Let's say....

[Modeler]

Let's say that you got a job in Alaska this summer and your schedule will likely permit you to do a lot of hiking in the Tongass National Forest. What handgun (caliber -and- specific model) would you purchase to carry with you on the hikes?

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[Swedish K]

Are we talking handguns or any gun?
Handguns I'd say 10mm or better for semi and 44 mag or better for handgun.
Many who go fishing in heavy bear population areas carry a 12 ga with slugs.

 

[Modeler]

Are we talking handguns or any gun?
Handguns I'd say 10mm or better for semi and 44 mag or better for handgun.
Many who go fishing in heavy bear population areas carry a 12 ga with slugs.

I meant to say handgun, it's fixed now....

Interesting, I hadn't thought about 10mm.

 

[DieselScout]

12 gauge, S&W in .460 or and XD with a .460 Rowland conversion. I like the idea of the .460 Rowland more capacity.

 

[U201491]

Are we talking handguns or any gun?
Handguns I'd say 10mm or better for semi and 44 mag or better for handgun.
Many who go fishing in heavy bear population areas carry a 12 ga with slugs.

12 ga with slugs

 

[DieselScout]

12 ga with slugs

In all honesty this is the best choice.

Or a Marlin Guide Gun in .45-70.

 

[Modeler]

In all honesty this is the best choice.

Or a Marlin Guide Gun in .45-70.

I've considered the Guide Gun, a friend has one and it's pretty nice. Maybe he'll make me a good deal.

 

[Swedish K]

I do like the S&W 460 - tons of ammo options - .45LC, .454 Casull, and .460 S&W

 

[U201491]

I've considered the Guide Gun, a friend has one and it's pretty nice. Maybe he'll make me a good deal.

A good pump or semi auto 12 ga with a 5 rd mag and first 2 flat nosed sabots and then 3 full slugs would be what I would carry if I were in Brown/Griz Bear country. I like the 45/70 but only in stronger actions and with hot 500 gr loads for that kind of muscle.

 

[U201491]

I do like the S&W 460 - tons of ammo options - .45LC, .454 Casull, and .460 S&W

Yep and the 500 S&W
The 460 and the versatility is nice.
That 500 can put out 2600 ft lbs of energy
I still like that 12 ga.

12 gauge Winchester Partition Gold Sabot Slug, 3" magnum shell 2900 ft lbs
About an oz + of lead

 

[Doc In UPlace]

Are we talking handguns or any gun?
Handguns I'd say 10mm or better for semi and 44 mag or better for handgun.
Many who go fishing in heavy bear population areas carry a 12 ga with slugs.

Yeah I was thinking this too; the best 'handgun' would be one of those Mossberg Persuaders with the pistol grip and a sling. Load with slugs, don't mess around.

The troopers take a shotgun, so take a tip from a cop who does, as Firesign Theater used to say.

 

[Bon Sauvage]

According to the USDA Forestry Service the Tongass National Forest has the highest concentration of black bears in the world, and one of the highest concentrations of brown bears.

Because your requirement is for a handgun I would choose the Magnum Research BFR in 454 Casull and carry it in a chest rig.

 

[SynapticSilence]

Ruger Super Redhawk Toklat in .454 Casull.

 

[Modeler]

Ruger Super Redhawk Toklat in .454 Casull.

I admit I don't know much about the .454 Casull, looks like I can shoot it as a sub-caliber if I get a revolver chambered in .460 S&W. Kind of expensive though.

 

[SynapticSilence]

The Toklat version is a special 5" made just for trail carry. Hard to find but worth it. As to the revolver and the round, here's Hickok45 with it at the range. It's a beast.

 

[Modeler]

Looks like the Toklat is $820-900. I could get a 12ga for a few hundred but it would be a pain to pack around. I could also get a blue label Glock 20 and have 15 rounds plus another 30 on my hip. Choices...

 

[FOWELKILLER]

12 guage on shoulder, glock 20 on hip, heavy cast boolits like underwoods.glock 20 has more combined knock down power than 500 or 460

 

[DieselScout]

The Toklat version is a special 5" made just for trail carry. Hard to find but worth it. As to the revolver and the round, here's Hickok45 with it at the range. It's a beast.

I'd love to have this gun. It's on my "wish list" for when I win the lottery.

 

[rick benjamin]

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[Modeler]

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That was the first gun I thought of... But I'm not really into single action revolvers. I like my pull-point-shoot guns.