While out in the wilds you might not be the top predator.
Better up your game with these best bear defense products you can carry.
Picture the best day out in the wilds. All of a sudden the mood changes quickly when you hear sticks cracking behind you and realize you are being stalked by a hungry or very territorial bear. What do you do? While some so called “experts” might tell you to “play dead” I cannot fathom that thought unless all else fails. Your best bet is to be prepared with a self defense strategy that should save your skin.
- BEAR SPRAY.
Bear spray or better referred to as pepper spray is a great first line of defense in a bear attack. An overly curious bear or even a charging bear many times has been dissuaded from it’s aggressive actions by a cloud of pepper spray in the face. In some park areas, it might be your only defense where firearms are not allowed. Carried in conjunction with a heavier caliber firearm, the spray is mostly your best option until the can runs out or the bear is upwind of you! Nothing like a blast of pepper spray to your own face by mistake out in the wilds… Watch those oncoming winds!
2. HEAVY CALIBER HANDGUN.
What would Dirty Harry carry while hiking? A big Smith & Wesson Model 29 in .44 Magnum of course! While a large frame .44 Magnum revolver is still a solid choice in the back country even larger and more powerful handguns are available. The .500 S&W Magnum cartridge in the massive X-frame makes the old .44 a bit weak in the knees. The even flatter shooting .460 has set the world of handgun hunting ablaze. They are all very large revolvers though. For smaller and lighter hiking handguns think about the Smith & Wesson Model 329PD that is a featherweight at a weight of just over 26 ounces unloaded thanks to it’s scandium frame. I personally really like this revolver and it is quite fun to shoot also.
Also think about the 10mm cartridge in a tough autoloading handgun such as the Glock Model 20. You will get more shots available with less recoil. This choice also gets my nod of approval.
3. SHOTGUN!
What can stand up to a well made 12 gauge shotgun slug? Nothing in North America for certain! A quality pump action shotgun has been the go to in bear country for guides and hunters alike. It is a no nonsense way to put a lot of firepower onto a quickly charging bear in a split second. Self loading “semi-auto” shotguns are also a great pick as long as you have tested them out thoroughly for reliability, as you should do always with any firearm. The ‘ole bead front sight works well enough with some practice at close range, but add a quick open sight for better accuracy past that.
4. LARGE CALIBER RIFLE.
Oh this brings me to my personal favorite big bore caliber, the .45/70! Pair it with a fast shooting lever action rifle like the incredible Henry Arms All Weather Side Gate Rifle loaded with hot hard cast projectiles with a flat wide meplat for maximum impact and penetration.
Make sure the sights you use are also quick in action. I personally prefer Skinner Sights. The peep sights for me are much quicker on target during testing.
Whatever you choose make sure you do bring something for protection against bears and be certain how to use it in a really stressful situation. Remember, practice often if applicable and have your protection ready in an instance.
