Register
Log In
Home
April 4, 2013
Offline
I have a model 44 and a pork chop .357. I also have a 10 mm but it's a 1006. Can't yet afford a DW in 10mm.
I do a extensive hikes in the Rockies and need to carry protection from critters that might want to eat me.
until now I've carried the 44 but it's pretty heavy and every pound counts when going uphill.
Would the .357 to 10mm be sufficient in case of black bear trouble?
Supporter
Moderators
Dans Club
February 22, 2009
Offline
Of the two, I'd go with the 10mm stoked up with a heavy lead bullet but still that's only comparable to a 41 mag. For peace of mind, I'd stick with the 44 and search for a 4" barrel to save weight..
Technically, the glass is always full; half liquid, half air....
Range Officer
Range Officers
Dans Club
March 27, 2009
Offline
Heck order a 2.5 or 3"from EWK , surprising how well the 2.5 acts and lightens it up a bit!
August 15, 2014
Offline
I have no experience with bears trying to eat me so take this for what's it worth. As for 10mm pistols the Smith 1006 is stronger than many…the 'boutique ammo' companies (Buffalo Boar, Underwood) offer some cast loads in 10mm that 'could' work. With the 44 mag much heavier cast bullet loads are offered with the obvious benefits. I'd look at it from the standpoint of which pistol I could shoot the most accurately under stress.
Dans Club
April 18, 2014
Offline
Ed Mc said
I have no experience with bears trying to eat me so take this for what's it worth. < > I'd look at it from the standpoint of which pistol I could shoot the most accurately under stress.
Good point Ed. I never had nothing wanting to eat, nothing bigger than wild dogs anyway, but I have had some so-n-so's throwing lead at me... Shooting while in duress is for sure a place you want to be accurate.
Oath Keeper #021479 NRA #206814004
Member AAGSR Member AGA #83120600233
"To preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of the people always possess arms and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them."
Richard Henry Lee
American Statesman, 1788
December 26, 2013
Offline
Geoman said
I have a model 44 and a pork chop .357. I also have a 10 mm but it's a 1006. Can't yet afford a DW in 10mm.I do a extensive hikes in the Rockies and need to carry protection from critters that might want to eat me.
until now I've carried the 44 but it's pretty heavy and every pound counts when going uphill.
Would the .357 to 10mm be sufficient in case of black bear trouble?
the 357 mag would be sufficient, HSM sells a 180gr. "bear load" hard cast gas check bullet, buffalo bore has some also
September 26, 2010
Offline
The Glock 20 is a fine woods gun, 15+1 in the tube.
February 26, 2012
Offline
I'm no bear hunter but I've been told that when hikeing in bear country that the best protection is a 32 ACP. If a bear attacks take the 32 and shoot your partner in the knee and then run. LOL
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for dinner. Liberty is a well armed lamb contesting the vote.
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
Offline
pecos bill said
I'm no bear hunter but I've been told that when hikeing in bear country that the best protection is a 32 ACP. If a bear attacks take the 32 and shoot your partner in the knee and then run. LOL
Heard this before, still funny!
Way back in time I did some backpacking in Glacier National Park, part of a Church Camp group activity. Our leader made it clear that we were in Bear Country, and if he told us to FREEZE, we had better FREEZE!
BTW, he was carrying a .44 Magnum revolver in a cross draw shoulder holster.
I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman "Were is the Self Help Section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.
George Carlin
September 26, 2010
Offline
Bears don't care abut the make of the gun, if your life depends on it buy something that will stop the bear.
June 8, 2009
Offline
From your list, I'd advise the .44 I have a 4" barrel for mine and it works just fine. Well, it packs just fine and shoots just fine...I've never had to shot a bear with any handgun.
Long ago, I packed my DW .357 loaded with the old Speer 160 SP loaded "warm". I ran into a moose on a trail just north of Yellowstone Park. I slipped out of the pack and pulled out the camera and played peek a boo with the moose until he got tired of the game and left. I crawled back into the pack and moved a short distance down the trail. There was a mud puddle with a perfect print of a griz track in the mud. I put that 6" .357 down next to that track and it looked pretty small. I bought my .44 soon after...it was the first DW .44 I'd seen.
At this stage of my life I don't carry a semiauto if I'm worried about the 4 legged animals. I carry a revolver loaded with a heavy hard cast bullet. Most likely a .41, .44, .45LC, or .500, depending on my mood that day. I might carry a .357 if I'm only worried about "little" bears.
The bears may not care about the brand, but I do. There's lots of great guns (new and used) out there to pick from. I won't own some of the cheap stuff people carry. I want to know beyond any doubt my gun is going to go bang when I pull the trigger if my life depends on it.
1 Guest(s)
