What a fun gun thread this has morphed into!
As for protection from predators of the human variety we have less need here in my area of Alaska, but the 1000+lb variety "jaws n claws" there is a much greater need. Brown bears show up almost anywhere. In my neighborhood on my property, even in our little town. They are much more frequent near the salmon streams and blue berry bushes where we must try to share the land without anyone getting hurt.
The first photo is of the revolvers I now own. The Single action on top is a 44 magnum that I have carried when hiking in areas less frequented by bears fopr the past several years. 44 Mag is pretty minimal at stopping a large brown bear however so have of late been trying to figure out a better gun solution that can shoot heavier bullets than the 44 (I shoot 320gr hard cast in the 44). I thought about getting a bigger caliber in a single action such as a 475 Linebaugh, but I also know that I will be more likely to carry something with a smaller barrel that conceals well (I don't like making a big fuss to the world that I am carrying a gun). Even the best bear gun there is is worthless if it is left at home.
So this year I bought a Ruger "Alaskan" in 454 Casull and a pancake holster for it. It carries fairly easy for me, but I suppose it would be too heavy to carry for self defense in more urban areas. The 2.5" barrel takes a hit in the ballistic dept, but the payoff is probably worth it. It will shoot a 360 gr hard cast at around 1200 fps which is enough to stop a bear from 20 feet or so provided I can hit it in a good spot. Chances are you will only get a shot or 2. I know 20 feet is very close, but you have to give it a chance to do its false charge which usually ends at 25 to 30 feet. If they are coming past that one had better be ready to defend one's self!
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Now there are places around here within a 20 mile radius of home where the chances of bear encounters shoot up dramatically. You are entering their domain rather than the other way around. I never go in there with just a revolver, and these lever action rifles are fast, light and powerful, and shoot heavy lead. The first one is also a 454 Casull like the Alaskan revolver. Its a Winchester model 92 clone, made by Rossi. It is my favorite gun. Very light weight, and will shoot the same ammo as the Ruger Alaskan but instead of 1200 fps, it is around 1750 fps out of its 20" barrel.It holds 9 rounds of 454 Casull (10 45 Colt) in its magazine tube.
The other one is a Marlin "Guide Gun". A short 18.5" barrel version of their model 1895, caliber is 45/70 Govt. This cartridge has been around since 1873 but only in the past 45 or so years has it been loaded to the pressures that the modern guns are built to withstand. With this gun my bear protection load is a huge 520gr hard cast, traveling at 1500 fps, could go through a bear, or a buffalo from end to end and keep on traveling. I have seen it penetrate through a 20" tree stump! I only carry this one where bear encounter chances are very high. Its recoil is brutal. It holds 4 rounds in the magazine tube.
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