Whats the best camping gun?

[IMBLITZVT]

Say you are going camping with kids. Bear are the issue you wish to protect against. However obviously general protection too, however no CCW or even open carry. You are looking for a gun that you can load when you go to bed, to address an unwelcome guest. Then unload and store without to much trouble when you get up. Not exactly looking to hunt bear but want to have something large enough to take care of them at close range without overkill. Thinking a pistol or revolver. Suggestions? What is the smallest caliber to consider?

 

[BigT5g]

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

 

[PJDiesel]

Pistol grip 870.

 

[PJDiesel]

Take that back.



870.

 

[MacGuns]

This would be my bear gun. Sig P220 in 10mm

 

[IMBLITZVT]

Seems like 10mm is just about as powerful as 357 with top end loads. Does not seem big enough?

870 is just to big. Need something smaller.

 

[alucard0822]

hard to beat a 12ga with slugs in that role, 308 semi-auto wouldn't be too shabby either. Unless you are talking about black bear cubs, or plan on eating it, there really is no such thing as overkill for bears. If it HAS to be a handgun, the more power the better, 1000FPE+ would be ideal, with soft point, hardcast or similarly deep penetrating loads. People have killed bears with service caliber pistols and 22s, although why handicap yourself, kinda like the "best .32 for home defense" thread.

 

[AssMan]

S&W Mountain gun. In .44 or .45LC.

Edit: I personally carry my 627PC when hiking around here and scouting for Turkeys up on the knob.

 

[outrider58]

This is my bear spray...S&W 629

 

[BigT5g]

Seems like 10mm is just about as powerful as 357 with top end loads. Does not seem big enough?

870 is just to big. Need something smaller.

15rnds of 700+ft lbs is gonna work fine especially since intruders of the 2 legged variety are much more a threat then those with 4 legs.

 

[clandestine]

I would want a Shotgun or Rifle for this application. Something that can be broken down, like a .308 AR or a Pump shotgun.

 

[DC-W]

I wear a G34 with Hornady Critical defense and a spare mag when camping.
Can't afford that 10mm stuff yet.

Buffalo Bore has a LONG article about this very topic

https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=108

 

[IMBLITZVT]

Thanks for the thoughts guys. I guess I am looking to see what the thoughts are on what is large enough to get the job done? Sure 308 rifle would be ideal and one could use it as a tent pole when not needed Na, needs to be a smaller package. I thought a 44 mag Mountain gun was probably what I was going to hear but was not sure. I assume 44 Mag is big enough but not overkill. Whats just big enough to get the job done and not just to piss it off more? Its camping, one doesn't want to pack larger than needed but also don't want to be unprepared. 45acp, 357 mag, 10mm... any capable of really doing the job? Any other calibers to consider? Specific guns?

 

[IMBLITZVT]

Buffalo Bore has a LONG article about this very topic

https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=108

THanks I will read that.

 

[BigT5g]

I was up in AK a couple summers ago, and I heard a funny joke from a guy I met.
"Why do Alaskans file the front sights off of their .44mag revolvers?..."

"Because it will hurt less when the bear shoves it up their ass"

 

[platekiller]

This is my bear spray...S&W 629

+1 I took my 629 when we went camping because there are black bear. Also ccw my g19 so that would do in a pinch.

I think most black bear are scared away with a shot, but it's nice to have what's needed just in case. We all know real men kill bear with a knife (especially if they live in MD)

Just saying, open carry is legal in WV and VA. Where you going?

 

[outrider58]

A lot of the aforementioned will bounce off a full grown grizzly or brown bear's chest. Their skulls are like class III armor plate too.

 

[fidelity]

I wear a G34 with Hornady Critical defense and a spare mag when camping.
Can't afford that 10mm stuff yet.

Buffalo Bore has a LONG article about this very topic

https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=108

Good read.

From the article ...

Black bears are very different mentally, than grizzly bears. Black bears come in red, brown, blonde, and black color phases, but they are all black bear species and should be considered “black bears” regardless of color phase. While black bears have much the same physical qualities (normally smaller) of grizzly bears, they GENERALLY have a much different mindset.

To stop black bears, all you have to do is hurt them; you do not need to kill them. Almost any center fire handgun cartridge will dissuade a black bear if you hit them well with it. The more powerful the cartridge, the more damage you’ll potentially do to the bear, but nearly any black bear will turn tail if he is hit with a cartridge such as good stiff 9mm load. I know this argues against prevailing wisdom, but prevailing wisdom is based mostly on speculation, not real world experience and is not really wisdom.

For camping in black bear country, I'm of the mindset to take a 686+ with some 357 Magnum hardcast rounds (in fact, from Buffalo Bore) ... or something that takes more rounds but spits them out fast to get penetration, perhaps a 357 Sig shooter. Black bears are foraging and building fat for hibernation now which I would imagine is late November in these parts.

If on the trail (vs in the tent), bear spray would be the first option.

 

[aquashooter]

This is my bear spray...S&W 629

I agree, but with a 3 inch barrel. But if you keep it empty during the day, be well practiced with speed loaders. For a pistol, think about a compact 45ACP with a heavy round. Simply insert mag and rack.

 

[Alea Jacta Est]

Black bears....357 Smith. Preferably stainless given environment.

A good 357 will do the job if you hold up your end.