PNW black bear rifle thought exercise

[284winner]

Again, fantastic. We have an island off of the Munising shore (Upper Peninsula) called Grand Island. Bears are abundant but no dogs or baiting despite Michigan general rules allow it on the entire mainland. Only hunting the known bear feeding (berry, beech, etc) areas would be productive. Knowledge is key here. Without it, your wasting your time. This young man has that knowledge.

 

[AckleymanII]

If you had to build/buy a new rifle for black bear in the PNW what would you get and why?

I was thinking either a nice short action with a 22 inch barrel in either 7-08 or 308. KISS principle

Or

A TC encore in 460 S&W. The advantage here is being able to use 45 colt for plinking, 454 casull for deer, and 460 S&W for elk(bigger stuff). Pretty amazing what those hot pistol rounds will do in a 20 inch barrel. The 454 seems to basically clone the 450 bushmaster and the 460 will clone modern day 45-70 loads.

Ready, Go!

I like a 338 Winchester with a 160g Barnes tipped triple shock at 3200 fps, ungodly accurate, lots of punch.

 

[284winner]

Been reading about the 450 bushmaster and 460 S&W being custom built on bolt action platforms for use in shotgun only zones for deer hunting. Here in Michigans southern zone, shotguns with slugs were the only legal option other than straight walled pistol cartridges. Recently legislation passed allowing a bit longer straight walled cartridges in rifle length guns. Including the 450/460 option. This would be a great dul purpose cartridge for bear season(northern mi) and deer season in southern Michigan. Looking at the ballistics, I'd have to agree.

 

[JRS]

Been reading about the 450 bushmaster and 460 S&W being custom built on bolt action platforms for use in shotgun only zones for deer hunting. Here in Michigans southern zone, shotguns with slugs were the only legal option other than straight walled pistol cartridges. Recently legislation passed allowing a bit longer straight walled cartridges in rifle length guns. Including the 450/460 option. This would be a great dul purpose cartridge for bear season(northern mi) and deer season in southern Michigan. Looking at the ballistics, I'd have to agree.

Realistically speaking, the 41 mag in a handgun is everything anyone would need.

 

[rebel]

JRS, I'm sure you have plenty of hunting experience and I will not disagree with your 41 mag statement. An excellent hunting choice for any big game. If you will allow me to digress, I know a man, an avid houndsman and bear hunter that's been after it for about 40 years. Tough, native Appalachian, about 140 lbs of muscle and rawhide. Stays right behind his dogs the old way. Treed a big one about 20 years ago, bear absorbed a few shots and appeared to be dying in the tree. He went to fetch the bayed hounds and keep them safe when the bear launched itself from the tree on top of him. It expired within a few seconds but left him with multiple broken bones and a punctured and collapsed lung in the middle of nowhere NC. His friends carried him some 1.5 miles to the nearest vehicle to drive him to the nearest hospital, some 25 miles away. He survived, and is still after it today, with one lung and many pains and scars, Most fellows in the mountains prefer 30/30s or 35's, but he personally told me in that situation, he wished someone had a big bore. There are so many methods of bear hunting, one must pick the tool to use to match the method.

 

[450AK]

This is my purpose-built bear rifle. It's a Browning Model 71 in 450 Alaskan. From black bears to grizzlies it should get it done. It was one of the last rifles Harry McGown built.

 

[JRS]

This is my purpose-built bear rifle. It's a Browning Model 71 in 450 Alaskan. From black bears to grizzlies it should get it done. It was one of the last rifles Harry McGown built. View attachment 987665 View attachment 987666

Man…. that's a beauty

 

[JRS]

Man…. that's a beauty

If you find yourself ready to part with it let me know

 

[450AK]

If you find yourself ready to part with it let me know

To be honest with you JRS I've been thinking about it. I've had some health problems lately and doubt I will go bear hunting anytime soon. I would love for someone to appreciate the rifle for what it is. The pistol grip and forearm are hand checkered. The mag tube has been anchored. The trigger breaks like glass at two pounds and it's shoots 400 gainers like they are going out of style.

 

[JRS]

It's always disappointing to hear about health problems, and i'm sorry to hear that!

That aside…. I'm all ears.

 

[284winner]

It's a beauty and a beast. You'll have no trouble moving that rifle when it's time. Take care of yourself first and worry about everything else second.