VIDEO... Charging Bear Pistol Test

[daniel brothers]

I'm going to get a Glock 20 10mm... 15 rounds and the safety is quickly disengaged with the trigger pull. The safety being in the trigger is what sold me. I sure didn't want to be fumbling with a safety during a panic attack.

Here is Allen again with his charging bear and Desert Eagle Buddy.

 

[284winner]

His rifle test....

Excellent video. I think most can agree the effectiveness of a rifle is far better than pistols on a big bear. The charging part I'm a bit concerned with. Definitely a bit inaccurate concerning how or when a bear would charge someone in the wilds. Typically it can be more spontaneous. Handgun would be in the holster but the shooter may not be ready for the charge. This video makes the shooter prepared for the charge unlike the reality of a charge in many cases. In those cases, the rifle/shotgun would be cumbersome and slow. The pistol would be the better choice. The rifle/shotgun in the case of a known charge being imminent. I'm impressed with the AR as a bear defense gun. I have a couple 18" ARs. Light and fast. Again, the danger would need to be projected in advance to use a long gun simply because of the time to draw from a scabbard or sling. Low ready position is obviously the best way to be prepared for the charge.

 

[284winner]

A 220 swift is nothing more than a HOT 22-250, which native Alaskan Indians use all the time, so I wouldn't think twice about putting a Hot 20 cal bullet into a bear's ear area... BUT NOT on a charging bear, which is what this thread is all about. It's all about re-thinking bear defense in a slightly real time situation. His test is not perfect for sure... but it's a start in the right direction for a serious wake-up call. I personally own 12 ga shotguns... 44 mag pistols... and 357's... but.... I will NOT be going up into bear country again without having a heavy bullet, 10mm semi auto pistol. I once bowhunted Sikka blacktail deer on Kodiak Island with a short barreled 12 ga with slugs stuck down in my backpack... but I would have been toast as well if a bear charged me within 3 seconds of running space. A 15 round clip of 10mm would have at least given me a shot or two while on my feet, with many more shots available while it chewed my butt... that is, if I could still be holding onto the pistol. I remember someone awhile back say that if you have time, it's best to get down on a knee while shooting because your shots would be more inline with straight on shots to the head, throat, and vitals.... plus your already down in a more controlled position instead of it knocking you flat off your feet, onto your back. Everyone thinks he can handle a 3 second surprised bear charge, and get off at least one good shot... BUT REALLY??? Nobody really knows until tested. I hope I'm never tested that way, but if I lived in big bear country... I hope that I would have enough sense to pass all kinds of little scenario testings before that one time testing came along to where I had to defend myself or those who are with me.

I carry the 10mm in Bear country. Mostly black bear country so not nearly the threat level that brown bears offer. I've shot it at charging targets as the video portrays for a realistic outcome. Did fairly terrible in the beginning but improved as time went on putting 6 rounds into his skull in 2-3 seconds. Charges were at 25mph from starting at 50'. I will try this again with my ARs. I used 220 grain loads in my 10mm running 1200 fps. Very warm load. I will carry that weapon in any bear country. I'm not going to debate which cartridge is best for bear defense but I will say use the largest you can shoot fast and effectively for the job. For me, the 10mm is that pistol.

 

[effendude]

Most guys hunt with a buddy. Two guns not one.

My grandfather told me two guys hunting in the same spot is a waste of one guys time. Even if out in the field together, how often would you and a buddy be hunting side by side? More likely, you'd be 50-100 yards apart, separated by terrain, brush, trees.

 

[timeout]

Grizzly bear mauls hiker in Wyoming in ‘surprise encounter’

A grizzly bear mauled a hiker on Francs Peak, located southeast of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, in what officials described as a sudden attack.

www.foxnews.com

 

[284winner]

Grizzly bear mauls hiker in Wyoming in ‘surprise encounter’

A grizzly bear mauled a hiker on Francs Peak, located southeast of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, in what officials described as a sudden attack.

www.foxnews.com

One of those situations where even drawing a pistol from a holster may not have been possible.