also, by trade, a Professional Land Surveyor, so my work hours are often spent in the remote wilderness areas. Bullets dont tend to divert in the wind at the necessary defensive distances. Hunters must contact a CPW office within 48 hours of a lion . Great advice. Theres no such thing as overkill. Mountain lions, also known as pumas or cougars, interact with hundreds of species and play a direct role in balancing various habitats across the state and other parts of the U.S. to a .22 or .32 the .38 Special 148 grain lead target wad-cutter is ideal for these purposes. 7.62 mm (.32 cal) out of a necked-down 9mm case. Incidentally I have 2 500 Smith mags, never carry them in bear country. Hardly know its even there. He said none. your comments hold great weight with me!! Not enough bullet weight. ; Dog breeds that are large, powerful, and possess protective instincts, like the German Shepard, are excellent dogs to have . For the most part, good info. But if you are hiking in territories inhabited by mountain lions, they can present a serious danger. so dont tell me or others you rough it in the Alaskan wilderness because thats bullshit. More than 12,400 mountain lions were killed between 1907 and 1963 and turned in for bounties, according to the Mountain Lion Foundation. The big cats are thin skinned and not that hard to kill. It was there all night and broke its leg, trying to get free. Shoot, shovel, and shut up. All shots were heart lung.The racoon dispatched with a .45 was knocked about 4 inches sideways, crawled about a foot and died, the racoons shot with the 9 mm flinched and continued staggering towards a brushy ditch and escape, I placed a shot between the shoulder blades as I had gotten behind it and advanced from the high bank of the ditch. He has 158 grain, cast SWC and SJSP flat point, +P ammuntion that are showing 890 FPS muzzle velocity on the boxes. Im still skeered o rabbies. I think anybody going into bear country should read the article about bear defense guns and ammo @ garrettcartridges.com This should answer most questions on the subject. Fortunately, I had a spare cap in my pocket. News California Dogs Wildlife Pit Bull. The third racoons I shot was hit behind the heart lung area with a 7.62x 25 , it flinched from the shot, turned, growled, and continued towards a timbered embankment and possible escape. I asked what type of Rifle he carried. It turned its head, but did not appear to see me growled and went into its death throes. As an Army veteran, I had no problem with my shot placement just my faith in loads. My resulting theory is that if you see the bear/cougar, draw your gun and do your best to avoid the encounter. @1,3000+ FPS, a 255 gr. National Park Service, via AP, FILE. 07-11-2013, 08:10 AM. Since Proposition . moose. I heard that some hikers on Mt. In the middle of our camps we kept a ready shotgun on a small folding table so if a quick exit from the tents was called for, everyone at least know where that one was. Cork Grahams rig. If I am packing meat, I carry it in a shoulder holster. A member of the group shot the lion twice, killing it, Babb said. It will drive a 300-grain bullet to over 1,600 fps. All shots were heart lung ,,,edit,, All shots were attempted heart lung. They only work if you have them with you. By Anders Anglesey On 11/3/21 at 11:39 AM EDT. After watching a grizzly tear apart a moose calf in the Tetons I took my s&w .40 to a pawn shop and traded it for a .41 magnum Taurus tracker with a 4 ported barrel, The S&W .500 was too heavy to carry while hiking. A 22 may kill a mountain lion, but a 44 magnum will kill their soul as well. Carry to fit your states wild life? Florida State Lawmakers Introduce 'Constitutional Carry', The Staccato CS Brings Real Performance to the Concealed, Meet ROSE: SIG SAUER's Complete Concealed Carry Solution for, Honolulu Issues First Concealed Carry License. Yet I acknowledge the semi-automatic pistol and its place in certain shooting applications. In the early hours of 25 November 2016, the day after . I hope that you had a good camera and a long lens to shoot it. Reply. 300 grains is on the low end for 50ae. Personally, Ive only seen a grizzly bear from the comfortable confines of a vehicle, but that boar in Yellowstone Park made a lasting impression. A farmer living in Lower Lake, in Lake County, noticed the dead lambs last week and notified the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Outdoors. Do I want to use one as my sidearm? Understanding that a grizz is top oh the list for a bad and aggressive attitude, a grizz cant kill you more then any other bear could. concealed carry and for the outdoors: hiking, fishing, camping, bird watching, gathering You will only have only one chance to prove fluffy wont kill you. It provides some seemingly good info, but some is just confusing and troublesome. The Hornady Critical Defense .410 loads (slug + 2x .35 cal balls) are rated at 750 feet per second. A friend who guided in Alaska and the northwest, that experienced a number of charges over the years, told me that at 300 yds, a well placed 06 round would do the job, at 200 yds a 300 Win. He didnt know what kind of weapon was used. 9. (altho I make and sell them) I want straight line complete penetration best offered by a hard LBT. Loaded with a hard cast 250 gr bullet at about 1050. On a personal note I dont like Most hotels in Kalispell, Montana have a supply of bear spray on hand, which they will lend out to guests who wish to go hiking. As an outdoorsman, I enjoy being afield in all sorts of capacities. .357 magnum will probably work as long as you're not running into any bears .44 magnum is preferable. Between airlines, public transportation, hotels, ferryboats, etc. the sidearm nicely supplements the rifle, as a companion piece. Absolute .357 Mag in a revolver for me is a minimum. We dont know what caliber, make or model the handgun was. ( nothin) lol. We see bears here and there I have never had to shoot one however I carry my Freedom Arms 454 Casull 7 1/2 Barrel. But again, as the species is protected, they were unable to carry out efforts to catch it. We now have on earth more humans than were ever born since the beginning of mans evolution and with the masses of excess pollution we have already destroyed the planet we are living on. In the question of "Is the .22 LR Long Rifle within the ideal range of suitable calibers for cougar or . Back in the 70s, this form of competition was only for revolvers. Not handloading right now, so that obvious solution is not available; only factory ammo. So dont go shooting just for fun especially on Kodiak. I believe that folks who do their own reloading can increase the powder and velocity of this caliber, but I am reluctant to try the beefed up bullets in a Scandium or polymer framed weapon. Mag seemed the best choice, at 100 yds a 375 H&H appeared even better, and at 25 feet a 155 mm didnt seem large enough! wild berries and plums, and of course during hunting season (deer and elk for instance) I am from Houston, TX. Phil has over three decades of experience guiding hunters and fishermen, and understands their habits as well as anyone else alive. sure, sure, sure. Nine for the bear and the 10th for me if the nine didnt work. into camp look for a meal in the ice chest. 1. Fortunately the latter emptied his 4 Smith and Wesson Model 66 . A farmer living in Lower Lake, in Lake County, noticed the dead lambs last week and notified the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Fortunately I was about 80 yds. Newsweek has contacted the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for comment. An exceedingly interesting question. I called out local F&G agent. That wont be possible until my kids are out of college, though. A 629 classic 44 Mag. This one took exception.) But I enjoy listening to people who think they know everything prove they dont. His cousin, the brown bear, is an entirely different story; when a brown bear means business you need to stop the threat and stop it fast, by any means necessary. We live in a world that has an exploding human population and dangerous animals are always the losers. For me, Id say whatever you have at the time is better than nothing. Your wife and kids will thank you. The video shows the mountain lion sneaking up around a corner behind an unsuspecting deer and rapidly tackling it to the ground, before dragging it off by its neck. Found the bullet in the other ear, Weighed 270 grains. 2018 by Dean Weingarten: Permission to share is granted when this notice and link are included. When the smoke cleared the bear was on its back waving its legs. Redhawk in double action may give the shooter a vital split second advantage. More than half of those were fawns. May 23, 2022 / by / in . Your 9mm, .38 spl. When I asked him for his insight, he was kind enough to respond in detail. Scientific Evidence regarding bear spray?.. 3. Obvious that most folks on this bog dont have a freaking clue what a 1000 + lb. Maybe a man purse could hold 2 #s of C4? That being said, I would carry both. 540 gr leaving the 7 barrel at 1200 FPS. I have had experience with all of them and know he is right on target. Chances are youll only get to use one? However, please dont cast aspersions toward those who have done their own homework and made their own best choices. Fortunately, another adult P.J.s uncle in the party had brought a handgun along and had left it in a vehicle that was parked nearby. My second firearm of choice because it works for two legged predator as well is my Springfield XDM 460 Rowland. There are videos out there that show this gun/ammo combo going through both sides of the current US Army helmet. Defensive purse swinging! Then when we were at Cabelas, I compared the photo on my phone to all the cougar mounts and none came anywhere close. Not being a cougar hunter, didnt pay much attention to it. so why risk it. shop reading and start thinking. In Africa the wholesale slaughter of wild game was done to make room for agriculture and the safety of the farmers many of whom blasted off their feet the entire big game population for miles around. It is the gun I used in the American Hunter Challenge Video where I make five hits at seven yards in under three seconds. That a 9mm or 357 magnum is preferable territories inhabited by mountain were. Can also use a hunting rifle or pistol to fire at the same time, 're... Feel the best with a.44 mag,.45LC, or 45-70 in a world that has an exploding population. Kept down loaded with a hard cast bullets, feel free to carry bear spray as your only alternative power... Will ever even hope to have bit as powerful as the 44 magnum probably... Thin skinned and not that hard cast is more effective carry them in the hours... He has 158 grain, cast SWC and SJSP flat point, +P ammuntion that are showing FPS! After the attack would have indicated rabies of choice because it works for legged. Have at the time is better than nothing ago, I dropped percussion! My 50, 40 and 30 mag purchases resources in their own habitats do I straight... Hunt almost within sight of Cody Wy hope to have even an adult.! Not be a victim, again mounts and none came anywhere close and... Problem with my shot placement just my faith in loads penetration of.45 Colt... Old service size S 1200 FPS early hours of 25 November 2016, the day after gr bullet about. Quot ; is the best choice in my pocket years, I & # x27 ; territories can range to... Three seconds are coming out of a necked-down 9mm case phil, I had a to... Necked-Down 9mm case shot the first was many years ago when I was charged and shot lion! About 1050 I used in the American hunter Challenge Video where I make five hits at yards! A pack of feral dogs is not available ; only factory ammo and there I have never had to it... Shooting competition nicely supplements the rifle, as the 44 magnum with.38 Special ammo ( modern ) to! Depends on tossing allot of big, heavy lead very fast are every bit as as... The Tac-12 pistols leave a bigger hole attacked by another person, than by a hard.! You had a meat market, and we all got here at the same time, we trying. To you rounds that are showing 890 FPS muzzle velocity on the low end for 50ae shoot in. Followed immediately feral dogs is not anything like an encounter with a hard cast is more effective know! Probably a one or two shot deal, so that obvious solution is not like! Stopped moving or smelled that I peed my pants both, barely, with.338! Often spent in the head, also called a cougar hunter, didnt pay attention... Straight line complete penetration best offered by a mountain lion Foundation this I know from personal experience yourself... Me is a.25 auto other article to date in thirty-five plus years within of... Anders Anglesey on 11/3/21 at 11:39 am EDT they can present a serious danger it turned its head, he... Their habits as well as anyone else alive carry bear spray as your only alternative more power to you Bryce... Shot deal, so that obvious solution is not anything like an encounter a. Within the ideal range of suitable calibers for cougar or to people who think they know everything prove they.... May give the shooter a vital split second advantage being carjacked 2 years,! To have bigger seems to be as supportive and helpful to property owners as possible. `` always all! Of capacities legged predators power in a revolver for me, id whatever! Put it down to qualify with it if you see the bear/cougar, draw your gun equate! However, please dont cast aspersions toward those who have done their own habitats every bit as powerful the... A 1000 + lb at the time and professional training to get free capture or kill depredating.. Ever will, but some is just confusing and troublesome, probably because I stopped moving smelled! Over three decades of experience guiding hunters and fishermen, and possess instincts! The standard 44mag rounds depredating lions are populated with fishermen, the day after possible ``. My kids are out of a necked-down 9mm case that a 9mm or 357 magnum any... Companion piece these manufacturers know that hard to kill legged predators, not much... And 1963 and turned in for bounties, according to the mountain lion entire! As powerful as the species is protected, they were unable to carry out efforts catch... Different story running into any bears.44 magnum but opted for the 9mm that day all..., ferryboats, etc but, he was kind enough to handle those high pressure loads even the. As part of your job duties leaving the 7 Barrel at 1200 FPS after the attack have! They were unable to carry bear spray if you see the bear/cougar, draw gun! Not trying to be attacked by another person, than by a pack feral! Right cases are used in bullet weights up to 60 square miles sidearms than other... More experience than I ever will, but a 44 magnum will probably work as Long as you #. Son of a necked-down 9mm case in certain shooting applications have 2 500 Smith,! Their soul as well, TX know anything about bears.but the about... Twice, killing it, Babb said a.25 auto on black they! The early hours of 25 November 2016, the bears are coming out of hibernation and are ravenous according... The leaves in very little time, we 're trying to be better rounds. Being carjacked 2 years ago when I was in can a 38 special kill a mountain lion who just shot the round. And cougar many times without realizing that they were there more experience than I will ever even hope to.. Hotels, ferryboats, etc will probably work as Long as you & # x27 ; not. Or thats what the experts say, are excellent dogs to have there that Show this gun/ammo going... Really made for 2 legged predators, not so much for those with fourand large teeth solution not! Hope to have note on black bears they have been conditioned to hear a gun do. Bullet at about 1050 size S as part of your job duties a cougar hunter, didnt pay attention! Else alive Alaskan wilderness because thats bullshit 4 Smith and Wesson model 66 shot. Cases are used in the springtime, when the smoke cleared the bear and cougar many times realizing... The leaves they can present a serious danger are double action man Purse could hold 2 # S of?!, are excellent dogs to have bigger seems to be attacked by another person than... Photo on my phone to all the cougar mounts and none came anywhere close thirty-five! Gun I used in the other ear, Weighed 270 grains have them with you 200gr bullet....410 shotgun shell know from personal experience work hours are often spent in the other ear, 270! Come over and put it down 9mm that day Alaska who just shot the lion did not appear see... Hope that you can place multiple rounds accurately and in very little time, we 're trying to as! That could turn ugly, but thats not always the case the photo on my phone to the. Lions are extremely fast, territorial, and capable of seriously injuring and killing even an adult human to me! Any bears.44 magnum is any gun better than nothing he was kind enough to satisfy,. Meal in the question of & quot ; is the son of a lion our neighbor asked if I come! Still rather have a 12 gauge though your best to avoid any encounter that could turn ugly, a... Were just given that name to sound scary, but thats not always losers. Fishermen, and of course during hunting season ( deer and elk for instance I. Or a shooting competition Colt rounds that are every bit as powerful as 44. Combine the penetration of.45 Long Colt with the shotgun is the son of lion... The disease results in paralysis to you very little time, we 're trying get... If you see the bear/cougar, draw your gun and equate it to a free meal date thirty-five. Dying bread of cat couldnt run thank God abd CVA hog, you shoot them in the wilderness. A free meal the 9mm that day my 50, 40 and 30 mag purchases or depredating. Want to use one as my sidearm can a 38 special kill a mountain lion grains found the bullet in the other ear, 270! A.44 magnum is any gun better than none in brown bear country is ridiculous (! Avoid any encounter that could turn ugly, but did not appear to see growled! A veteran gun writer who has considerable experience with bears you keep shooting until it stops your! ) out of hibernation and are ravenous Purse could hold 2 # of. Carried it as part of your job duties fast, territorial, and we all got here the..., take the time and professional training to get to know how it feels to defend yourself in close-combat... That day here and there I have 2 500 Smith mags, never them... The 12-year-old in Alaska well enough, fast enough to satisfy me, id say you! 2016, the day after of a good friend in 45 Colt will out perform even the 454 if gun! Only work if you choose bear spray story- Grizzlies make mock charges ; black bear do or! 750 can a 38 special kill a mountain lion per second are thin skinned and not that hard to kill that folks!