Grizzly Precautions

[pushbush]

With all the Grizz talk lately it's has me wondering what precautions should one take while Hunting for Grizz.
What about when you have the bear down, will another grizz come running in for dinner?
Should you carry Bear spray with you as well?

Anyone care to coment.

[BCbillies]

Take a friend for backup. I like to error on the side of caution and give 'em another one. When you have one down keep your eyes and ears open with one in the chamber ready to go. I always assume that another grizz may be lurking for dinner. The worst thing is to have both your heads down focussing on the task at hand. I'd leave the bear spray at home.

[Wolfman]

Yeah, somebody post that picture that was on here before - the sign warning about little bells in peppery smelling grizzly poop ;-)


Mike

[Dannybuoy]

The only reason they made bear spray was so you could spray your eyes with it during a bear attack. That way you don't see yourself being eatin.
:razz: ha ha ha good one ...

[wolverine]

I disagree. A fresh can of bear spray might just save your ass if it all goes bad fast. Sometimes there is no time to get off a second shot or your rifle is on the ground with the bear on top of you. I agree, the best bear repellant is a second and third shot or to have a buddy pumping rounds into it as well but the bear spray for secondary defense is, in my opinion, a wise move. Better that than trying to reload with a bear on your ass isn't it?

[todbartell]

bear spray is good...........

http://usera.imagecave.com/ws6/Range%20007.jpg

[finish]

Bear spray in a BOOM can!!!!

[quackquackbang]

Bear spray is like salt and pepper to a bear! it only make you taste better!!!!!:biggrin:

[325 wsm]

It's good to have a dog with you, especially at the kill. Way better senses for detection and will usually give you a few extra seconds to get your gun pointed the right direction if all hell does break loose.

[bigben]

Always be aware .............towards the end of may the mating starts you will see sow and boar together be prepared if you kill either one ........they are social animals and they will protect each other so be aware when this happens ............ good luck and bring a back up 45 70,444 ,350 ,,or a pump action shotgun for insurance after its down

[Manglinmike]

Not abig fan of the spicy sauce myself,but you can't argue the fact that if there is only 15 inches between you and urseruse horibluse that long gun aint worth a pinch pinch of coon s...t,is it, time for the sauce!!

[kyleklassen]

bear spray is good...........

http://usera.imagecave.com/ws6/Range%20007.jpgbear spray like that is only good if you can get those 4 out before the bear gets to you. give me some 31/2 000 buck.

[todbartell]

8mm RM/200 grain Swifts?

sure is, factory Remington stuff I got a couple years ago. I shoot 250 gr Woodleighs now


bear spray like that is only good if you can get those 4 out before the bear gets to you. give me some 31/2 000 buck.

probably would only need one shot ;) buckshot is for varmints 8-)

[PGK]

Bartell is a wuss. Real men use bows!

[todbartell]

crossbows 8-)

[Glenny]

This may answer your question.....shiver.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZnsL7-UdGc

[elker]

How effective is bear spay? 3 feet?

The Gbear charge you at 100 km/h, how can it stop with only 3 feet left?

Sooner or later , the bear spray manufacturer will be sued for murder

[hunter1947]

Carry lots of back up fire power ,you and your partner be aware of your surroundings ,try to stay in open areas.

both carry a bottle of bear spray and don't do any walking out at night time with meat or hide on your back.

[BCbillies]

Carry lots of back up fire power ,you and your partner be aware of your surroundings ,try to stay in open areas.

both carry a bottle of bear spray and don't do any walking out at night time with meat or hide on your back.

This brings up a good point when shooting a bear just before dusk. On more than one occasion I've (along with a partner) had to walk out in the dark through prime grizzly habitat in the dark with a hide strapped on my back. Given the number of bears in the near vicinity I want to get the hide off and out rather than come back the next day (risk of hide slippage) to encounter one or two other grizz feasting on my bear. Had I owned the 375 Ruger last fall I would have popped the scope off after the bear was down and used the open sights. I will feel a little more comfortable with the open sights in the dark along with a good headlamp and extra batteries. Them bears are pretty active at night along those creeks!

[Rob]

Field and Stream ( I Think) had an interesting article out a few months ago. Bear spray vs. gun for bear defence. They said the bear spray was the best choice. If your prone to buck fever, just imagine what a charging pissed off bear would do to ones nerves:eek:

[BCbillies]

This may answer your question.....shiver.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZnsL7-UdGc

I just can't imagine walking away from this scenerio using bear spray!

The Field and Stream article will be an interesting read. I wouldn't discount the spray totally . . . it just wouldn't be my first choice.

[lucky07]

Not abig fan of the spicy sauce myself,but you can't argue the fact that if there is only 15 inches between you and urseruse horibluse that long gun aint worth a pinch pinch of coon s...t,is it, time for the sauce!!

ain't worth a pinch pinch of coon 5h1t

... never heard that one before ...

anyone care to fill me in???

[M.Dean]

The best thing to take in Bear Country is 2 inch nails, fill every god dam pocket you have with them, sure the bear is still going to eat you, but at least the prick will choke to death doing it!

[srupp]

hmmm after 30 plus years..

" its easier to fix a extra 1" hole in the bears hide than in your hide."

Steven Rupp

Grizzly Guide
Paramedic

[Johnnybear]

As I have never hunted the mainland and have never encountered a Griz I have not a lot of input except for reading about it. I have read all the posts on here regarding Grizzlies and read lot's of books about the subject. I love reading the books by guides and folks that live in Griz country. I just finished "Grizzly Bear Mountain" that I bought on the Ferry coming back from the outdoor show from Abby. Great read and very informative. I have read all the Grizzly Attack books from a B.C. author as well. Many other books about Griz I have read too.

I guess what I am saying is do your homework:lol:.

[RiverOtter]

Give me a rifle that I am familiar with, any day, over bear spray. Make the first shot count, or at the very least slow the charge and make time for a better follow up shot.

I got a light wiff of bear spray once, due to a back draft, while testing an expired can, and I have no intention of ever repeating that performance in front of a bear. Out on an avalanche slide, with thermals and swirling wind, bear spray would be a crap shoot at best. I will say one thing though, that stuff does pack a punch, as my eyes/nose burned for a good 15 minutes.

[KodiakHntr]

Having sprayed black bears with both a bear spray-er, and bear spray, I'll take the spray-er everytime....You are less likely to be incapacitated by a 12 guage a load of 3" 00 than you are by any cayenne spray. And to those of you who insist a 12 isn't enough for a black or grizzly, let 'em get to pepper spray distance and put a round of buck into the top of their melon.....Not many critters will shake that off.

I have seen blacks shake it off though

[dutchie]

I would like to direct attention to todbartell's sig line writen by the honourable "Gatehouse"

this should give you a good idea of what to look for.

Do you think a 12 gauge with 3 rounds of 3.5" "000buck" would be good enough for a back up gun? or 3 slugs would be better

You only have about 30 yards or range with either... but with a semi you can have 3 pulls if need be.

would you use 000buck insted of a slug because it will fan a bit more with your nerves?

dutchie

[Gateholio]

2 3/4" Brenneke slugs is the best thing I can think of. Penetrate like hell and don't recoil as much as the 3" slugs.

Buckshot is pretty limited in application.

[KodiakHntr]

2 3/4" Brenneke slugs is the best thing I can think of. Penetrate like hell and don't recoil as much as the 3" slugs.

Buckshot is pretty limited in application.


The brenneke are an impressive little critter, but can be hard to find...And buck is definately limited...Penetration tests I've done indicate that about 10 yards is as far as I would bet my life on it.

[jessbennett]

just take someone with you, that you know that u know is a slower runner than you..:mrgreen:and wear pants with loose cuffs on the bottom, so the bear will slip in your Sh!t as hes chasing you down the trail.:mrgreen:

[KodiakHntr]

You only have about 30 yards or range with either... but with a semi you can have 3 pulls if need be.

would you use 000buck insted of a slug because it will fan a bit more with your nerves?

dutchie

There isn't a bear alive that can kill you from 30 yards out...Unless you have a heart attack. And I know for a fact that I can shuck a mossberg 835 or winchester 1200/1300 faster than a semiauto 12 operates.

At about 10 yards even from a short barrelled 12 you are looking at about a 6" pattern. And if nerves are going to be an issue, the only thing you are going to have a hope in Hell with is pepper spray. One shot over his back with any firearm before he's on you is all you are going to get anyway, so you might as well be filling the air with pepper.

[ve7iuq]

ain't worth a pinch pinch of coon 5h1t

... never heard that one before ...

anyone care to fill me in???


That is a very old phrase, for something that is as useless as it gets.
I, for many years, have softened it up, for use in any company and notice that some kids get a kick out of it.
My version,

"Not worth a pinch of coon manure."

[KodiakHntr]

It means in this case that a bear at 15" distance is going to have a lot easier time biting you, than you will have trying to bite him with a 44" rifle....

[srupp]

hmmm some other words of wisdom to LIVE by when G bear hunting

1) dont have a sling on your rifle carry it ready for use
2) forget the birdshot or 00 or 000 use slugs
3) no warning shots..when you shoot its to stop and kill
4)no shots under 70 yards or over 150 yards most cant hit a SPECIFIC part of a bear..ie front shoulder /leg past that and under 70 yards if the bear charges most one time G bear hunters will have a poor time getting a second lethal shot in..
5) no hunting G bears ALONE
6)your partner is someone who you can trust your life on..cuz you are
7)use enough weapon but not so stoopid big that you are more afraid of the weapon than the bear
8) use premium bullets Barns, Nosler etc..
9)practice practice practice be proficient with your weapon of choice
10) your goal is to harvest a bear that is completely unaware of your presence will result in more bears that DROP.
11) a first shot at a running bear is never ever taken. ever.
keep shooting till there is NO movement..
12) study and KNOW what a mature animal looks like so you can correctly judge a mature "trophy" no one wins when a imature bear is harvested..

Be careful ALWAYS..going for a drink at the creek 40 yards from camp ??take a weapon ALWAYS BE PREPARED.. and ENJOY the thrill and experience its one of the most awesom hunts in existence...:mrgreen:


cheers and good luck

Steven

And ENJOY the experience

[wolverine]

I don't think there is any arguement which is the best bear medicine when it comes to guns or spray. I'm just saying it doesn't hurt to have both. I think we are all really confident of our abilities when we are standing around shooting the shit but when it comes to the real McCoy it could well be a different story. I carry both and hopefully never have to find out which one works best to prove the theory.

[srupp]

never used the spray..kind of prefer the 12 G with slugs...my .02

Steven

[slyfox]

Srupp what about a 12 g with ooo buck and slugs.

[slyfox]

Ya guy,s i just got my grizz from the tax shop ill post pictures when my wife gets home i such with computer stuff.

[Gateholio]

Here is the problem with buckshot:

At 35 yards, the pattern is too wide to effectively kill unless you get lucky

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8dc23b3127ccec3100ab7053600000010O02AaNWrNu4Zsg e3nw4/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

At 20 yards, it's better but not that much:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8dc23b3127ccec3103b74c44500000010O02AaNWrNu4Zsg e3nw4/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/


At 5 paces away, you are going to blow it's head off...But do you want to let a bear get that close?

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8dc23b3127ccec310560c849300000010O02AaNWrNu4Zsg e3nw4/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/


And then when we consider penetration (even at point blank range, with the shot charge arriving en masse like this pic) :


http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8dc23b3127ccec3109ad4842d00000010O02AaNWrNu4Zsg e3nw4/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/


It barely gets through a small town phone book!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8dc23b3127ccec31094a1845f00000010O02AaNWrNu4Zsg e3nw4/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/


But the slug



http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8dc23b3127ccec310cde1c4ab00000010O02AaNWrNu4Zsg e3nw4/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/


Blows right through and into the wood behind it

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8dc23b3127ccec3116696a45d00000010O02AaNWrNu4Zsg e3nw4/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/



My thinking is that the "advantage" to buckshot is the higher hit potential form the pattern. But at longer distances you aren't getting enough shot in the pattern to disable a big bear, and at close ranges you may as well use a slug since the pattern doens't disperse enough! There is a very narrow slot where OO may work as well or better, but I think it's about 5 paces, and that's pretty close...


So why not use slugs and have a much greater range of effectiveness, and also guarranteed better penetration?

[beastman]

Bring wee-shoe on your hunt,the bears will leave you alone as they dont eat asians.......its a waste of energy for the bear to chase them down as the grizz is just hungry again in an hour or so.

[rishu_pepper]

Bring wee-shoe on your hunt,the bears will leave you alone as they dont eat asians.......its a waste of energy for the bear to chase them down as the grizz is just hungry again in an hour or so.

If they don't eat Asians, then doesn't that mean they'll go for the white guys? Then you'll be in trouble, not me :twisted:

[steelheadSABO]

a shotgun full of slugs would make a good backup

[yamadirt 426]

This may answer your question.....shiver.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZnsL7-UdGc


I've seen this vid a few times now. At super slow mo at the very end it looks like this sow stops her charge and stands up to see who or what was making all that racket. False charge? Who knows. I'm sure I would have shot too, thats just my observation from watching it again. Don't get your panties in a knot about this comment. :mrgreen:

[Rob]

Where are you guys carrying you 12 ga. when you are hunting? I would think most would be carrying your hunting rifle in your hands. If a charge happens you may only have 2 secs to react. Do you toss your hunting rifle aside and grab the shotgun?

[BCbillies]

Where are you guys carrying you 12 ga. when you are hunting? I would think most would be carrying your hunting rifle in your hands. If a charge happens you may only have 2 secs to react. Do you toss your hunting rifle aside and grab the shotgun?

I would assume these guys are talking about bringing protection while camping with family, hiking, berry picking, fishing, etc or perhaps the second guy brings the shotgun for backup while out hunting. Many years ago I brought both a rifle and shotgun while hunting solo and never did it again. I'll try anything once (almost). :wink:

[Camp Cook]

And I know for a fact that I can shuck a mossberg 835 or winchester 1200/1300 faster than a semiauto 12 operates.

I'd like to see that can you take a video of you doing it and post it for us... 8)

[bushguy]

Make sure you bring your headlamp,,
Make sure you stick it out that extra 15 mins of shootin light,,(he's comin!!)
Get that knife tuned up good,,
Make sure your pack will hold a grizz hide with skull,,
Make sure you take lots of cool pics,,
Make sure you post em on here for all us to see!!8)

[rishu_pepper]

I'd like to see that can you take a video of you doing it and post it for us... 8)

Me too. :wink:

[srupp]

hmmm no I do not recomend anyything but slugs in shotguns..and a 12 G makes a fine bear stopper with slugs AND the full stock , it forces you to aquire a better shot picture..not like the pistol grip...

Gary Sheldon taught the only grizzly bear avoidance and defense course and is one of THE most knowlegable men on this subject..and these are pretty much what he thinks also...

Gatehouse has shown in photos what I think ..the pellets no matter what size are NOT a good choice.

I use a .338 with 225 grain Barns TSX for hunting..for RECOVERY work IF NEEDED I would use the shotgun...pump Winchester 1300 with fiberoptic 'fast site on the front" used it twice and works extremely well..

Great photos Clark..well done...


cheers

Steven

[Camp Cook]

What do you take in when you follow up on a grizzly?

If you look over my left shoulder you will see a Dlask 8.5" barreled 12 gauge 870 with butt stock on loaded with 3" Brenneke slugs that my son was carrying.

I walked in with my Marlin 1895GS 45-70 loaded with 525gr Beartooth WLNGC's @ 1600fps.

We have now sold the Dlask 8.5" shotgun so my son plans on using either a 14" or 18 1/2" barreled 870 12 gauge if we are lucky enough to get our grizzlies again this year.

There is another firearm legally there as well, the people that know me know which one it is and it is loaded with 405gr WLNGC's @ 1330fps.

I am never without this last gun when I am in the bush... :wink:

http://www.hunt101.com/data/506/medium/Grizzly_Hunt_June_2008_034.jpg

[todbartell]

I would take a short 12 gauge pump for grizz protection, although I just got a 44 mag lever action which should work too. Havent shot it yet though

http://s121.photobucket.com/albums/o205/todbartell/?action=view&current=MVI_1427.flv

[PGK]

I'm with KodiakHntr. I can sling lead from a pump just as fast as anyone can with a semiauto. Just because you can pull the trigger faster doesnt mean you can aim any better.....I was part of a study being done by DFO officers to see which was better for accuracy/speed. It turned out that most pump shooters gave up very little in time, and were more accurate overall.
FWIW

[elker]

I walked in with my Marlin 1895GS 45-70 loaded with 525gr Beartooth WLNGC's @ 1600fps.



There is another firearm legally there as well, the people that know me know which one it is and it is loaded with 405gr WLNGC's @ 1330fps.

I am never without this last gun when I am in the bush... :wink:



Obviously you choose bullet grain over speed. Any reason behind it?

In the future, I might buy a 338 magnum, but I know it kick hard. How was your Marlin doing?

Thank you for sharing.

[The MAN]

What do you take in when you follow up on a grizzly?

If you look over my left shoulder you will see a Dlask 8.5" barreled 12 gauge 870 with butt stock on loaded with 3" Brenneke slugs that my son was carrying.

I walked in with my Marlin 1895GS 45-70 loaded with 525gr Beartooth WLNGC's @ 1600fps.

We have now sold the Dlask 8.5" shotgun so my son plans on using either a 14" or 18 1/2" barreled 870 12 gauge if we are lucky enough to get our grizzlies again this year.

There is another firearm legally there as well, the people that know me know which one it is and it is loaded with 405gr WLNGC's @ 1330fps.

I am never without this last gun when I am in the bush... :wink:

http://www.hunt101.com/data/506/medium/Grizzly_Hunt_June_2008_034.jpg


Look at the shoulders on that brute!! Just shows how powerfull they could be, just muscle.

[ultramagbob]

I Love Bartells atire...Vanderhoof Tuxedo

[Dirty]

I Love Bartells atire...Vanderhoof Tuxedo

I heard that he is looking for a wife, but needs to find one that will let him wear that to the wedding. Apparently his 338 Federal will be the flower girl and the 260Ti will be the ring bearer.

[Camp Cook]

Obviously you choose bullet grain over speed. Any reason behind it?

In the future, I might buy a 338 magnum, but I know it kick hard. How was your Marlin doing?

Thank you for sharing.

Actually shot the grizzly with a 375RUM and 300gr Partitions when I am in thick bush and the shots could be close I like a big WLNGC hard cast bullet that will penetrate/break anything it hits.

You asked about my Marlin considering we are posting video's here is how I shoot it and I'll even show the target... :wink:

I start shooting around 1:00 minute...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-AVr7gNmrU&feature=related

[Ambush]

You asked about my Marlin considering we are posting video's here is how I shoot it and I'll even show the target... :wink:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-AVr7gNmrU&feature=related

Well done Campcook. You will soon have about fifty PM's asking you to be back-up on numerous spring grizzly hunts.http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/images/icons/icon7.gif

[lineofsight]

Great photos Gatehouse. Recall the first time I shot some slugs at a railway tie, figured I missed it as did not see any impact/disintegration. Slugs had passed right through...

Some real funny posts here, cheers.

Not abig fan of the spicy sauce myself,but you can't argue the fact that if there is only 15 inches between you and urseruse horibluse that long gun aint worth a pinch pinch of coon s...t,is it, time for the sauce!!


Bring wee-shoe on your hunt,the bears will leave you alone as they dont eat asians.......its a waste of energy for the bear to chase them down as the grizz is just hungry again in an hour or so.

[SLIK]

I got a griz tag this year (first one and first time going). When I applied I figured it would be a good excuse to get me out shed hunting.
Been looking at a few slug guns thinking I'm gonna pack it on my back as a backup/close range gun. Problem is with the pack and rifle that makes for a heavy load.

Have any of you packed two guns on a spring griz hunt? And I mean on your back not in the truck.

[Camp Cook]

Yes always but one isn't a rifle or a shotgun I am a prospector and have an ATC... ;)

[elker]

Actually shot the grizzly with a 375RUM and 300gr Partitions when I am in thick bush and the shots could be close I like a big WLNGC hard cast bullet that will penetrate/break anything it hits.

You asked about my Marlin considering we are posting video's here is how I shoot it and I'll even show the target... :wink:

I start shooting around 1:00 minute...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-AVr7gNmrU&feature=related

last time , a wolfhugger suggested that you were not a better shooter than me. to make that suggestion true, I have to eat, sleep and shoot in a range for 20 yrs and finish 1 million rounds of cartridges.

[Gateholio]

Have any of you packed two guns on a spring griz hunt? And I mean on your back not in the truck.

Not me...I bought a 375 Ruger Alaskan, and installed a Macmillan synthetic stock.

I'll hunt with the scope installed and if I have to go into thick cover I'll just pop the scope off. It's got a 20" barrel and is so light and responsive sans scope it reminds me of carrying a Mdl 94 carbine!

270gr TSX bullets with the trajectory of a 30-06, with the short barrel, makes it an up close and personal hammer and an easy 400 yard rig, too...Not that I will be shooting at grizzly at 400 yards. Way more fun to get closer on the dangerous game, in my opinion!:smile:

[Camp Cook]

Actually I'm fairly proficient with all firearms/actions only because I shoot far more than most people...

Here is another clip this is with a 26" barreled Rem 700 LSS in 375RUM with 270gr Rem factory loads the scope is a VX111 4.5 -14X40mm B&C reticle set on 4.5X...

Yeah I know the first shot is a bit low... :oops:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8F51OIw8A0

edit to add; This is the rifle I shot my grizzly with last year.

[SLIK]

Yes always but one isn't a rifle or a shotgun I am a prospector and have an ATC... ;)

i wish i had a claim

[Camp Cook]

Think of this how does one find a claim???

I also contract to companies that ask me to check out areas for them.

As of right now all of my claims have expired and I have been claiming areas for others.

= constantly traveling thru new remote wilderness areas.

Ah yes it is the life...

[Dannybuoy]

Good examples Gatehouse .. looks to me like buckshot would really make a bear G or otherwise really mad ....
Campcook : You do know how to make a point !! Nice shooting !

[hunter1947]

This brings up a good point when shooting a bear just before dusk. On more than one occasion I've (along with a partner) had to walk out in the dark through prime grizzly habitat in the dark with a hide strapped on my back. Given the number of bears in the near vicinity I want to get the hide off and out rather than come back the next day (risk of hide slippage) to encounter one or two other grizz feasting on my bear. Had I owned the 375 Ruger last fall I would have popped the scope off after the bear was down and used the open sights. I will feel a little more comfortable with the open sights in the dark along with a good headlamp and extra batteries. Them bears are pretty active at night along those creeks!


BC Billies this is what I use with 7 slugs loaded to the max when I have to carry any kind of meat out at night.

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/100_0828.JPG (http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/showphoto.php?photo=5151&ppuser=941)

[olharley guy]

Howdy, some basic information from one of the Alaska Bear Tales books, which applies to B.C. bears also.

A brown/grizzly has a running stride of nearly 20 feet.

A brown/grizzly runs close to 40 miles per hour which equates to 20 yards a second and 100 yards in 5 seconds.

One brown/grizzly ran 200 yards with its heart shot out.

They are extremely fast for a large animal.

This means a person hunting Grizzlies should do a lot of shooting with the rifle they are going to use on the hunt and have nerves of steel in case a charge situation was to happen.

One time I was stalking a bear with a newbie (all he could think about was shooting a bear) and over to our left side there was a loud crash. My rifle was up and pointed in the direction of the sound in a milli-second. The young fellow just stood there with his mouth wide open and his rifle pointed to the ground???

I do have a gun like Hunter 47 that I always take when we go out of town at all times.

After reading about the tests that the Alaska Game Branch did on slugs vs 00 buck, where none of the buckshot penetrating the skull but the slugs broke and entered the skull everytime, slugs are the only thing that are in my 870 now.

I did have occasion to try it once on a 6'8 black-brown bear that was getting a little aggressive in my front yard. One slug head on in the chest at 20 yards flattened him out instantly.

As said earlier-if a novice at Grizzly hunting, know how to shoot your rifle quickly and accurately-don't panic/nerves of steel and if possible have a trusting buddy for backup! The adrenaline rush/ cold sweats etc. can be saved for after the kill. LOL Later

[Camp Cook]

How accurately can you fire that thing?

I've messed around with pistol gripped shotguns a lot and have a problem with being able to hit accurately with them, now all my shotguns have standard full length butt stocks.

[BCbillies]

BC Billies this is what I use with 7 slugs loaded to the max when I have to carry any kind of meat out at night.

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/100_0828.JPG (http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/showphoto.php?photo=5151&ppuser=941)

That's a mean "spray" machine you got '47! I'm not gonna argue with that . . . neither should the bear. :smile:

[mcrae]

How accurately can you fire that thing?

I've messed around with pistol gripped shotguns a lot and have a problem with being able to hit accurately with them, now all my shotguns have standard full length butt stocks.

Same here when I carry a shotgun its full stocked. I played around with a pistol grip and with slugs it was useless. It was fine for a spray and pray buckshot...

I have a 375 Ruger that gets the call now when I need to feel safe. Its my primary weapon so its a good combo for me....

[hunter1947]

That's a mean "spray" machine you got '47! I'm not gonna argue with that . . . neither should the bear. :smile:
BC Billies I can unload the 7 rounds in this 580 Rem under 15 seconds ,I have practiced with it so if I have to use it one day I will know what to exspect.
There is a flashlight that I can put on the barrel at night if needed that way if a bear comes in I can follow it with the light.

I use 7 of these new Hornady 300 grain slug in the 580 Rem.

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/Picture_884.jpg (http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/showphoto.php?photo=10313&size=big&cat=500&ppuser=941)

[d6dan]

I wouldn't want to be the bear following you 47. That's some serious firepower you got there.
Couple of game wardens i knew years ago used to load ssg,slug,ssg etc. they said it was a good combo for pissed off wounded grizzlys.

[Camp Cook]

Here is how I have my Rem 870 shotguns set up both are 12 gauge top gun 14" Dlask barrel bottom factory 18 1/2" barrel.

http://www.hunt101.com/data/552/medium/My_Bear_Defense_Guns_002.jpg

These are my lever actions top Marlin 1895GS 45-70 bottom Puma M92 454 Casull.

http://www.hunt101.com/data/552/medium/My_Bear_Defense_Guns_004.jpg

[pushbush]

Does anyone know if the Maverick 88 made by mossberg is a good defender 12 gauge shotgun?

[RiverOtter]

Owned a Mossberg 590 "Mariner" with a 8 round 3" capacity. Biggest piece of junk I've ever owned. 3" buckshot would make the extractors pop loose and 3" slugs would completely open the action upon firing, but not kick out the shell. I would have to "dry" cycle the action, then load another round, for each shot. Like a line in that Steve Earl song "Get you into trouble, but it can't get you out"........

IMO, there is no substitute for a full stock, short barrel and a good set of sights. I'm definately NOT in the "wait till the bear gets to 10 yards" camp. If he/she is coming full tilt, I'll be on the trigger around 50. Hopefully the bear either has a change of heart, or skids to a halt before the 10 yard line.......:twisted:

[todbartell]

I use 7 of these new Hornady 300 grain slug in the 580 Rem.

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/Picture_884.jpg (http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/showphoto.php?photo=10313&size=big&cat=500&ppuser=941)


does your pistol grip shotgun have a rifled barrel or smoothbore? How accurate are the sabot slugs out of a smoothbore (if it is smoothbore) I didnt think they would stabilize

PS the Mossberg Maverick 88's have proved to be very reliable. I have sold about 30-40 of them in the past 3 years and cant remember one that has come back with any sort of issue. The only problem with a Mossberg shotgun Ive seen was with a 590 Mariner which would fail to extract with certain ammo types, it was sent in for warranty repair and now functions 100%

[Gateholio]

I've had a Mossberg Maverick for years, I've shot tousands and thousands of rounds through it, it' s been in canoes, on mountians and in the back of trucks....

Notmuch finish left onit,but it still works great. I had to replace one operating arm a few years ago, but now they come with dual arms.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8dc23b3127ccec3106cdf845d00000010O02AaNWrNu4Zsg e3nw4/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

[RiverOtter]

Actually, the first problem I had with the 590, was the barrel started to seperate, just in front of the chamber. I noticed some powder fouling at the chamber/barrel junction and promply called er' a day and put the gun back in the truck....:grin:

The cycling issue was the second and final straw for me. A gun that doesn't instill confidence and reliability, has no place in grizzly country.....

May be I just got the biggest turd Mossberg ever built, I don't know. What I do know is this, I was pretty damn happy when it went to a new home......:mrgreen:

[Stone Sheep Steve]

does your pistol grip shotgun have a rifled barrel or smoothbore? How accurate are the sabot slugs out of a smoothbore (if it is smoothbore) I didnt think they would stabilize

PS the Mossberg Maverick 88's have proved to be very reliable. I have sold about 30-40 of them in the past 3 years and cant remember one that has come back with any sort of issue. The only problem with a Mossberg shotgun Ive seen was with a 590 Mariner which would fail to extract with certain ammo types, it was sent in for warranty repair and now functions 100%

I don't think slugs need to stabilize when they're only travelling 5-20 yds when needed for bear protection.............:wink:......but I could be wrong.:?

SSS

[Gateholio]

I've shot sabot style slugs form a smoothbore 20 guage and they seemed to hit where I pointed at about 30-35 yards. Should work okay for close up stuff.

[todbartell]

I was just wondering if they'd tumble in flight, and how that could effect performance on bone/muscle....Id suspect a 50 caliber bullet hitting sideways may not penetrate too straight, but I could be wrong :)

[hunter1947]

does your pistol grip shotgun have a rifled barrel or smoothbore? How accurate are the sabot slugs out of a smoothbore (if it is smoothbore) I didnt think they would stabilize

PS the Mossberg Maverick 88's have proved to be very reliable. I have sold about 30-40 of them in the past 3 years and cant remember one that has come back with any sort of issue. The only problem with a Mossberg shotgun Ive seen was with a 590 Mariner which would fail to extract with certain ammo types, it was sent in for warranty repair and now functions 100%

todbartell this 580 Rem is dead on up to 40 yards ,this new slug is the only way to go ,if you look at the point coming out from the shell it is just like a bullet ,much straiter path of flight then other slugs.

Other slugs at this distence wonder off more so.

And no my Rem 580 has a smoothbore inside thre barrel.

[Camp Cook]

I don't know about these slugs but I've shot tons of saboted slugs from smooth bore barrels never had one tumble even after penetrating the stumps or fallen logs I shoot into.

They are just not as accurate from a smooth bore.