Whats the best camping gun?

[BigCity]

Maxim 08/15???

 

[Uncle Duke]

Me, I'd break down and pack a shotgun and slugs if at all possible for the application you describe. If not feasible, then the handgun for me would be a double action revolver in the heaviest cartridge I had shot a lot of and believed I could handle in such an encounter. I'd be thinking 41 mag and up. Again for me, I know "and up" for me stops at 44mag.

If I were to buy such a revolver, for only the type of quick and accessible and all the time available security vs. bears? And I'd be frequenting that sort of country and have that need often? Me, I'd look hard at a Ruger Alaskan. Available in 44 mag, 454 Casull and 480 Ruger. 2.5 inch barrel.

 

[pbharvey]

If you go the shotgun route, look at those Brenneke Black Magic slugs. Those things are something else.

 

[dist1646]

Just bring along a buddy who wears heavy boots and runs slower than you do!

 

[engine42410]

Glock 20 10mm

 

[jimbobborg]

Going against the grain here, how about a take-down 92? Rossi or Winchester will work. http://www.taylorsfirearms.com/long...s-1892-takedown-rifle-45-lc-20-octagonal.html Get some +P .45 Colt loads and you're good.

 

[iH8DemLibz]

That's easy.

Camp 9 or Camp 45.

 

[fidelity]

Going against the grain here, how about a take-down 92? Rossi or Winchester will work. http://www.taylorsfirearms.com/long...s-1892-takedown-rifle-45-lc-20-octagonal.html Get some +P .45 Colt loads and you're good.

I was thinking the same - I have a Model 94 takedown (in 30-30) that packs really small - and I eventually want the stainless Taylor's Alaskan takedown in 44 Mag.

However, if in a tent attacked by a bear, the maneuverability of a rifle may be limited, especially if you have one hand pushing off the bear. In this case, a double-action revolver in 357 or higher (with a 2.5-3.0 inch barrel) or a Glock 20 SF may be more desirable. A big effing knife might do the trick too - but lacks the loud sound report that could startle the bear.

Out on the trail, not sure if he can open carry a rifle (depending on where he's going), but a pistol is certainly concealable.

 

[fidelity]

Speaking of bear attacks ... anyone seen the new trailer for The Revenant ...

 

[BigT5g]

Speaking of bear attacks ... anyone seen the new trailer for The Revenant ...

Saw it in the theater the other day. I'm more excited for this than I am for Star Wars.

 

[Uncle Duke]

Gotta love this forum! And thanks to Jimbob and Fidelity for the education!

A breakdown 92 or 94 would indeed be something to think about. Wasn't aware of the availability of either. Quick and Tool free assembly?

 

[fidelity]

Yes, another elegant John Moses Browning design, in fact!



And here's a picture of mine disassembled next to a 10/22 Take Down ...

 

[Uncle Duke]

Yes, another elegant John Moses Browning design, in fact!



And here's a picture of mine disassembled next to a 10/22 Take Down ...

Slick indeed! Me Likey!

Thanks again!

 

[BossmanPJ]

In a camping environment I would have to go with a .357 revolver. Plenty of knockdown power.... Doesn't need assembled at a moments notice... And you can carry it on your side at all times.

 

[swinokur]

Glock 20 with some juicy 10mm loads would be my first choice.

^^^^^^^^^^^

This. Or any 10mm. But the Glock has the largest capacity in a 10mm.

Underwood 220g hard cast flat nose. good enough for any living critter you'll encounter in these parts.

https://www.underwoodammo.com/10mm-auto-220-grain-hard-cast-flat-nose/

 

[outrider58]

I don't shoot to wound. Especially animals.

 

[rseymorejr]

Maxim 08/15???

My first thought!

But how about a Ruger Super Blackhawk?

 

[Devonian]

^^^^^^^^^^^

This. Or any 10mm. But the Glock has the largest capacity in a 10mm.

Underwood 220g hard cast flat nose. good enough for any living critter you'll encounter in these parts.

https://www.underwoodammo.com/10mm-auto-220-grain-hard-cast-flat-nose/

I've never been able to have that round function reliably in my Glock 20. Basically a ftf every few shots.

 

[Machodoc]

Given that you are protecting yourself from black bears, rather than hunting them, a .45 auto would work. I'd intentionally miss the first shot. The chances are 99/100 it will take off running from the noise. If not, the .45 will either stop it, or turn it away.

This comment, however, has no value if you are going to be in AK.

 

[SRD]

1911 in .45(until they make a .46) or a 12 ga. slug gun.