Sidearm for Black Bear.

[jkthomps]

Yes typically after 7-8 pages you can expect a thread to not be airtight and on topic.  This is normal unless the topic is interesting 

I don't carry a "sidearm" for black bear.  I carry an additional weapon that I can legally hunt bears with.  I hunt archery from September through November.  Bear season is open for all of that.  Why in God's name would I want an underpowered and under-length (barrel) pistol that can only be legally used in self defense to dispatch a bear?

Calibers .357 and .44 magnum because they are better at killing bears.  If shot placement was all that mattered, I'd bring my Ruger Mk III .22lr

  I archery hunt as well and like your "additional legal weapon" concept. Mine sidearm is for crazy people, not bears. I am less worried about bears.

Had this little guy come visit. This is when I prefer bear spray or larger calibers.

[Jonathan_S]

Cute little guy 

I am not worried about bears either or else I wouldn't sleep in the woods as many nights a year as I do.  People can be a concern but I've had more than a few curious bears at nights along with yowling cats.

All that said, I've hunted without a "sidearm" many times and never felt nekked

[Igor]

Yes typically after 7-8 pages you can expect a thread to not be airtight and on topic.  This is normal unless the topic is interesting 

I don't carry a "sidearm" for black bear.  I carry an additional weapon that I can legally hunt bears with.  I hunt archery from September through November.  Bear season is open for all of that.  Why in God's name would I want an underpowered and under-length (barrel) pistol that can only be legally used in self defense to dispatch a bear?

Calibers .357 and .44 magnum because they are better at killing bears.  If shot placement was all that mattered, I'd bring my Ruger Mk III .22lr

You forgot to include .45 Colt, which can do anything the .44 Rem.  magnum can do.  Must have just been an oversight.................

[Jonathan_S]

I do not own a .45 so it wasn't an oversight. 

I could have included .460 S&W or a .500 but I don't own those.   

[tgomez]

To the Op...this is my current "poison"! A S&W 329 44mag. Loaded extra hard, wide meplate checked 300 grainers. Love its light,easily packed weight, and the rounds break bones and travel straight! Have stopped and finished many bear over the years with that load, so 100% confidence!

Nice! Thats a nice piece my friend and a good looking holster to boot!

[tgomez]

Thanks to all who posted a sidearm that they carry and use. It nice to see what other people enjoy to use. I don't know why people get so offended at other people's selections. However, I just wanted to say I am not "afraid" of bear, I carry a sidearm deer hunting to but im not afraid a deer is going to kill me. I don't know why people jump to assumptions, i guess it's something we do naturally as human beings. Not trying to ramble, just wanted to say THANK YOU to all who responded. Didnt mean to start any arguments. Good luck to everyone!

[Jonathan_S]

I think people are wise to assert an opinion when they are trying to provide advice that could help a person to be more protected.

Shopping list for Hunt-Wa:

Thicker Skin

[h20hunter]

I've carried anything from my little .380 to my favorite open carry which is a full size XD in .45acp. I've also carried nothing. Bottome line for me....carry what you can shoot in the conditions you will be hunting in case you need to defend yourself.

[Curly]

It's been a good thread. I've been following along and there has been good discussion.

99.9% of the time I don't pack a handgun. When I do it is a .357 magnum. I did pack it in the Bob Marshall on an elk hunting trip where we saw grizzlies and plenty of griz tracks. I'm sure I was under gunned then even though I had my 300 winmag too.

[Mr.T]

S&W 686 with 2 rounds of .38spl shot for snakes and 5 rounds of .357 bear loads.  Don't like snakes when hunting bear/deer...one close call is all it took.

[mountainman]

S&W 686 with 2 rounds of .38spl shot for snakes and 5 rounds of .357 bear loads.  Don't like snakes when hunting bear/deer...one close call is all it took.

[GameHunter1959]

Can I carry a side arm while archery hunting in the state of Washington?

I have a 44 magnum that was given to me. I have never shot it, but given the predator population is rising; I am going to start carrying a side arm this year.

[superdown]

Can I carry a side arm while archery hunting in the state of Washington?

I have a 44 magnum that was given to me. I have never shot it, but given the predator population is rising; I am going to start carrying a side arm this year.

Yes. They changed the law a few years back.

[GameHunter1959]

Can I carry a side arm while archery hunting in the state of Washington?

I have a 44 magnum that was given to me. I have never shot it, but given the predator population is rising; I am going to start carrying a side arm this year.

Yes. They changed the law a few years back.

Perfect...Thank you

[follow maggie]

HK USP .45 with 230gr FMJ