Bear Defense Handguns

Рет қаралды 809,342

Жыл бұрын

Welcome to Ron Spomer Outdoors. In this video, we talk with Joseph Von Benedikt about his recommendations for bear defense handguns. There are several options to choose from, but we try to weigh the pros and cons of each to help you with your decision-making process as you are looking to buy a bear defense handgun.
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Joseph von Benedikt
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Who is Ron Spomer
For 44 years I’ve had the good fortune to photograph and write about my passion - the outdoor life. Wild creatures and wild places have always stirred me - from the first flushing pheasant that frightened me out of my socks in grandpa’s cornfield to the last whitetail that dismissed me with a wag of its tail. In my attempts to connect with this natural wonder, to become an integral part of our ecosystem and capture a bit of its mystery, I’ve photographed, hiked, hunted, birded, and fished across much of this planet. I've seen the beauty that everyone should see, survived adventures that everyone should experience. I may not have climbed the highest mountains, canoed the wildest rivers, caught the largest fish or shot the biggest bucks, but I’ve tried. Perhaps you have, too. And that’s the essential thing. Being out there, an active participant in our outdoor world.
Produced by: Red 11 Media - www.red11media.com/
Disclaimer
All loading, handloading, gunsmithing, shooting and associated activities and demonstrations depicted in our videos are conducted by trained, certified, professional gun handlers, instructors, and shooters for instructional and entertainment purposes only with emphasis on safety and responsible gun handling. Always check at least 3 industry handloading manuals for handloading data, 2 or 3 online ballistic calculators for ballistic data. Do not modify any cartridge or firearm beyond what the manufacturer recommends. Do not attempt to duplicate, mimic, or replicate anything you see in our videos. Firearms, ammunition, and constituent parts can be extremely dangerous if not used safely.

Пікірлер: 2 200

@johnwyatt7206 Жыл бұрын

The reason the soldier dropped to one knee, is because if you're standing and have to shoot at a bear running toward you, if you shoot at the head your bullet may hit the bear in the rear end because it's moving so fast. If you drop to one knee the bullet is traveling the length of the bear. That's why he got one center to chest and one in the head!

@amoruzz Жыл бұрын

Right on 👍 Needed to be said.

@scottdavis3187 Жыл бұрын

Another way to state the same point: drop to one knee so you don't have to track your aim as the bear is approaching, your aim stays at the same angle / more likely to hit where you need to.

@highhplainsdrifter9099 Жыл бұрын

Excellent point.🐧

@tymoose8621 Жыл бұрын

Well put,,,iv never heard this advice before,,,

@brandonk8412 Жыл бұрын

True alot of ppl shoot over the bear especially with a rifle. bears are extremely fast Steve ishdal said this as well in one of his bear stories.

@danielcurtis1434 Жыл бұрын

I legitimately didn’t know Ron knew pistols existed??? First time I’ve seen a video on a “short gun”!!!

@trapperscout2046 Жыл бұрын

Hunters should always have a sidearm.

@joeyindahl2593 Жыл бұрын

What is this pistol voodoo you speak of?

@trapperscout2046 Жыл бұрын

@@joeyindahl2593 Why, the 1911 made by St. Browning chambered in God's caliber .45 ACP of course. It will not only kill your adversary's body but also their soul.

@goinhot9133 Жыл бұрын

It’s a short rifle I think

@Roboticdoughbull3k Жыл бұрын

Guy's, don't sleep on that 1911 in 45acp, the key is running it with 45 Super 255grn hardest, 230 or 185grn Underwood extreme defense or extreme penetrator or Buffalo bore rounds If You can't hand load. You need the fully supported chamber/ barrel( typical of almost any standard 1911 in 45) a 22 to 28lb recoil spring, get that 15 or 16lb out of there for running the Super cartridges. Proper loadings of this is equally capable of better than 10mm, basically it's personal preference at that point. Perhaps this fella hasn't heard much about this little known cartridge. Stay safe, GOD bless and help us all.

@terryslaton5582 Жыл бұрын

I taught school in a Native village on the Yukon and carried a .41 magnum with 220 hard cast Buffaloes Bore. Back then everyone had either a .44 mag. or .41 magnum. The people carrying the .44 mag. said they just bought the biggest they could. The .41 magnum people explained that the.41 traveled further in the bear and the lesser recoil allowed for a follow up shot with more precision in aiming!

@roninkraut6873 Жыл бұрын

I see more people talking about the .41 but it really deserves more attention. Awesome round

@waylonlegend4603 Жыл бұрын

The people that have a 41 magnum love it to death.

@subvet694 11 ай бұрын

41 mag for me👍

@robertohlund9408 11 ай бұрын

I have 2-41 magnums I shoot more accurately with them than my 44 Magnum. Less recoil

@roninkraut6873 11 ай бұрын

@@robertohlund9408 Do you reload? Or do you have any issues finding ammo?

@ronfrohs1177 11 ай бұрын

When I hunted with Phil in 1995, my guide made me stand guard, constantly rotating 360 degrees, with my .338 while Phil’s guide skinned my bear. FYI, squared 9’10” Great outfitter! Saw 30 moose, and 27 bears in 1 day. It was the most intense hunt I’ve ever been on. It’s a great story, I in my life

@noahkeyes8671 Жыл бұрын

Timely video, Ron. A man was just killed in a bear attack this morning a couple miles down the road from me in Arizona. Completely unprovoked, a male black bear attacked him while he was sitting in a chair and enjoying his coffee.

@20alphabet Жыл бұрын

The usual suspects, huh?

@borkwoof696 Жыл бұрын

Black bears in Arizona?

@deathpig.9847 Жыл бұрын

@20alphabet it was socioeconomic bear conditions

@donaldmartin4980 Жыл бұрын

@@borkwoof696 yep there is a large population in the mountains around Flagstaff and the canyon

@RonSpomerOutdoors Жыл бұрын

@@borkwoof696 Some of the largest in the country. And widespread, even in Sonoran desert habitats.

@papaswoodshop4873 Жыл бұрын

Anyone that references Outlaw Josey Wales is definitely at the top of my A list. Looking forward to hearing more from this young man.

@cliffpeebles9705 Жыл бұрын

Pa? Is that you Pa? I got the gold right here Pa. The gold that me and Josey robbed from the bank. Love that scene.

@mattdill8090 Жыл бұрын

I just watched that movie yesterday. I love it

@offroadsoda Жыл бұрын

I named my Drahthaar (game dog) Josey Wales

@cliffpeebles9705 Жыл бұрын

@@offroadsoda Just looked up Drahthaar. Is it the same as a German Wirehaired Pointer?

@jamesholbrook7785 11 ай бұрын

When things are looking bad and it doesn’t look like you’re going to make it. That’s when you gotta get mean. I mean plumb mad dog mean, because if you lose your head you neither win nor live. That’s just the way it is.

@trance20001 8 ай бұрын

Love how these two are sitting so close together and in front of camera. Feels like someone is sitting across and talking to you. Subscribed!

@georgeclark6629 Жыл бұрын

Ron of all the shows that you have put together, I think this one will rank as one of the most important and meaningful. For those big game hunters ( especially bowhunters ) that hunt in grizzly country, what could be more important than having an expert prepare you for an encounter with a bear. The grizzly population has increased significantly occupying much more land area in several western states., not to mention black bears. Wheather you are cleaning a carcass ( some experts claim that bears can associate a gun shot with meat on the ground ) or just slipping quietly through dense timber, having a bear encounter should always be on your mind. Thanks for the info. as always. You may have saved a life.

@tristantimothy1004 8 ай бұрын

Georgeclark, Ya, thats a big problem up in Kodiak. The bears know a gunshot means food on the ground & come running. Ive heard thats starting to happen in Montana too. And thoes bears are a LOT more AGGRESSIVE than Alaskan bears are. Smaller, but meaner.

@Glaciershark 8 ай бұрын

Oh yeah that rifle shot is like a dinner bell in the moose woods of Alaska

@pitchforkpeasant6219 7 ай бұрын

Ive pondered that one a while now. A bear associating gunfire with food. Makes me not want to target practice. Almost. Definitely at least in the morning and not towards night😊

@mikewyd53 Жыл бұрын

I carried a 4” S&W 29 for years in Wyoming during bow season and when fishing in the back country. It is heavy, but I practiced a lot with it and had complete confidence in it. Saved my partners life once with that gun.

@hotwheel6663 Жыл бұрын

Bear attack?

@ProudFudd Жыл бұрын

Same gun saved my life

@marklemist6928 11 ай бұрын

@hotwheel6663 no, shot his charging wife when she figured out he was cheating.

@rhondanolen2223 10 ай бұрын

Lol

@mikewyd53 10 ай бұрын

@@hotwheel6663 bull moose charge, in camp at 10 yards

@okbob8147 Жыл бұрын

Tragic story in Wyoming. I had camped about 10 miles West of where that happened just a month before. Really hit home. I pray for that man's family.

@manstersr 10 ай бұрын

That is a tragic story, but good to dissect it and speculate how it could have been avoided. Not to put blame on either individual but we learn from our (or other's) mistakes. What about carrying a 12ga. with slugs or buck shot? Is that effective on a big bear?

@damienholland8103 9 ай бұрын

@@manstersr That's why I'm here watching this vid. I don't go out hiking anywhere where there are bears but I wonder what gun could have saved them if the bear spray didn't.

@robertramirez2076 8 ай бұрын

@@damienholland8103 You need a 10mm or bigger!!! They can get a bit heavy and difficult to handle!!! But you've got to do whatever is necessary!!!

@user-dn3fr6yi5w 8 ай бұрын

My buddy killed a bull in archery season and made a trip and came back to a Grizz on his elk, he said they will follow hunters and have no problem getting aggressive, there's so many of them they are fighting eachother so they are always down for a fight

@lawrencemudgett6500 7 ай бұрын

6th7@@damienholland8103

@308blr2 10 ай бұрын

Thank you for your informative video. The five inch barrel double action .454 Casull is my choice. Single actions just require a lot of fine motor skills; and the situation you’re carrying for dictates they should be minimized. Anyone carrying a semi automatic should always have a round in the chamber; and if it’s a 1911, cocked and locked is proper protocol.

@TheLegendOfClete Жыл бұрын

The soldier dropping to one knee is what we called a “training scar”. When we were firing and didn’t have an actual barricade we simulated by dropping to one knee. Awesome video guys! Thanks.

@waynemensen4252 Жыл бұрын

Hahaha, not.

@lyfandeth 8 ай бұрын

I'm not sure that barricades have much to do with it. We were always taught that your steadiest shot is prone. Next best is kneeling or sitting, whichever you can, and that standing fire with no braces is simply done for mobility or better visual range. It is inherently the least accurate position.

@williamkeil3122 Жыл бұрын

I enjoy listening to your show, I’ve learned a lot. I lived in Alaska for 33 years and work as a paramedic part of my duty is bear watch/ bear hazing. I noticed you said not many bear attacks in Alaska, there’s quite a few they don’t make the news anymore like they used to. I’ve had by two neighbors attacked by grizzlies, a coworker as a flight medic had two patients badly mauled by brown bears . Heard or read numerous accounts of people using pepper spray during a bear attack not one case did it have any effect on the bear. I carry a 44 mag a 454 Casul. Thanks for your KZfaq channel.

@alexdrockhound9497 11 ай бұрын

ive met a large number of people who have had success with bear spray. Ive also met a number of people who have had success with handguns and long guns. They all have their time and place and drawbacks.

@tristantimothy1004 10 ай бұрын

@@alexdrockhound9497, Willing to bet your LIFE on spray that hardly ever works & NEVER in a real attack. AK F&G for 25 years bud & spray belongs in a dumpster. It's only bunnyhugger morons who say it works all the time. It DOSENT & should be banned completely.

@chrisretired5379 10 ай бұрын

I agree, as an Alaska resident for 63 years, we know that many Bear, and moose, encounters are not reported often. As well, homeowners here carry, and do execute a charging threat, call troopers after, case settled

@robertramirez2076 8 ай бұрын

@@alexdrockhound9497 Have you ever spoken with someone who didn't have good luck with bearspray? There are very few!!!

@petercarmody4897 8 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing that.

@aaronsteele7585 Жыл бұрын

My uncle had a black bear sow charge back in the early 80's. He put 4 rounds of 30-06 into it mid charge with his old rem 700. It dumped at his feet a mere yard from my cousin (7yo at the time)

@sinisterthoughts2896 Жыл бұрын

I can only imagine the the gust of air he let put when that resolved!

@interrestrial9815 Жыл бұрын

Those blackies are a bit underrated. Tough, is what I have encountered.

@jamesk954 9 ай бұрын

I know the story you're talking about, it happened fairly recently, and it was sick. Furthermore, I heard that the bear spray can was found to have been fully used. Additionally, a couple and their dog were recently killed in Montana by a brown bear, and it took help a day later to get there to rescue them, but they passed away. This couple had a total of two bear spray cans that were fully used as well, and they failed. Bear spray is being overhyped and I feel that it could result in lawsuit territory at some point if this continues. Sure, use the spray as a first resort, but back it up with a firearm.

@Khaymen223 7 ай бұрын

Bear spray probably works great for a bear wanting inside a cooler in camp or some random curiosity bear. But an angry bear?, I doubt it. I imagine an angry Grizzly is like putting nitrous in a bulldozer.

@andrewwagenaar5483 Жыл бұрын

I grew up in Alaska when ever my family would go out hunting or we would go fishing. My dad would carry a Mossberg 500 with a pistol grip 3 slugs and 2 buck. We’ve had encounters with bears but by the time we would see them they are high tailing it away from us. However we did have more run-ins with moose and nearly ran over.

@Blakgun Жыл бұрын

I also grew up in Alaska. The only bears I saw were blacks and I never saw their faces, just the hind end rapidly getting smaller. But that doesn't mean the next one would have a different attitude, so we always stayed on guard.

@garyteague9555 5 ай бұрын

To me this is the best bear defense, that shotgun

@kevinkurka8020 3 ай бұрын

I’ve been in Alaska all my life and I’ve seen all three bears, Polar, brown including Kodiak, and black. Easy to see browns and blacks around Anchorage. Last summer saw blacks 3 times and brown once in town.

@mrdark9916 2 ай бұрын

#1 buckshot is an absolute NO GO. Absolutely trash against a big bear. Far too little penetration. #2 standard "foster style" lead slugs are ALSO absolute trash. They smash and deform, and don't penetrate enough. Can it work? Mabey. But it's a bad option. 12g slug is a great option BUT it MUST be a specific designed hardened slug like a Brenneke Black magic or Federal extreme penetrators.

@jeffreygraf3358 Жыл бұрын

I think the soldier dropped to one knee to be on the same plane as the bear. That way you don't have angle intersection shooting, it would be flat, straight on. Easier to hit the target. Smart move.

@infogunvault6920 Жыл бұрын

I describe in this video why doing that is not necessarily a good idea. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/payEpKWAysDLhmQ.html I talk about that at roughly 24:20 in the video.

@garywemmer9342 Жыл бұрын

It's called the " Michigan stance". Drop to one knee , and with a two hand hold, with your left elbow on the left raised knee. Just reverse for left handed draw. It is very stable, and works with alot of different animals, because you don't have to constantly adjust for the angle of approach as you do standing.

@Shaylok Жыл бұрын

That stance would require a bit of courage. You're in a better position to shoot, but not the best position to run should bullets fail.

@Corteslatinodude Жыл бұрын

@@Shaylokhow do you plan to run from a bear or watever is charging at you. Last time, if i remember correctly we are the slowest and that doesnt take into account the individual physical body in that situation.

@Shaylok Жыл бұрын

@@Corteslatinodude God was going for overkill when he invented the bear - Built like a Mac truck and yet moves like a muscle car.

@terryhawley202 10 ай бұрын

I never thought about it before. But the Michigan stance makes a lot of sense to me. You're better off taking the Michigan stance so you can take a good shot so the bullet travels the length of the beer rather than constantly trying to adjust you're aim. I mean let's face it. If a bear is charging you you got seconds not several minutes. And last time I checked humans cannot outrun bears.

@jlk566 10 ай бұрын

Michigan stance- drop to one knee and pray...Hardy har har

@nuancolar7304 Жыл бұрын

In another discussion, there was a hunting guide who says he skips the handgun approach entirely in bear country. He carries an AR-SBR chambered in 450 SOCOM and wears it in a chest rig. Maybe not as convenient as a handgun but he's going to be more accurate and will have a lot more rounds to send down range.

@markihde4381 Жыл бұрын

Yup, all you have to do is look at the ballistic performance of any center fire big game rifle and compare that to the muzzle energy of any "magnum" handgun. Unless we're talking about ridiculously powerful handguns like the .500 S&W, having recoil that most people are incapable of handling, the terminal ballistics of just about any big game hunting rifle at 100-200 yards is far superior to just about any "magnum" handgun's terminal ballistics at the muzzle.

@sinepari9160 11 ай бұрын

thanks to our lib gov that's illegal now.. they get their jollies when a hunter is attacked

@ricksmith7232 10 ай бұрын

This is probably the best answer in what to carry in bear country

@tristantimothy1004 10 ай бұрын

@@markihde4381, Handguns are only a backup when you can't get your rifle into play, which is MOST of the time in a real, up close bear attack. However, the 10mm is taking over here in Alaska as the PRIMARY bear deterrent. It works, light, fast & instinctive shooting when there's no time to aim w massive firepower. And, most likely to be kept ON you all the time. A rifle you have to swing into play or is just an inch out of reach might as well be on the moon for all the good it will do you when the SHTF. Most bear attacks start around 15 yards or less. You'll have 1-maybe 2 seconds to react before it has you. Alaska bushman 30 years, multiple attacks. Only twice was I able to use my rifle which was IN my hand. 45/70 lever gun. Other attacks were at point blank range. No time for the rifle.

@lightofbabylon7 7 ай бұрын

@@tristantimothy1004 3.5 inch .44 mag is a must for bear country

@americansafarico Жыл бұрын

Two of my favorite hunters joining forces. This is fantastic.

@JimRodgers Жыл бұрын

A great topic to cover. We can never be too careful out there because lives can depend on our ability to stop a threat. Enjoyed seeing Ron and Joseph in a video again.

@Valorius Жыл бұрын

Any US city is orders of magnitude more dangerous.

@johnwallace7694 Жыл бұрын

4 legs / 2 Legs.

@pitchforkpeasant6219 7 ай бұрын

@@johnwallace7694or no legs. I worry about those bastards too😬

@falconcowboy9995 Жыл бұрын

Joseph seems like a great addition to the team

@EtomidateEnjoyer 2 ай бұрын

Exceptionally well said, spoken concisely and eloquently.

@antonwoodfork2894 10 ай бұрын

You both are great, I'm not a hunter or outdoorsman I would probably would be mauled by a duck.😂😂🤣 But I appreciate the experience that you both have and the stories are riveting. Thank You both👍👍

@peterruiz6117 6 ай бұрын

Hey, ducks can be pretty...uh....Loud....Geese, on the other hand, can really flap the chett out of a....Child...😂

@tcup3946 Жыл бұрын

In the 1970s my uncle was the Ranger for Red Lodge Montana. My dad was a visiting Doctor from Billings. They shot an aggressive bear. I believe brown. Once with a 30-30 and once with a 30-06 . My father and uncle escaped with their lives. The bear ran off. They never found what happened. I visited years later after my dad's death. I was placing something in a trash bin on a rainy day in Red Lodge. A black bear came out from around the bin. I got away before he did anything. Carry a firearm in Red Lodge Montana

@alexdrockhound9497 11 ай бұрын

red lodge has grown a lot since then. its now a huge tourist hub. really sad to see how its changed in just the last 20 years.

@paulparkinson1379 Ай бұрын

I like what you said about not being alone. Two people face-to-face can see behind each other. One person with a Ready weapon and a head on a swivel can stand guard watch for somebody else who is focused on what they're doing on the ground

@josephtucciarone6878 10 ай бұрын

Thank you for this advice. This is one of the best bear defense videos I have ever heard.

@ftdefiance1 Жыл бұрын

In Arizona my risk from a bear attack is relatively low but my risk from feral dogs ( we lost a young lady on the Navajo Reservation recently) and feral people is real. One logical option is .357 from my Gp 100 or my 686

@infogunvault6920 Жыл бұрын

I actually made a video about surviving dog attacks if you're interested. I've also made videos about bear defense and .357 magnum is more than capable. With proper hardcast lead loads it has well over 64 inches of penetration in clear ballistics gel. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rLaboLNjnuDOoGw.html

@mmardell9262 Жыл бұрын

That's what I pack in Colorado. Ammo selection is important. I use 180 grain hard cast flat nose moving around 1300 fps.

@user-ph3vd5rl8l 9 ай бұрын

You have feral humans there too ? That's frightening

@ftdefiance1 9 ай бұрын

@@user-ph3vd5rl8l every one and every place has feral people... It's just response time sucks where you have 10 people or less per square mile.

@49giants3 8 ай бұрын

Feral people?

@sundanceseven Жыл бұрын

Wonderful video, guys! It's always nice to listen to people with real-world experience. In my younger years, I carried a 500 Linebaugh in a cross-draw holster. I had extensive experience with that caliber and it is a serious thumper. It was those second and third shots, as Joseph mentioned, that were too slow to come on target that drove me to leave it at home. I switched to an S&W 625 Mountain Gun in 45 Colt. What a wonderful gun. There used to be an ammunition company in Texas by the name of 4W. They produced a 45 Colt 368gr hard cast that left the barrel at nearly 1,200fps. I still have a couple of boxes of that fine ammo. After many rounds of practice, I was able to get follow-up shots off quick enough to give me a significant level of comfort. The double action was a major part of that. Buffalo Bore is another company that can bring out the best in the 45 Colt. In the end, it's all a personal choice and thanks to the gun companies and ammo companies who listened to guys like you two, the options are many.

@jimm244 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for mentioning the best handgun is the one you can and will take with you. For me it’s a 10mm (with 200 or 220 grain HC). The big wheel guns are just too heavy for me, and I can handle a semi-auto better. The medium revolvers with 5 rds weigh about the same as my XDMe with 10 rds. I live where there are grizzlies and wolves, so I’ll take the extra rounds. I’ll also carry a handgun AND bear spray, depending on what I’m doing.

@HappyGunny141_mac 11 ай бұрын

I absolutely love the dialogue and in-depth knowledge provided. Thank you very much!

@Kurtdog63 Жыл бұрын

Saw a comment from a hunting guide that had many encounters with black and grizzly bears. He stated the charge of a grizzly bear and the amount of ground it can cover can not be over emphasized. He recommended that if you have to shoot a charging bear, go to a knee (as you described the military man doing) and shoot at the bear parallel to the ground, or,, based on it's amazing speed, your shots are most likely going to be hitting the ground behind the bear because you won't be swinging down on the bear fast enough to engage it before it's on you.

@Valorius Жыл бұрын

Grizzly bears can run at 40mph.

@infogunvault6920 Жыл бұрын

I describe in this video why doing that is not necessarily a good idea.kzfaq.info/get/bejne/payEpKWAysDLhmQ.html I talk about that at roughly 24:20 in the video.

@pugilist102 Жыл бұрын

Good thing I'm short so a slight bend in the knee would suffice for me.

@interrestrial9815 Жыл бұрын

Killed one charging bear at the base of a snow slide on the edge of a spruce forest. No way was I going to get down on one knee. Might as well as made it two and prayed for all the good that would have done me.

@Valorius Жыл бұрын

@@interrestrial9815 what is the point in staying standing up? Its not like youre gonna outrun the thing. By kneeling you get a nice straight shot. I would say circumstances would dictate whether to kneel or stand. But hey...nice shooting man!

@1revPCUSA Жыл бұрын

I heard a Canadian guide recommend the "drop to one knee" approach. His reasoning was that many people overshoot a charging bear, whereas a shot from the kneeling position is parallel to the ground and more likely to go straight through the bear.

@Followme556 Жыл бұрын

good idea if you have the opportunity.

@infogunvault6920 Жыл бұрын

I describe in this video why doing that is not necessarily a good idea. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/payEpKWAysDLhmQ.html I talk about that at roughly 24:20 in the video.

@1969Mechanic 10 ай бұрын

You two would be fun to camp with and tell stories over an open fire, coffee in hand. Appreciate you both sharing your knowledge. Stay safe and have fun.

@marty1685 Жыл бұрын

Cool video! I spent a few years on Kodiak Island in the 90’s and the general sentiment at the time was that if you bought a handgun for bear defense, you should file the sights off so it doesn’t hurt as bad when the bear shoves it into your nether regions… That said, I have spent more time in bear county than most and I really think you are on to something with the 10mm if a guy practices often. That kind of firepower with ammo capable of modern ballistics weren’t even something we imagined back then. Freedom Arms was just starting with the .454, but we still didn’t think it was enough to bet our lives on. We carried rifles. Thanks, good video, solid advice.

@bevo1776 2 ай бұрын

LMAO!!! Well said.

@southernrootsalaskanbranches7 Жыл бұрын

Living here the Interior of Alaska i can say around half of the hunters here carry 10mm mostly in a Glock and the other half are wheel gunners. Myself included. But every single 1 ive met carry hard cast. 454 casull for me. Good topic yall👍

@1bobharvey Жыл бұрын

As someone who works as a back country pilot/fishes/& hunts in the grand bear country of AK they are not usually an issue. But when they decide to be, you better have a way of deterring them. Personally I carry a 5" ported 5 shot Taurus tracker double action in .44 with 310 gr hardcast. I buy a box of 50 cowboy action loads at sportsmans every time I'm there and at least once a month I'll shoot a box of 50 to warm up, then I shoot the wheel of bear loads I've been carrying and then load a fresh wheel for carry.

@Followme556 Жыл бұрын

Good choice, .44 magnum has never failed to stop a bear attack in any documented bear attack in human history.

@ernestoflores5771 Жыл бұрын

To me the .44 mag 4" is the best that exist to stop bears !

@keithross4511 Жыл бұрын

THANK YOU BOTH for all the great information you share with us!!!

@dougr5379 10 ай бұрын

Great video guys. I've hunted Montana and Idaho for years and had a number of tense bear encounters including bluff charges, but no actual attacks. I usually carry a S&W 329PD and very well practiced with it. My load of choice is heavy Buffalo Bore 305 gr.

@nhwnhw02 9 ай бұрын

It isn't much help but I swapped the factory wood grips for S&W 629 rubber pair and then grips from S&W X-frame series. When practicing, I also wear high quality leather shooting gloves. Recoil is still is close to having a firecracker explode in your hand but my fingers don't swell up anymore. Fiocchi makes a 240 grain JSP that is great for practice. American Eagle and Winchester 240 gr. JSP are not as much fun.

@bc6806 Жыл бұрын

Great guest! He’s very knowledgeable! And also a good guy! 👍🏻

@siegfriedhorner4436 Жыл бұрын

I like the idea of a10mm semi-auto. My preference is a Glock. But as a backup to a 45/70 lever gun. First choice: the 45/70, always close at hand. And I wouldn't discount a 357 wheel gun if that's what you have. Everybody has an opinion. But most agree that optimal reliability and the most power you can manage in an emergency is best. Thanks for the video.

@Asidebar 5 ай бұрын

DITTO. That what I always have too when in the woods

@misterskins 5 ай бұрын

This was a great watch. I am definitely a greenhorn next to these guys - great guys to go on a backcountry hunt, not just for their hunting/firearm expertise but just campfire talk and great stories. Probably wouldn’t get much sleep. Thanks boys - I say boys just because I’m probably old enough to be Joseph’s grandpa. Thanks again

@cervus-venator Жыл бұрын

Thanks Ron and Joseph, great show with awesome information.

@terryhawley202 Жыл бұрын

I absolutely found this video extremely informative. I have been watching your videos for a long time and loved them. But this video reinforces why i carry a 10mm or 44 mag handgun when hunting. You just never know what you walk up on, or what may come up on you. Great video guys!!!

@gregalcorn-pu5ye Жыл бұрын

Look man you cannot compare a 10 mm to a 44 Magnum, I don't give a damn about the 10 mm capacity, come on man you got a 40 caliber bullet going 1150 ft a second that's a damn joke, and you rarely get 1200 out of a 200 grain bullet, you might get 1250 out of 180 grain but not a 200 so please man don't compare a 10 mm to a 44 Magnum

@nathanharkins6857 11 ай бұрын

@@gregalcorn-pu5ye Nobody compared a 10mm to a 44 mag except you, simmer down sally

@pitchforkpeasant6219 7 ай бұрын

@@gregalcorn-pu5ye15 rounds of a .400 solid copper 115 grain round at over 1700 fps (chrono confirmed) doesnt suck. A 450B if I have the time. A 44 would be nice anyday if you can afford one and can find the large pistol primers. Blazer and federal 10 uses small pistol primers although the federal factory loads are weak enough i have to drop down to a 17 lb spring to keep them from stove piping

@VeteranExpat Жыл бұрын

Most practical of your videos; thank you. We all struggle with this question. For me 1911 vs Colt 45. I lean to 1911 because of concern of bears vs concern of wolves.

@clarencespangle Ай бұрын

That's sound advice, and maybe an extended magazine.

@michaelmosberger1245 8 ай бұрын

I bought two revolvers in different calibers. Both had the same sites. I filed one down and left the other alone. To site them in. I never knew they planned for that before your video. Thanks 👍🏼

@twointhebush6611 Жыл бұрын

Great episode guys. I've always heard that you should drop to a knee when shooting a charging bear to prevent you from shooting over it. Because when standing up you're shooting at where the bear WAS when you pulled the trigger, due to angle and direction of travel the bear moves forward of your aim point as you fire. Otherwise You should practice and remember to sort of lead the shot or aim slightly in front of the bear depending on the speed of the charge, and this is only anecdotal knowledge to me, but it makes sense just like leading shots for birds or any moving targets.

@ROBERT-yl3tt Жыл бұрын

that's exactly right. I'm surprised he didn't know that

@RonSpomerOutdoors Жыл бұрын

Makes sense, twointhe... But will one have the presence of mind, not to mention time, to assume the position. Many, if not the vast majority, of bear attacks one hears about are described as terrifying and instantaneous. Came out of nowhere. Covered 40 yards in a split second. Didn't have time to raise my rifle. Methinks one must imagine, visualize, rehearse, and practice a sudden charge scenario... and then practice, practice, practice some more. A weekly bear attack training regimen?

@robertbarnum7541 Жыл бұрын

@@RonSpomerOutdoors And coming at you silently from behind. A very small crucial window. The one to practice for.

@ROBERT-yl3tt Жыл бұрын

I'm not saying it's easy to do in most situations. I'm just saying as a guide he should have known why he got dropped to 1 knee. he literally said I'm not sure why he did that. I'm also not criticizing him, just that I'm surprised he didn't know why he did it.

@matthewotis3594 Жыл бұрын

Thats brilliant. Thank you sir. In case I'm atta ked again.

@normanmallory2055 Жыл бұрын

Great information! My choice is the S&W 629 that I had Mag-N-Ported in .44 mag ! I carry 310 grain hard cast bullets loaded in it !

@evanmiris5765 Жыл бұрын

Great show , I was aware that many hunters up in Alaska have turned to the 10mm for bear . It delivers the energy needed has the bullet capacity without the weight of a big revolver.

@user-hy2xf8ke8w Жыл бұрын

10 mm is marginal for Bear

@robertramirez2076 8 ай бұрын

And provides lower recoil! Allowing you to get off more shots on target!!! Additionally, they utilize 10 round magazines!!!

@tristantimothy1004 8 ай бұрын

@@user-hy2xf8ke8w , Try again. The 10s are sweeping Alaska as THE superior backup handgun & w the proper bear loads more than enough to do the job. Even 9mm works IF loaded properly. Check out " Phil Schumakers 9 mm grizzly kill." And not a single head shot in the bunch.

@tristantimothy1004 8 ай бұрын

@@robertramirez2076 , Try 16 rounds in the normal size. But even 9mm are working loaded properly. Check out " Phil Schumakers 9 mm grizzly kill. " And THAT was a single stack 9.

@user-hy2xf8ke8w 8 ай бұрын

@@tristantimothy1004don’t care what the trend is ! 41 mag on up

@aaronnoffsinger5922 8 ай бұрын

As an Army Ranger and former guide in North Western Montana, who has encountered many grizzly bears, the best firearm i used was a Glock 21 with Buffalo Bore ammunition. Hard cast, +p+ rounds out of a .45 gets really close to a .44 Mag ballistics in a semi automatic, fairly light weight hand gun. The main thing is know when a bear is close and respect it. We did lose some elk kills to grizzlies, but once the bear had control of the food, there was no danger. I figured with all my training and 13, high power, rounds, if the bear killed me it's my time to go. Many times I chose to relocate the hunt because of fresh sign of a Mamma bear and her Kiddos too close for comfort.

@pedroflores5144 6 ай бұрын

Do you start every conversation with “As an Army Ranger, I think…”? You’re a douche canoe.

@HabeasJ 6 ай бұрын

I'd double check those numbers. The most powerful 45 acp rounds clock in at about 500-550 ft-lbs, which is about half the power of 44 mag

@peterruiz6117 6 ай бұрын

Great information...I carry a 5in 45 auto...Nine rounds in the gun....At least on humans, the Federal 230gr. "Hydra Shok" gets around 97% one shot stops. I don't worry about bear, here in S.E. Arizona. But mountain lion ARE on my mind, after seeing one in person. It was not cute. If high up, FMJ with max velocity would be my choice.

@aaronnoffsinger5922 6 ай бұрын

Your right. They don't make the hot loads I used to buy any more. After reviewing what is available, there are does and don'ts not previously, expressed as well. I'm sure there's a good reason.

@nate4036 6 ай бұрын

I agree a G20 or G21 if you’re only carrying a handgun. They make plenty of hot solid cast for 10mm and.45+p

@shinrapresident7010 9 ай бұрын

I'm Canadian, I use a 4.25'' Colt Anaconda .44 Magnum with 240grain hard cast as my bear gun.

@jeffreylocke8808 Жыл бұрын

I have a model 329PD 44 magnum for ease of carry. It has been quad ported by Mag-Na-Port and wears a 500 S&W Hogue recoil absorbing grip. And the lighter titanium cylinder was replaced with a stainless steel aftermarket fluted stainless steel S&W brand cylinder instead. I carry it in a Monarch Shoulder Holster made by Andrews Custom Leather. Weighs just under 30 ounces.

@jaydunbar7538 Жыл бұрын

I don’t go with hard cast, I carry the Lehigh penetrators loaded by underwood. Penetration of the monolithic with tissue disruption like a hollow point is a excellent combination by my estimation.

@tristantimothy1004 Жыл бұрын

Jay, Try both, alternate the shells. Best of both worlds. Underwoods & Buffalo Bore make the best/ hottest hard casts & the WFN for some weird reason has an amazing pressure wall in front of it causing plenty of disruption. Travels straighter too where the penetrators seem to vear off more.

@forrestmark805 Жыл бұрын

Great round I agree your get best of both worlds

@alexdrockhound9497 11 ай бұрын

I carry lehigh xtreme penetrators as well. Theyre perfect for large predators. Theyll go through anything you point them at, even in smaller calibers. Only thing ill say is, they dont produce any permanent cavitation in real tissue. they lack the velocity to do that. if you've seen cavitation in ballistics gel, thats because ballistics gel is not a simulation of tissue, its just a standardized media for comparing performance, it doesnt represent what a projectile will do in living tissue. with real ballistics gel you can poke your finger right through it. And that clear synthetic ballistics gel is a lot harder than the FBI standard ballistics gel, but also breaks apart differently. That being said, hollow points show cavitation in ballistics gel too, but in real tissue they dont. they only create crushing type wound tracts that are the diameter of the expanded bullet. The diameter of a wound channel for a handgun cartridge is essentially inconsequential. shot placement and penetration depth are the two metrics that are truly important. As long as you can shoot the round well enough to have fast well placed shots, and those shots can penetrate deeply enough, then you've got a winning combination, regardless of caliber. (this only applies to handgun cartridges, things change a lot for rifle cartridges)

@tristantimothy1004 11 ай бұрын

@@alexdrockhound9497 , Have you checked out "Phil Schumakers 9mm grizzly kill."? Not a head shot in the bunch but he stopped a charging grizzly up close w a single stack 9. What BALLS that guy has! 😁

@alexdrockhound9497 11 ай бұрын

@@tristantimothy1004 yeah, aiming center mass is definitely the best idea when it comes to a fast moving animal. trying to pull off a headshot on a charging grizzly seems like an exercise in futility to me. I personally carry a double stack 9mm. I think 9mm with a good deep penetrating bullet design should definitely be enough to stop a bear, but single stack is definitely starting to get sort of sketchy. Did you hear of that woman who killed a grizzly with a .22long? (not to be confused with .22 LR) People act like grizzly bones are made out of AR500. theyre flesh and blood like everybody else, but they are pretty thick, and pretty pissed off.

@bcallahan3806 9 ай бұрын

👍👍decades ago long before the 458 or 500 or other bigger calibers came out 44 mag was king. And your assessment of the 300 grain was right in line with an article covering the same topic in a magazine I'm too old to remember said about best sidearm to carry in Grizzly country. Do know they were correct. 300 grain has way more penetration power than the standard 240 grain. Practice is always key as well. Being familiar and comfortable with any of your firearms is as important as caliber or bullet choice. A well placed shot is better than emptying a clip and missing. Great show!

@johnhutsler8122 5 ай бұрын

I'm not an outdoorsman, never been hunting, only been camping like 3 times. This channel is awesome. I think I might have to change that

@andyherzfeld9492 Жыл бұрын

I carry a S&W 329PD 44 Mag titanium in a chest rig. It has taken years of practice to master it and a good set of Hogue grips. I make a point to shoot it at least once a month. I wear it every time I go hunting and I forget I have it on. You have given some good advice.

@WanderingBobAK Жыл бұрын

Power to you, Buddy. I had one and it was fun to practice with 44 specials, but Magnum loads were too much for me, 1st shot dead on, 2nd shot a foot high ... 5th on my butt with a bear on me. At least that's what I envisioned during an attack. Had many experienced friends shoot it and none of them liked it. Your practice regime would make all the difference in the world! Went to a Glock 20 SF and can shoot much more accurately.

@trevinvaldez2763 11 ай бұрын

That's a hard gun to shoot!!!!! I swear eith my glockenspiel I'll shoot a half sized silhouette at 100 yards 8 outve 10 times, u give me my 329pd 44, titanium. And a target at 20 yards I won't hit ot once!!!

@andyherzfeld9492 11 ай бұрын

@@trevinvaldez2763 It is the worse kicking handgun I've ever shot. I have a 500 S&W that is nothing compared. Even a TC .308 I had was nothing to that one. I carry it because it is light and hopefully I will only need 1 shot so make the first one a good one.🙂

@rogeryoulden2451 10 ай бұрын

I too carry a pd329 Smith in a chest holster. You are absolutely correct. Practice frequently. With 255gr Buffalo Bore or Garret 310 Hammerheads it is a wicked hand gun even with the Magnaport double ports. I practice frequently with hot hand loads.

@michaelhodges8312 9 ай бұрын

I have the same 329PD with Hogue grips. Diamond D chest holster on every hunt. Comes very close to my S&W 460V 395 grain in recoil. Recently went with a Glock 20 and 40 10mm as well.

@MrJtin69 Жыл бұрын

Ive had 2 close encounters and my 454 casull was perfect on my side quick deploy each time 1 was 8 yards from me on a lunge the other waa 12 and gettibf ready to rush both male grizz coming up on a fresh kill of elk that they tried to claim 2 shots the first time 1 the 2nd time but 454 casull 6 inch work perfect with a 325 gr barnea goinf 1625 fps

@user-hy2xf8ke8w Жыл бұрын

Yep , .454 Casull is big medicine for Mr. Bear 👍

@user-hy2xf8ke8w 11 ай бұрын

Indeed 👍

@Derang24 8 ай бұрын

You guys were great! Thank you for the entertaining and informative video

@TheDespairbear Жыл бұрын

10mm, my personal backup is a 1911. But the G20 is also good. Of course the most dangerous part of bear country is the drive to bear country.

@alexdrockhound9497 11 ай бұрын

im really surprised he recommended a kimber 1911 over a more reasonable option like a g20, after all, he was talking about hard use outdoors, 1911s arent really known for doing so well in dirty rough conditions like a glock is... and a kimber at that... really lost a lot of interest in what he had to say after that...

@pitchforkpeasant6219 7 ай бұрын

@@alexdrockhound9497no one will agree with anyone on everything. If someone says something I don’t agree with, I’ll still listen anyway because they might say something I like. I’ve learned things from people I thought were idiots and had no respect for decades ago

@Nathan-zw7nq Жыл бұрын

If you carry a semiautomatic handgun for bear defense, if it has a rail on the frame, put a weapon light on it that protrudes a bit past the muzzle so that if a bear is on top of you you push that weapon light into the bear and it not interfere with the cycling of your slide.

@infogunvault6920 Жыл бұрын

That's a good idea. Another good idea is keeping a handgun on each side of your body. I've talked about in one of my bear defense videos where a guy was being attacked and he couldn't get to his bear spray because his arm was in the bear's mouth. Luckily he had a gun on his other side that he did have access to. Guns are obviously more effective anyhow. Because bear spray worked in only 33% of aggressive brown charges according to a study that I mention in my videos.

@Masaki-1334 Жыл бұрын

Life savings, God be with you

@silk3523 11 ай бұрын

⭐⭐⭐⭐

@Nathan-zw7nq 11 ай бұрын

@@infogunvault6920 that is *another* piece of great advice.

@jamesdelong6401 10 ай бұрын

Yeap. That's why revolvers are more popular when camping as a back up gun. Semi-auto handguns have their place. But if you have that muzzle right up against an animal of that MASS on top of you. Not going to fire. Light deal, is a good idea,

@Tromminator 10 ай бұрын

I really enjoyed this. Thanks!

@Gator-357 Жыл бұрын

My bear defense is a Ruger Alaskan in .460 S&W magnum with a 4" ported barrel, and 350 grain hardcast ,carried in a chest rig. I've carried it for years and had to use it once on a Grizzly while elk hunting and it saved my life. I've also had to use it on a cougar while hiking. There is no way I would trust bear spray against a full grown angry or hungry Grizzly, especially a sow with cubs. I have heard of too many instances and actually seen it fail to phase a bear charge and I had to use my handgun to stop the bear.

@shane35fowler 5 ай бұрын

When did Ruger make a 460S&W? I knew they had a 480 Ruger and 454 Casull....but never seen a 460 Model

@williammills7778 Жыл бұрын

I bought my Ruger Super Redhawk 7.5" barrel in .454 Casull when stationed in Alaska. I carried it in a guide holster in front and on top of my clothes. 🙂

@user-hy2xf8ke8w Жыл бұрын

The .454 Casull is my go to revolver for Mr.Bear also 👍

@donovanchilton5817 Жыл бұрын

The Glock 20 has proven itself at this point. I also really like the .460 Rowland cartridge.

@suemeade2471 Жыл бұрын

Really good choice

@k9m42 Жыл бұрын

Not against Grizzlies or Kodak.

@suemeade2471 Жыл бұрын

@@k9m42 better than you would think, it's ballistics are on average better than the 10mm and there is usually more rounds in a magazine.

@suemeade2471 Жыл бұрын

In fact, it is ballistically similar to the 44mag With more rounds.The 460 Rowland has proven itself in hunting Most of everything in north America including big bears. But I do have a question about what you think would be ideal bear protection? Always good to hear the other side out.

@okgroomer1966 Жыл бұрын

@@suemeade2471 10m seems to be what many recommend. It has great ballistics and they are easy to fire fast. Getting multiple hits real fast is important and most can't do that with a hand cannon.

@user-rn5lq1wk7f 11 ай бұрын

Great video. I've never been on a bear hunt and have passed the age when I will, but I can never pass up a "best bear gun" video!

@user-pk2fg8im4u Жыл бұрын

Welcome Joseph, you two make a good team. Great video!

@HobbitHomes263 Жыл бұрын

I bought a 460 Rowland kit for my 1911 several years ago. I know a 10mm is all the rage today but my Rowland gives me 50% more muzzle energy and the compensator halps me keep on target. If you can't stop a bear with 9 shots it probably doesn't matter what you are shooting

@pitchforkpeasant6219 7 ай бұрын

Lucky you. I wanted one☹️

@HobbitHomes263 7 ай бұрын

@@pitchforkpeasant6219 as far as i know they are still in business

@DAVIDWTCS Жыл бұрын

I had a firearms instructor who had 2 catchphrases that I use for training. 1. "Slow is smooth and smooth is fast." meaning you should be methodical and accurate. 2. "You cannot miss fast enough to win a gunfight" Like Joseph said, shoot accurately, speed will come.

@davidkiser5250 9 ай бұрын

Great interview and video. There is SO much debate on this, but while there is always room for discussion, these points seem pretty definitive. And God bless Joseph for thinking I have a "protruding hip bone"... 😂

@stefanschug5490 Жыл бұрын

Having done field work in the northern Canadian bush for over 35 years, I had to shoot 2 bears and 1 cougar during actual charges at very close range. All charges happened within seconds and all animals were killed at less than 5 yards. What I find nobody mentions in all these defense videos, is the psychological fact of surprise. I have seen quite a few good shooters (on target ranges) that actually stiffened up and forgot that they had a gun in their hands when confronted with a real situation. In order to survive a real situation, shooting your gun has to become second nature to you and that happens only after tens of thousands of shots and lots of practice, especially on moving targets. A once in a while weekend practice with one box of ammo will not get you there!

@garyhighley9022 Жыл бұрын

I just love listening to you guys talk about anti bear guns and ammo as I carry my 38 snubby here in an Ohio city lol.but if I ever take that Yellowstone vacation, I'll have a plan .

@dave8391 Жыл бұрын

Timely video. Yesterday here in Groom Creek a neighbor of mine (1 mile away) was unprovoked attacked, drug off, killed and eaten by a mature male black bear. It was a surprise attack. His screams got the attention of his neighbors but no one had a gun handy. They will never unhear Steve's screams. I always carry in the forest here and I have don't expect anyone will criticize me ever again for doing that. Thank you for your videos especially this one.

@tristantimothy1004 Жыл бұрын

Dave8391, You we're being criticized? By who? California transplants?? I lived in Arizona for a few years & even in town most of the folks I knew were always armed. Seems odd that any Arizonian would question/ mock you for being SMART!

@dave8391 Жыл бұрын

@@tristantimothy1004 California transplants and tree huggers of course. My family came to Arizona over 100 years ago and cattle and guns have been our history.

@tristantimothy1004 Жыл бұрын

@@dave8391 Figures, same happening up here in Alaska & Montana. The last bastions of freedom being invaded & slowly poisoned to death by STUPID.

@terencewoods3996 10 ай бұрын

I remember my dad taking me to Alaska when I was 16. We fished, seen the beautiful scenery. We had a guide, old man, he had been doing guide work since he was 18 if I remember correctly. He carried a .357 magnum for the bears. I remember him and my dad talking about it. He said, and I remember this very clearly, " If you can't back out, and the bear starts to get ornery, take one of his lungs out. They ain't looking for a fight when they lose half their air.". Always will remember that.

@waltsikorski5256 10 ай бұрын

What about the 357 mag. Or 357 sig

@peterjones6131 Жыл бұрын

Very interesting video. One of the best snd most informative i have seen.Thank you. I live in South Africa and We do not have bears that would attack hikers on the trail. The Dangerous Game is in Big reserves like Kruger and you ar not permitted to go on foot except with a Ranger,or field guide who is equipped with a 458 Win Mag. It seems bears are much more agressive and likely to attack than any game we have here. Mostly Lion, etc have a natural fear of man. Leopards are youre most likely attacks. Usually in and around Camps where the big cat has become to old to hunt fast game and they attack people. It happens but is rare. Buffalo ,Hippo Elephants,and Rino are youre big threat. So no handgun will stop them. So you never walk in big game country.So for areas that are for hiking etc you could come across Baboons or Leopard. So a 10mm Or one of the big caliber revolvers you presented would be an excellent choice.So i do follow stories about bear attack and am amqzed tha folk would actuality go unarmed on a hike in one of the many beautiful forests and wilderess areas you have in America. They probably think of winny the poo when the think of bears.They are not cuddly creatures. They are wild animals and we are intruding on their land and natural habitat.Have any bears actually been killed by handguns and stopped in their tracks.? Either way its a scary scenario. I have seen videos of Grizzlies hunting moose and they can run incredibly fast. I would not like to stake my life on any handgun.But i guess you stand a chance as opposed to no chance.

@pitchforkpeasant6219 7 ай бұрын

Some people go into the woods with nothing and camp in tents. And call us the crazy ones😂

@lawrencelewis1036 Жыл бұрын

Glad to see that Mr.Benedikt is joining your team Ron. The man knows his stuff!

@jairustheadventurer3935 9 ай бұрын

These guys actually have a really nice flow and articulation of their ideas. Both would be pretty decent public speakers.

@chrisjones469 10 ай бұрын

What about .460 Rowland? That's my go to bear handgun in what began as a Glock 21. I had to upgrade the magazine springs to accommodate the increases slide speed in addition to the other upgrades, which makes loading 13 too tough to seem to be a good idea, but 12 + 1 of 1000 ft-lbs of energy with a well-functioning compensator is a lot of power in a relatively light package. The polymer frame is also much more forgiving to the shooter than a short barrel .44 mag.

@pitchforkpeasant6219 7 ай бұрын

Lone wolf has a titanium spring rod that unscrews at both ends. My glock is a gen 4 so i had to use some washers at the magazine end of the spring rod😂. 17 lb to 24 lb springs. I had broken an all stainless spring rod and springs from someone else that had broken. I ended up getting titanium pins for the entire glock off midway. I use 460 rowland brass shortened for my high powered acp rounds i load hot. Couldnt get the rowland conversion so did as much work around as possible

@allanarndt3047 10 ай бұрын

One other comment I have is about recoil,I had my 10 yr.old 60-70 lb.daughter shooting my .44 Redhawk without any problems at all & she actually enjoys the recoil & big boom & still does at 30. Full cylinders of 310gr. Handloads into a 10”plate at 20 yds. was pretty easy for her! Of course I didn’t want her to damage her small growing wrist bones so we kept shooting the big stuff to a couple cylinders. I have also taught some MEN to shoot handguns they were afraid to shoot? Hollywood ,the internet & bar talk greatly exaggerated recoil of the massive .44 magnum! A good set of rubber stocks ,proper grip & practice,recoil fear fades away. Shooting larger caliber handguns can be fun & shot accurately.

@pitchforkpeasant6219 7 ай бұрын

Can always drop to the 44 special for less kick or just load your own

@danapicray9040 6 ай бұрын

Redhawk recoil is much less than a Smith and Weston

@copewy22 Жыл бұрын

The 10mm has become my go to, carry loaded up with heavy hard cast.

@dailytriggered 9 ай бұрын

Joseph is a great addition I’ve been loving the shorts with him

@edwardmarhel5891 11 ай бұрын

Excellent interview!!! Thank you guys!

@troyspurling1910 Жыл бұрын

Joseph just validated my choices. I live in Montana and I carry either my 10mm with 220 grain hard cast from Underwood or 305 grain hard cast from HSM in my 44 mag

@rangerdanger766 Жыл бұрын

HSM is easy to shoot and the proper projectile, but underpowered

@troyspurling1910 Жыл бұрын

@@rangerdanger766 I haven't met anything that wants to get hit by one. Your comment reminds me of the guys who trash 380 until you ask them if they want to get hit by one? LoL!

@rangerdanger766 Жыл бұрын

@@troyspurling1910 no need to get offensive. since u mentioned underwood the HSM really isnt even in the same category. And yes I live in the same place as you and have pretty much every type of so called bear gun

@stevenp8198 Жыл бұрын

Good video Ron, this is a good topic to get people thinking before they head outside to recreate in the great outdoors.

@laytonhallmen6850 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing the info in todays vid, I'm a hunter/timber faller in southern OR and have had many encounters in the woods and at home with black bears and have had to shot many of them. I was charged once when I found a bear eating the cat food on the back porch late one night knowing what it was there I had my Ruger SR40 with me and it attacked so I shot him twice he then turned and ran away it was dark so I didn't know for sure where I hit it but my first was aimed at his head about 15 feet away we found it a few days late 150 yards away in thick brush it weighed in the 350 to 400lb range. Always be alert and ready even a "friendly" bear can attack and be on you in an instant.

@Followme556 Жыл бұрын

Interesting fact; No handgun starting in .4 or larger caliber has ever been documented to fail to stop a bear attack, when at least one hit was scored.

@tristantimothy1004 Жыл бұрын

@@Followme556, Try again bud. I worked with AK F&G for 25 years & have lived 38 years IN the bush & there's so many accounts of a 44 NOT being enough gun it's pathetic. Even the 500 mags aren't enough w/o hitting the spine or brain. Or shattering the major shoulder, hip bones. I don't know where you got your info but it's incomplete. Granted, the bears will almost always die later but during the critical " in your face" attack time they can mess you up before finally dying. Caliber Dosent mean squat. Placement is EVERYTHING. A 22 L.R. will instantly drop a griz if shot in the eye, up the nose or at the base of the ear sideways INTO where the bears brain is at. Biggest recorded kill was a native girl who killed a stalking grizzly by outsmarting it. Used its own trick against it. Led it around a big rock & climbed the rock on the backside & brainshot shot it straight down w a 22 LONG. Not an L.R. but an old Long. Basically a 22 short in a long case. 100s of documented cases of grizzlies having their heart/ lungs blown clean out of them w high powered rifles WAY stronger than any handgun & still living long enough to kill the shooter. Either gotta brain shoot em or " break em down. ( shatter enough bones to cripple em so they CANT keep chasing you) Granted, bigger is better for that but never think it's ALWAYS going to work. When the SHTF there's so many variables at play no one can trust any 1 set of " rules". I learned that the hard way. Moose attacked up close. Dumped 5 hot/heavy bear loads through it's heart in a moment & it still came crashing down on the sled. Barely had time to fling my daughter off into the deep snow & point blank the last round through both it's shoulder sockets compleatly shattering them & knocking the moose over the snow berm where it STILL managed to hobble past both sleds before getting back up on the hardpacked trail before finally collapsing. Found all 5 WFNHC slugs just under the fur rear flank later but even that didn't knock the small moose down. I can't imagine a large griz failure like that. Be wary of anybody telling you there's absolutes w any gun because they're aren't. ( Maybe a 50 BMG but who carries thoes around?)

@Followme556 Жыл бұрын

@@tristantimothy1004 Show me the documented accounts of handguns failing to stop bear attacks. Even more importantly, show them to ammoland. Oh, right...they don't exist. Fuddlore. Handguns are 98% effective against bears, Elmer.

@tristantimothy1004 Жыл бұрын

@@Followme556 , Check w the Alaska F&G dept records. Particularly the number of people who go missing & are never found. You know bud, not everything is documented when there's no evidences left to find. Some times one has to use their brain to figure out what happened. Unfortunately, too many clowns go bush armed w only a 44 thinking that's going to be enough & they never return & are never found..might want to check w the AK State Troopers records on missing people too. Better yet, bring your dumbass up here & go bush w only a 44 & see how long you survive. Especially when you run into a sow w 3 full grown cubs & only 6 rounds. Bigmouth.

@Followme556 Жыл бұрын

@@tristantimothy1004 I actually would like you to direct me to where i can read the reports of these incidents you describe. Actual reports would be ideal, but news paper reports are an acceptable substitute. Because in the one actual verifiable study we have, that documents every known incident of handguns for bear defense *in world history* handguns are 98% effective.

@charleywalker2982 7 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and keep your videos coming please.

@21Taylor2 2 ай бұрын

This guy knows his shit. By far one of the best I’ve ever heard absolutely no bullshit here. Very good options and knowledge being given here.

@drylinedrifter Жыл бұрын

This is by far one of the most interesting videos I’ve watched on your channel in a while. Thanks for sharing, Ron. 🤠

@Valorius Жыл бұрын

Anyone interested in this subject, the site *ammoland* has done a years long ongoing study of the subject of handguns for defense against bear attacks, of every single verifiable bear attack in world history where a handgun was used in defense. It is an extremely informative study, and blows away a lot of myths. Great read that I highly recommend.

@nomorerainbows Жыл бұрын

That study really makes fudd lore people angry, for some reason.

@Valorius Жыл бұрын

@@xtreme4stringbass Yep. the ammoland study absolutely destroys the fuddlore that you need some big mega magnum. Based on the stats a deep penetrating 9mm+P+ is plenty sufficient (that M1152 round is actually putting out +P+ performance, not sure what psi its loaded at), and anything more than 10mm is probably counter productive.

@Valorius Жыл бұрын

@@xtreme4stringbass M1152 is about as good a round as you can get if you cannot use expanding ammo. And is about perfect for bear defense.

@infogunvault6920 Жыл бұрын

@@nomorerainbows What makes them even angrier is when I tell them the reason that .44 magnum is known as the "minimum caliber" is because of an old USGS "study" where they shot different guns into a mixture of sand and silt. The conclusion from this nonsense was that .44 was the minimum needed. I've also measured the amount of time that different handguns calibers take to kill or down animals. There is no practical difference between the calibers that was used (10mm, .357, .44, etc.).

@nomorerainbows Жыл бұрын

@@infogunvault6920 I am interested in that study you did

@danielcurtis1434 10 ай бұрын

(33:20) What he’s talking about was literally Wild Bill Hickok’s morning routine. He would empty his 2 colt navy revolvers. Then he cleaned them inspected, removed them and went on with his day. He always had a little practice and fresh powder!!!

@ranhat2 Жыл бұрын

Outstanding stories, outstanding lessons.

@donniebunch1897 Жыл бұрын

A back woods handgun should be very similar to your every day carry handgun. So when you train with your EDC it will also apply to your back woods handgun.

@Valorius Жыл бұрын

As someone who has carried firearms professionally for decades, in the military, in big cities, and in bear country, I 100% agree with you. In fact I would recommend using the *same* gun all the time as much as possible.

@okgroomer1966 Жыл бұрын

True, but if you normally carry a .25 auto you're only going to piss it off. A .380 might work if you don't miss at all. You really need something that will drop it fast, or it's going to kill you before it dies.

@Valorius Жыл бұрын

@@okgroomer1966 In the few documented incidents where a .380 has been used for bear defense, it has been 100% effective in stopping the attack. Handguns overall are 98% effective in documented cases, at stopping bear attacks.

@christopherpike8269 11 ай бұрын

This was a great discussion. My one grumble (and not about the video) is that practicing with a big bore caliber is super expensive. These rounds are going for $1.50 to $2.00 a round. I carry a .45 long colt in the mountains of New Mexico. Mostly for mountain lions or black bear. I try to get as much practice in as possible, but have now started conserving my ammo cause I would rather have it and not need it, then practice and not have it. Again great content. You got yourself a new subscriber.

@bigboss-tl2xr 10 ай бұрын

Yep! 45 long Colt from Buffalo Bore works just fine.

@pitchforkpeasant6219 7 ай бұрын

No on the plus power for standard 45 colt. Get into reloading. If revolver you can shorten 454 casull brass which uses small primers as 45 colt brass. The primer seats a little deeper by not much but still works. Small primers are cheaper and easier to find

@johnweisYamaroler 7 ай бұрын

Two words come to mind: RELOAD and RELOAD!!😅

@christopherpike8269 7 ай бұрын

@@pitchforkpeasant6219 thanks for the insight on this.

@mt24Carson Жыл бұрын

Great video. Subscribed. Thanks also to posters who shared their experiences. Montana resident here, researched a great deal re ammo type, gun type, etc. Recently went with Springfield Armory XDM Elite 3.8 10mm. Shoots well, .44mag likely too much recoil for me. Will use hard cast 10s in the wilderness.

@danielswartz6818 5 ай бұрын

I’m too old to go hunting these days. But I still enjoyed your video. I do enjoy Shooting, both a revolver and a semi automatic as a hobby. There are benefits to each. When I did hunt, I always carried a back up handgun, a Ruger, Blackhawk 357 magnum. With reloads I could get a 2 1/2 inch group at 25 yards. When it was a rainy day, I left my rifle in the trunk and carried a handgun in my jacket pocket with a permit, of course. I did manage to shoot a few deer with the 357. Which was a single action trigger. In all the years that I’ve hunted deer it was only twice where I had to shoot a deer twice. That was because the bullet glanced off a twig on a tree, which I could not see. I really enjoyed your video, because I still read hunting magazines and wish I could still hunt. I was always walking around in the woods from the time I was about four years old and never got lost. And then came Davy Crockett, who induced me more so to be a hunter and a woodsman. You guys exemplified hunting with handguns. Today at my age I am pretty efficient with a Handgun but too old to hunt and I relish your video this time around. I always wondered what handgun I would use as a back up if I lived in bear country, you guys seem to have answered that question. I have heard of people using a 357 magnum and being successful, but based on your story, that’s like a cap gun. And surprisingly, I am more proficient with a revolver yjsm a semi automatic and I credit that to a double action trigger. It takes a little longer between shots. However, each shot is on target. Great video thank you.

@acapellaguardianOfficial 4 ай бұрын

Excellent video. One of the best I have seen about hand gun defense use. Many thanks for a job well done 😁🤩🔥💯.

@grob25 Жыл бұрын

I walk up on bear every year here in western Washington while grouse hunting. At least once per year. Black bear here are small and scared. They always yield. I have only had one, last year, not run away. A warning shot got it to move along. I was charged, once, salmon fishing. Not sure if it was a bluff charge or not. When I fired, it left.

@offroadsoda Жыл бұрын

I'm a cross draw guy too! No clue why so many run strong side... Cross draw rules. M&P 10mm full size with Buffalo Bore copies (I make my own now) with 17+1 is my hunting sidearm for hunting here in Montana.

@Haundo421 5 ай бұрын

Great discussion Fellas. Great info, and great discussion 😎

@royshobe6642 9 ай бұрын

Thanks for making this video

@frontierhubby4014 8 ай бұрын

Guns that have sharp recoil and are hard on wrists tend to make people flinch. The 44 mag, S&W 500 are two rounds that can be too harsh for some people especially when in short barrel configurations. I have found that the Ruger 480 has a much milder recoil with the ability to drive a 400gr bullet at 1200 fps without breaking your wrist. They made a short barrel version I think was called the Alaskan. Anyway great reviews.