The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - 30/30 or large caliber handgun for bear defense?

lawnboy · March 9, 2012, 11:14 AM

Lets say I have a model 94, 336 or Moss 464 in 30-30. Lets also say I have a 10mm, a .44mag or other large caliber handgun. Lets say those are my choices and no other firearms are available. Lets also say that I'm not bothered by carrying either weapon. I'm happy with the handgun in a holster or the rifle slung.

Oh, and lets take bear spray off the table to make the disucssion more focused.

And lets say that I have to pick either rifle or handgun and not both.

I've read all of the longer "Defense against bears" threads that a search of TFL revealed. It has been interesting (and long), but I've never seen this particular question.

If I'm going hiking or fishing in Alaska which do I select as a defense weapon? Why?

March 9, 2012, 11:14 AM	#1
lawnboy Senior Member Join Date: April 5, 2011 Location: here Posts: 551	30/30 or large caliber handgun for bear defense? Lets say I have a model 94, 336 or Moss 464 in 30-30. Lets also say I have a 10mm, a .44mag or other large caliber handgun. Lets say those are my choices and no other firearms are available. Lets also say that I'm not bothered by carrying either weapon. I'm happy with the handgun in a holster or the rifle slung. Oh, and lets take bear spray off the table to make the disucssion more focused. And lets say that I have to pick either rifle or handgun and not both. I've read all of the longer "Defense against bears" threads that a search of TFL revealed. It has been interesting (and long), but I've never seen this particular question. If I'm going hiking or fishing in Alaska which do I select as a defense weapon? Why? __________________ "Me fail English? That's un-possible!" --Ralph Wiggum "A woman drove me to drink and I didn't even have the decency to thank her"-- W.C Fields Last edited by lawnboy; March 9, 2012 at 11:16 AM. Reason: clarity