Black bear sidearm

[NewHunter24]

Picked up a M&P Smith & Wesson last year, it's chambered in .40s&w the wife wanted me to pick up something to bring while hunting bears.

Did some research online and people say the M&P can use Hardcast loads and just requires a bit more cleaning. Just looking for an opinion here since when I picked it up last year the guy said it might not be suitable for Hardcast loads.

[Stein]

Buffalo Bore says it's ok, I've heard debates with Glock barrels but not S&P.  Something about polygonal barrels, check out Buffalo Bore's website as they have a couple of articles about it.

I would test it before my life depended on it just like any defensive ammo.  I shoot them in several pistols, both revolver and semi-autos and haven't seen any issues.

https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=54

https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=59

[NewHunter24]

Buffalo Bore says it's ok, I've heard debates with Glock barrels but not S&P.  Something about polygonal barrels, check out Buffalo Bore's website as they have a couple of articles about it.

I would test it before my life depended on it just like any defensive ammo.  I shoot them in several pistols, both revolver and semi-autos and haven't seen any issues.

https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=54

https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=59

Thank you! Was very sick for most of the last season so never got the chance to go out. Just trying to get everything sorted out before the season this year! Looks like its time to try some out and see how they do!

[Stein]

Does S&W say to not shoot them?  I'm looking for a 10mm and that is one I'm looking at.

[NewHunter24]

Does S&W say to not shoot them?  I'm looking for a 10mm and that is one I'm looking at.

Picked it up online as a used police trade in for $300 through cabelas. Was only fired a few times pretty much new no wear on it. When I picked it up I asked if they had any Hardcast in stock or if they carried them. Started talking to him during the process and he mentioned checking if it's capable of running Hardcast through the barrel since he was not 100% sure on it.

Checked a few other places and most people say it just needs to be cleaned a bit more. Figured the hunt wa forums would know for sure though!

[BLDtraLR]

Watch. Hickok45 on YouTube. Good guy alot of info. Shoots some hard cast out of a glock 20 

[ironbuck]

  My M&P 40 shoots underwood  200gr hard cast just fine.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Black bears might be carnivore, but honestly they are just big raccoons.
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I would worry in grizzly county, but honestly...
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Defence?
Only if you wound one.
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Honest, I worry more about cougars ..
Them sneaky *censored*s have actually followed me.
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Whatever you can shoot quick, and accurate.
Or, a 12 guage..
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Nothing beats a shotgun at close range.
Most bears I see look like cubs, and they run away faster than anything.
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I know seeing all the pictures of bears people kill might scare you, but the actual average weight is less than 200 lbs..
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But, I hunt on the coast, and rarely see them.
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Unless they are dead in the back of somebody's truck, and usually around 100lbs, and fit in their cooler.

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I don't carry a sidearm to protect me from bears, but if I need one, my .357 is enough.
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[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

You want to feel secure, carry a 12 guage.
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If the situation ever develops that you need a "back up weapon" .,..
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It's whatever you have in your hand.
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Don't worry about bears, usually if they figure out you are there, they fire up the afterburner.
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Unless you wound one, and then corner it.
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Side arms are more about the 2 legged predators at the trailhead.
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[HUNTIN4SIX]

The best sidearm in a sharp pocket knife. 

We had a joke when I guided in griz country.  The best side arm is a pocket knife.  First you cut off your anatomy.  Throw it to the bear.  Run like crazy.   

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Average person doesn't have the training, or experience to pull a different weapon under duress.
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Let alone reaction time.
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Don't fear the animals in the woods, they don't like you.
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Usually run away at any chance they get.
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You stink, and don't belong.
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Unless you force the fight, they will run.
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Now, if on a blood trail through a blackberry bramble..
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Lead with the muzzle.
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Fire upon target acquisition, and continue until empty.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

They are going to run, just like you would.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

They are going to run, just like you would.

And I was talking about black bears...
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I don't even want to ,"skin a grizz ."
Whole different creature.
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I wouldn't carry my recurve in grizzly county.
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But, no fear of a black bear.
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Unless I already shot it and I'm crawling on my hands and knees through a berry field.
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Tunnels through that crap?
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Then, if you do recover the animal, the blackberry brambles hurt.
Bleeding?
Yep, it's no fun.

[NewHunter24]

Yeah heard they are more scared of you than you are of them & really do not compare to a grizzly at all. Mainly for the big cats, wife said she would feel better if I brought one though plus the thought of walking up to a wounded bear in the thick part of western wa sounds kinda sketchy. 

[Cylvertip]

Yep, cats and two leggeds are the only real concerns on this side of the state. Even sows with cubs have not been an issue for me, and at very close quarters multiple times.   
I wont go into the woods without a sidearm.  This side of the state 9mm with FMJ's or Underwood Xtreme Penetrators .