It is interesting how much has changed in general mindset about backwoods trail guns since that was written in 2013. The current thinking by many is the 10mm is easier to shoot, holds more ammo, etc. Its still a ballistic pipsqueak compared to Tim's 500 Linebaugh. Which idea is best, I dunno. I once read a statement by a trauma surgeon in Alaska that had worked with many bear attack patients. He said the 475 Linebaugh was his personal backwoods revolver only because the 500 was to much for him to handle.
In regard to rifles, a good AR in 450 Bushmaster would probably serve the purpose very well and it was pretty new to the market in those days so he probably hadn't considered it.
I use a stainless Marlin with XS Ghost rings and light mounted on Skinner light mount. I also use some of the calibers in the BuffBore article.
I like to keep it simple. I would never use an optic on a rifle I had to defend myself with from an animal.
Test have conclusively proven you can get more rounds on target with a semi than a revolver, so semi calibers might not be the stopping power option but better chance of hitting the animal.
I use a stainless Marlin with XS Ghost rings and light mounted on Skinner light mount. I also use some of the calibers in the BuffBore article.
I like to keep it simple. I would never use an optic on a rifle I had to defend myself with from an animal.
Test have conclusively proven you can get more rounds on target with a semi than a revolver, so semi calibers might not be the stopping power option but better chance of hitting the animal.
There was a thread recently on 24HCF that discussed pistols to carry for stopping bears. Phil Shoemaker, who has been hunting big bears longer than I've been alive, blows up some long held beliefs on what is the best sidearm and ammo to use.
I use a stainless Marlin with XS Ghost rings and light mounted on Skinner light mount. I also use some of the calibers in the BuffBore article.
I like to keep it simple. I would never use an optic on a rifle I had to defend myself with from an animal.
Test have conclusively proven you can get more rounds on target with a semi than a revolver, so semi calibers might not be the stopping power option but better chance of hitting the animal.
There was a thread recently on 24HCF that discussed pistols to carry for stopping bears. Phil Shoemaker, who has been hunting big bears longer than I've been alive, blows up some long held beliefs on what is the best sidearm and ammo to use.
There a many factors to consider, especially on the handgun side. Phil Shoemaker, Tyler Freel, etc are all saying smaller calibers you can shoot better. Yesterday's experts were all about bigger, more powerful calibers. I'm guessing the truth, on average, is somewhere in the middle. Something like a 1911 in 460 Rowland would probably be the ultimate. My 5.6" ported M&P45 shoots Buffalo Bore 255 flat points at a chronographed 1002FPS average. Its what I wore in Colorado, Utah and Arizona a while back but we weren't in grizz country. An autopistol with a tac light and some decent mag capacity is a good thing in a camp/trail handgun. Thinking about trying a 24lb recoil spring and some 45 Super in the M&P.
Yeah, his stuff is thought provoking and he's a likable fellow.
My current thoughts on the subject:
Rifle - Ruger SFAR with mono-metal bullets or 450 bushmaster AR carbine. Either of these two would benefit with a muzzle brake or can for rapid fire. The AR offers modern modularity for optics, lasers, thermal. etc.
Handgun - 45 Super in plastic or 1911 format with Tac light. 460 Rowland, IF, it was really worked out and reliable. 10mm in any format the user prefers.
What i like the 460 Rowland is you can shot 45acp , 45 super and 460 rowland with a drop in barrel
I looked around the web yesterday and the 460 conversion kits seem to be in very short supply. Have checked the Clark Custom Guns site for some time now because I really wanted their version but its been zero stock for months. Starline did have brass a while back though...
To me, a railed 1911 with an optics cut converted to 460 Rowland might just be the ticket. One drawback would be the weight.
Good comparison of 255 45+P, 45 Super and 460 Rowland. Noticing reliability issues with the Rowland on several videos and that's concerning. My M&P45 5.6" gun chronoed about 50 FPS higher than his 1911 with the 255 +P load. I'm guessing it would run north of 1100 with the 45 Super load. That's impressive, especially considering the conversion would basically be a Wolff 24# recoil sping and steel guide rod. Sounds pretty cost effective and the ported custom shop gun is really good at reducing muzzle flip. She also sports a Timney trigger so a plan may be getting finalized...
