The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - The art of rifle defense for bear, up close and personal...

oldmanFCSA · May 6, 2012, 04:43 AM

In my opinion,

Use a Marlin 1895 Guide Gun in 45-70 loaded HEAVY and HOT.

It will NOT be pleasant to shoot, but it may save your life !!!

Practice til it hurts then stop, even if just 1 or 2 shots.

Cycle all ammo thru gun action to verify reliable feeding.

Have a good gunsmith hone the hi-spots off action to enable smooth, fast, reliable feeding, the very lightly oil it, wait 1 hour and wipe off all oil, load with ammo, and carry extra ammo.

Use a carry method that allows fast acquiring and easy access, this may save your life.

My last bear was shot and killed at a distance of 3 feet - be sure you know what you are getting yourself into and practice your responses.

May 6, 2012, 04:43 AM	#29
oldmanFCSA Senior Member Join Date: November 8, 2010 Location: WISCONSIN to FLORIDA Posts: 290	Big Bear Gun In my opinion, Use a Marlin 1895 Guide Gun in 45-70 loaded HEAVY and HOT. It will NOT be pleasant to shoot, but it may save your life !!! Practice til it hurts then stop, even if just 1 or 2 shots. Cycle all ammo thru gun action to verify reliable feeding. Have a good gunsmith hone the hi-spots off action to enable smooth, fast, reliable feeding, the very lightly oil it, wait 1 hour and wipe off all oil, load with ammo, and carry extra ammo. Use a carry method that allows fast acquiring and easy access, this may save your life. My last bear was shot and killed at a distance of 3 feet - be sure you know what you are getting yourself into and practice your responses. __________________ OldmanFCSA = "Oldman" at www.fcsa.org FCSA Member, SCSA Member, NRA Member, & AMA Member "Oldage & Treachery will overcome Youth & Skill"