The very first thing you want to find out about bear protection handguns is that if you end up needing to make use of one, issues have gone terribly incorrect. You need to by no means be comfy with the concept the one factor between you and an attacking bear could be a handgun. Even the behemoth .500 S&W Magnum has about half the power of a .375 Ruger—which some think about to be on the lighter finish of the spectrum for stopping a pissed-off brown bear.
A practical approach to take a look at bear protection handguns is that they’re higher than nothing. A giant rifle and even slug gun is a correct device for conditions the place a harmful encounter is even remotely possible. However for the remainder of the time, a bear protection handgun is a good alternative in the event you can carry it and shoot it proficiently. They’ve been used efficiently to thwart bear assaults every year.
Issues to Take into account in a Bear Protection Handgun
A Bear Protection Handgun Labored If the Assault is Stopped
The metric by which many individuals measure bear-stopping success is a bit fantastical with regards to bear protection handguns. Most individuals think about a bear charging, and the measure of success is whether or not the bear folds to the bottom, sliding as much as their ft or not. The reality is that it in all probability gained’t occur like that. Hell, three months in the past I shot a medium-sized inside grizzly operating towards me at 15 paces with a hot-loaded .338 Win. Magazine., and that stable shot to the chest didn’t even take her off her ft instantly. In the event you should defend your self from a bear with a handgun, any state of affairs through which you come out unscathed is a win, even when the bear runs off.
You’ll Should Shoot a Bear Extra Than As soon as
Contemplating that many bear fees stopped by rifles contain multiple shot, you’re virtually assured to have you ever shoot a bear greater than as soon as with a pistol in the event you’re pressured to defend your self. Decide a bear protection handgun that’s nimble to deal with, which you can follow with, and which you can shoot precisely below stress. Ammunition capability could be necessary. Many keyboard consultants will let you know that you simply’ll solely get one shot off, so energy is what issues. The reality is that the one bear claws most of those people will ever encounter are stored below clear plexiglass and distributed with aluminum tongs. Generally you may get one shot, typically none. Within the warmth of the second although, ammo goes fast.
Due to these info, the 10mm Auto has seen an increase in reputation as a defensive cartridge in bear nation. Some nonetheless favor giant revolver cartridges, however with the greatest 10mm ammo, the cartridge has confirmed to be efficient in stopping bear assaults.
READ NEXT: Charged by a Grizzly: A 10mm Glock (and Critical Follow) Saved My Life
In a current vary take a look at, we shot the 10mm towards a light-weight .44 Magazine. and proved what many hunters already know: The 10mm is way simpler to shoot rapidly and precisely.
The Gun You Have is Higher Than the One You Don’t
To choose a bear protection handgun that might be efficient for you, it’s necessary to choose one which you’ll carry on a regular basis. Having a handgun which you can carry and use intuitively with out impeding you within the woods is extra helpful than having a particular caliber or researching ballistic power tables. The 9mm loaded with Buffalo Bore hard-cast bullets that you’ve is all the time going to be higher than the cannon you left at camp as a result of it’s a ache within the ass to hold.
Caliber: 10mm Auto
There are two main camps with regards to handguns for bear protection—huge bore wheelguns and nimble semi-autos—and the Glock G20 is the poster little one of the second. Over the previous decade it has change into the most well-liked backcountry carry pistol, possible by a large margin. Whereas some think about a .44 Magnum revolver to be the minimal for a bear safety handgun, the 10mm G20 has confirmed itself as not solely a succesful assault stopper, however a typical for backcountry carry.
Like different Glock Fashions, the G20’s magnificence is in its simplicity. It’s a polymer-framed, semi-automatic pistol with a 15+1 spherical capability. Till current years, it was the one comparatively frequent double stack 10mm on gun retailer cabinets. It contains a 4.61-inch barrel, is straightforward to shoot, and runs with utter reliability.
Early Glock 10mm barrels didn’t have nice case head assist and earned a popularity for catastrophic failures on high-pressure 10mm masses. In any new Glock G20, that’s not one thing you’ll have to fret about. You’ll be able to safely hearth manufacturing unit ammo like Buffalo Bore, Underwood, and others. Glock barrels do are inclined to accumulate lead fouling with hard-cast bullets, simply follow with copper-jacketed ammo and clear your bore effectively after taking pictures forged bullets.
Caliber: 10mm Auto
The recognition of the 10mm Auto as a backcountry and bear protection handgun cartridge has introduced quite a lot of consideration and variety to the choices on this specific class. Probably the most versatile 10mm pistols within the pack is the XD-M Elite 3.8-inch Compact OSP. Its mannequin identify is a mouthful, however this compact 10mm brings the products.
Because the identify signifies, it’s a compact 10mm pistol with a 3.8-inch barrel. It contains a detachable magwell and comes with 11-round magazines. It’s additionally appropriate with Springfield’s sleeved 15-round magazines to match the capability of the G20. In total dimensions, it’s almost an identical in dimension to Glock’s compact 10mm, the G29. Nonetheless, the Springfield is rather more forgiving to shoot. It comes normal with an optics lower and detachable plate, however can be out there with Springfield’s Hex Dragonfly purple dot sight. I’ve settled on a Leupold Delta Level Professional for mine.
After reviewing this pistol, I purchased it. You’ll be able to learn the total evaluate right here. I’ve carried it since then and have round 2,000 rounds by the gun with out a lot as a hiccup. I eliminated the magwell and located that it improved the grip for me. The gun may be very controllable with full-house 10mm masses, particularly utilizing a GoGun Fuel Pedal takedown lever, and I discovered that I solely lose about 75 ft per second of velocity in comparison with a 5-inch aftermarket G20 barrel with scorching bear masses.
Caliber: 10mm Auto
A 10mm addition to the Smith & Wesson M&P line is a welcome sight for M&P followers in search of a bear protection handgun. Constructed on the M&P 2.0 .45 ACP body, the M&P 2.0 10mm contains a full-size grip, 15+1 spherical capability, and a 4-inch barrel. It options glorious grip texture and ergonomics, an ambidextrous slide cease, and reversible journal catch button, making it lefty pleasant. This gun additionally comes optics-ready and consists of a number of mounting adapter plates.
I examined and reviewed the M&P 2.0 10mm, then ran one other one arduous at our Greatest Handguns of 2022 take a look at. It’s correct, dependable, and has in all probability the very best grip contour and texture of any manufacturing unit polymer 10mm. For optimum match, it consists of the usual interchangeable M&P grip modules for a thinner or fatter grip. The stippling texture doesn’t slip simply, even with sweaty palms.
The M&P 2.0 10mm has a bit snappier recoil than the G20, however the safe, comfy grip makes it manageable. A giant benefit for a sensible bear protection handgun is coaching and familiarity. In the event you’re already carrying or taking pictures an M&P pistol, it is a nice choice for the backcountry.
Caliber: 10mm Auto
Selection is an effective factor with regards to bear protection handguns, and Sig Sauer’s new P320 XTen is a welcome addition to the market of 10mm handguns. The P320 sequence options largely 9mm fashions, and has change into an enormous winner for Sig. That is partly due to its versatility. The XTen is an up-sized model that brings the P320 traits that many shooters like.
The XTen matches the capability of hottest 10mm bear protection pistols and comes with two 15-round metal magazines. The polymer body is barely bigger than the full-size 9mm X-frames however options the identical comfy ergonomics and grip texture. It has a flat set off shoe and no set off security. Mounting a light-weight in your bear protection handgun is a large plus, and the XTen has an extended 5-slot accent rail. The 5-inch barrel provides a slight enhance in velocity and an extended sight radius than most different polymer 10mm’s.
I’m within the technique of testing and reviewing an XTen now, and I’m liking it. I’ve discovered it to be very comfy and manageable to shoot. I at present carry a P320 9mm day by day, and the an identical ergonomics and grip angle translate very effectively throughout each weapons. I haven’t encountered any reliability points to date, and it’s reminding me why I just like the P320 platform.
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Regardless of the up to date reputation and perceived benefits of semi-autos as the very best bear protection handguns, wheel weapons nonetheless see loads of use within the discipline. Many people nonetheless think about them the one dependable choice. Though not huge by magnum revolver requirements, the .357 Magnum has lengthy been used right here in Alaska as a bear protection cartridge and was championed by long-time Fairbanks bear protection class teacher Joe Nava. With heavy hard-cast masses, it penetrates deep and is similar to the 10mm Auto. I as soon as needed to shoot a “useless” black bear with a .357 when he stood up lower than 5 yards away, and I’ll say that the efficiency was loads ample.
There are various nice choices for .357 Magnum revolvers—the Ruger GP100 for instance—however my decide can be the Colt Python in a 3- or 4-inch configuration. I reviewed the 3-inch mannequin earlier this yr and was smitten. You’ll be able to learn that evaluate right here. This six-shooter appears to be like unbelievable, but in addition performs. The brand new Colt Python fashions are constructed to be as near the unique designs as potential, with some added mass within the upper-rear portion of the body for added energy.
The match on the brand new Colt Python 3-inch is tight, and operation is butter-smooth. You’ll lose a contact of velocity on the 3-inch barrel mannequin, however I consider the comfort of carry to be price it. It rides properly in a chest holster and may be very controllable throughout double-action taking pictures.
Caliber: .44 Magnum
For large bear protection handguns, the Smith & Wesson 629 is difficult to beat. Many laud the .44 Magnum as actual bear medication, and it’s acquired loads of energy for a bear protection handgun—so long as you do not forget that it’s nonetheless not a rifle.
The 629 is a wonderful revolver. Its stainless-steel construct is made to be subjected to the weather frequent in bear nation. The 4-inch and 5-inch fashions are 9.5 and 10.5 inches in total size respectively, and so they have a superb steadiness of barrel size and dealing with for a .44. It’s a fairly comfy revolver to shoot and holds 6 rounds of .44 Magnum or .44 Particular. The rubberized grip is right for moist circumstances and makes sharp recoil extra tolerable.
In the event you’re prepared to place within the follow, heavy .44 Magnum masses may give you an edge in penetration over less-powerful cartridges just like the 10mm, however you’ve solely acquired 6 photographs, so make them rely. The 4-inch Mannequin 629 will weigh about 4 kilos loaded, so be sure you have a snug solution to carry it. Though the Mannequin 329 PD is way lighter (and a very good revolver too), the recoil is completely punishing, and also you’ll be arduous pressed to get something on-target after the primary shot. The Mannequin 629 is a greater steadiness of ease-of-carry and recoil manageability.
Caliber: .44 Magnum, .454 Casull
In the event you’re in search of robust and reliable, Ruger’s Tremendous Redhawk revolvers are a superb place to start out. These double-action huge bore revolvers have lengthy been common in Alaska, and I carried one chambered in .480 Ruger with a 7.5-inch barrel till I acquired bored with lugging the factor round. The Tremendous Redhawk Alaskan is basically a chopped-down 2.5-inch barreled model. That makes it considerably extra handy to hold than the full-size mannequin.
Though there are just a few greater revolver cartridges on the market, I think about the .454 Casull to be a superb high finish alternative for a bear protection handgun. With uncommon exception, something greater is solely a novelty. The .454 is difficult sufficient to shoot effectively, and even the larger cartridges nonetheless aren’t as much as the extent of a rifle. Like .44 Magazine/.44 Particular, you’ll be able to follow with .45 Colt cartridges, and save the new (and costly) stuff for the sphere. Simply you’ll want to cling on if you contact it off.
Though you sacrifice vital velocity by blowing a superb portion of your powder out the top of that brief 2.5-inch barrel, the convenience of carry is what makes this revolver sensible. Revolvers that get left within the truck or within the cabin when you’re doing chores are not any good. The Tremendous Redhawk Alaskan is among the most carry-friendly big-bore revolvers. Its rubbery grip makes it fairly rattling tolerable to shoot too.
Ultimate Ideas on the Greatest Bear Protection Handguns
There isn’t a single greatest bear protection handgun for everybody. It’s necessary to grasp that even the very best or strongest handgun falls effectively in need of an enormous rifle’s energy. A bear assault is assured to be a dynamic encounter with innumerable variables.
What’s sure is that if you wish to have an actual likelihood to cease a bear assault with a handgun, you want to be carrying it—even if you don’t count on an encounter. You’ll want to carry it in order that it may be drawn rapidly and simply. One other certainty is that you simply want to have the ability to draw and shoot precisely. Selecting a handgun that you simply’re comfy and proficient with is healthier than simply chasing energy. Lastly, practice together with your bear protection handgun like your life depends upon it, as a result of it would.
