Polar bear loads...?

[northwesthunter84]

When I was up at the Aplied Physics Ice Station 800 mi. north of coast, the security guys ran pump shotguns. 870’s and 500’s. I would say a good solid slug( hornady monolithic)with a slug barrel but that’s me or a Breneke slug in the 600+ grain (black magic) can be shot smooth bore. They can cover ground way faster than they appear to. Also watch for arctic fox. They are scavengers and potentially indicate a bear nearby. That was part of our safety inbrief.

[bullfisher]

I would be pretty pissed at myself if all I had between me and a polar bear was bear spray, especially in a 20mph wind.
Plus, you just justified a new gun purchase! 

Sign me up for the ruger alaskan in 454, or the S&W 460 bear survival kit..

[fastdam]

  I would bring a rifle.

[boneaddict]

12 gauge alternating slugs, buckshot

[hunter399]

  I would bring a rifle.

Smartest thing I heard all day

[Okanagan]

  I would bring a rifle.

Smartest thing I heard all day

+3

1.  Alaska men I know who have actual experience shooting threatening bears IME don't have much good to say about shotguns or pistols and all choose a rifle. 

2. My personal experience using 00 buck on deer was so underwhelming that I would not use it on a bear if I had any other option.  A finishing shot at a range of 3 feet into the neck under a small buck's ear did not even sever his spine.   It left no outward sign of damage until a couple of drops of blood oozed out from a wound that on parting the hair looked like someone had jabbed a #2 pencil into the neck 9 times within a 2 inch circle.  (Before that experience I had taken a shotgun in my kayak when in grizz country.  No more.)

3.  Rather than buy could you possibly hire a local with a big bore rifle to accompany you and pay attention to bears while you focus on birds?

[Fungunnin]

From a friend who spent several years on the northslope as a LEO. Shotgun with Brenekke slugs or a 45/70 with Buffalo Bore Solids.

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[fliesitdies]

I hunted with a old guy years ago that was a Bear Guide in Alaske and Canada and he said that if you use a hand gun for Bear protection to do your self a favor and    Save the Last Round for Yourself !!!

[700xcr]

If I was in your shoes, I would be packing my 375 Ruger Guide Gun with the Ghost Ring Peep Sight. Shooting my Woodleigh 350gr PP reloads traveling 2390fps.

[carpsniperg2]

I would pick up something like a mossberg in 375 ruger. I can get you one for about 350.00 think maybe savage is doing a cheaper one to that won’t break the bank.

[JakeLand]

Stainless lever action 45-70 with open sights

[Biggerhammer]

 Unless that Polar Bear has his nose up your hindend you better not even think about back handing it!

Go do your picture thing. The natives will take care of the rest.

I've been there for a short hold over, when the fly boys(Air Force)gave us a ride.

[lord grizzly]

My uncle was a guide on kodiak for three decades or better. He always told me the only thing a hand gun was good for with bears was to shoot your self in the head with before he got you. His back up/side arm was a 12 gauge with slugs/buck shot alternated. And he had to use it a few times. Polar bears are no joke, go buy a shot gun

[mountainman]

Stainless lever action 45-70 with open sights

👍 Second that!

[Gringo31]

I think you ask a good question....


BUT,


I also think too many guys around the campfire get talking about different calibers, loads etc and the best thing you bring with you is your head.  Keep it clear, think quick, smart and keep your composure.  Do THAT first, and what you pack with you is secondary.