West side Black Bear sidearm?

[coriantonk]

I have several options for a sidearm and am not sure what one to use.
.45acp
.357mag
or-
.454casull

The question is, is the .454 overkill on a black bear?

[rasbo]

out of those I would use the 454. I like the 44mag 629 classic..Just my opinion

[jackelope]

is there such a thing as overkill to protect yourself?

are you gonna hunt with it or carry it for protection?

more often than not it's the meth maggot tweekers you have to worry about more than the animals.
 

[saylean]

I use a .45acp...but as stated, yes its for bears, but I am more concerned with the meth heads or whatever weirdo I might find out there than bears/cougs.

[cohoho]

Question back to you, which are you a better shot with?  All would be fine, but are you carring it for protection or for hunting?  If for protection, I'd be carring the .45 at least you can pull it quicker and have more rounds on target than the hog leg 454 with probably a long barrel that would take way extra time to pull if needed.  Although hunting, I would carry the 454.  Your choice...

[littlebuf]

i carry my 1911 in 45acp. i have others but im surgical and fast with a 1911 so its the best for me

[JackOfAllTrades]

As a competitive shooter with 1911, I fancy the 45acp on that platform for self defense in urban or close in areas. (out to 50yds or a little more)

In the woods, whether the opponent is a critter or meth head, I prefer something with a little more 'reach out and touch something' capability. Close in, something with a little more knockdown power is certainly not overkill on an aggressor. The .454 or .460 or such in a large frame/short barrel almost defeats the real reason for having a cartridge capable of so much. -To exagerate, like riding the Tour 'D France on a tricycle.  Every short barreled .454/.460/500 I've shot wasn't exactly pleasing to shoot. Still, they weigh in about the same as a longer barreled .357/.41/.44mag revolver. While considerably weaker, the .357mag out a 6" barrel is the minimum for bruins close in. I feel that a 5" Redhawk or 629 in .41 or .44mag fits the bill quite well. I'm glad this thread didn't highlight the 9mm or .40S&W. One not mentioned would be something like a Colt Delta Elite in 10mm. A little more capacity and about the same weight as the magnum revolvers.

What do I carry when Bear hunting the high country?  Rifle... And usually one or the other.. SS Ruger RH 5" .44mag or a Ruger SBH Bisley 7 1/2" .44mag with alternating 300gn Sierra SP's and 250gn Sierra FPJ loaded about as hot as I dare through my guns.

What ever you decide on, make sure you practice with it. Know what you're capable of. Know your limitations. Know the gun/cartridge performance limitations.

-Steve

[littlebuf]

Certainly capable on humans out to 100yds


and the reason you would be shooting at humans in the woods at 100yds would be?

[MountainWalk]

  Why not use your rifle? It's already in your hands.

[JackOfAllTrades]

and the reason you would be shooting at humans in the woods at 100yds would be?

Edited!

[Machias]

Here you go.

[Machias]

or this one.

[follow maggie]

Smile!

[h2ofowlr]

Whatever is light.  Don't want to lug around a hand cannon all day.  Add some excitement to your life a pack a .22 with a dozen 5 shot clips.   

[Huntbear]

I carry my Redhawk .44 Mag.  After carrying it for over 12 years, I do not even notice it on my hip anymore.   I carry it crossdraw style, so it does not interfere with my rifle.