Overlanding/Camping Firearm preference

[genocache]

Here is the data I was referring to; You can find more.
Richard, I will agree it is/was the incidents where the bear was "too" close that were failures of both options.

 

[KS_Explorer]

Someone gathered a bunch of data on this one time. Basically it came down to having something that goes bang is usually enough. In 123 reported cases of a handgun being discharged to ward off or kill a bear, a handgun was effective 98 percent of the time (eithe the bear was killed or it stopped doing what it was doing and moved off) with only 3 known "failures" of making the bear stop what it was doing. .44 mag by far had the highest number of reports with all being stopped or deterred, but 9mm was reported in 7 different cases and all were successfully killed or stopped.

Personally, given the option, I'd take a 12ga with some 1oz slugs

I am interested in reading this study, if you can find it.

 

[KS_Explorer]

I am almost always going to bring my EDC (Sig P365 9MM), it will stop most threats in KS. If I am feeling the need for additional security, I am going to bring a Universal Problem Solver (12 ga., Moss. 500 in my case). After that, it depends on where I am camping and what the planned activities are.

Since I am going to be camping in bear country in CO soon, I am considering bringing along an HK VP40 (.40 S&W). After reading some comments, I am probably going to grab some bear spay too.

For those of you who had horrible boating accidents, I feel your loss. Especially those who were transporting their arsenal via kayak, glad you were able to salvage the kayak at least.

Back to a serious note, and I understand the misgivings some people have about this, I recommend getting a CCW (or whatever your state calls it) for reasons of reciprocity. From a current legality standpoint, I am much more free to carry and transport firearms to and through other states. There are other perks here too.

 

[rgallant]

@KS_Explorer Studies are really hard to find but here is one on Bear spray specifically: https://bearwise.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/efficacy-of-bear-spray-smith-et-al.-2010.pdf

This is not a study but is actually pretty helpful Non-Lethal Bear Managment Tools - BearSmart.com

 

[ZombieCat]

I am almost always going to bring my EDC (Sig P365 9MM), it will stop most threats in KS. If I am feeling the need for additional security, I am going to bring a Universal Problem Solver (12 ga., Moss. 500 in my case). After that, it depends on where I am camping and what the planned activities are.

Since I am going to be camping in bear country in CO soon, I am considering bringing along an HK VP40 (.40 S&W). After reading some comments, I am probably going to grab some bear spay too.

For those of you who had horrible boating accidents, I feel your loss. Especially those who were transporting their arsenal via kayak, glad you were able to salvage the kayak at least.

Back to a serious note, and I understand the misgivings some people have about this, I recommend getting a CCW (or whatever your state calls it) for reasons of reciprocity. From a current legality standpoint, I am much more free to carry and transport firearms to and through other states. There are other perks here too.

The best and most comprehensive data regarding bear safety is this book:
Bear Attacks: Their Causes and Avoidance by Stephen Herrero

Proper food storage is the number one preventative measure in bear country. Bear spray is a good defensive tool for persistent or aggressive food-habituated bears. No issues wondering where that round went if you miss, either!j

 

[Arailt]

If you carry a firearm while Overlanding/Camping, what is your preferred type,, caliber, brand, model ?

Yes, type, caliber, brand, model, date of purchase, home address, last four of your SSN...

Kidding. I carry a Glock 19 everywhere, including camping. Not for bears.

 

[CR-Venturer]

I am interested in reading this study, if you can find it.

Now I find this info about 9mm extremely interesting. I previously took a 12 gauge shotgun into the bush, but found it a bit unwieldy. Another option is a folding 9mm carbine, and it sounds like 9mm even from handguns is highly effective, so out of an 18.6" barrel, it should be even more effective.

Food for thought!

 

[rgallant]

@CR-Venturer Get a 12 gauge shorty, 14 in and 12 in barrels are legal in Canada, and pretty inexpensive. 9 mm can work but shot placement has to be pretty perfect, remember stopped can just mean a shot was fired and the bear left the vicinity.

 

[CR-Venturer]

@CR-Venturer Get a 12 gauge shorty, 14 in and 12 in barrels are legal in Canada, and pretty inexpensive. 9 mm can work but shot placement has to be pretty perfect, remember stopped can just mean a shot was fired and the bear left the vicinity.

I have an 18 inch barrel on my 870. I might try to source a short barrel for it. Currently I live in Alberta, so I don't spend as much time in bear country as I used to, so the 9mm carbine is fine for wolves and coyotes on the off chance I have a problem with them.

 

[fstfrd00]

Yes, type, caliber, brand, model, date of purchase, home address, last four of your SSN...

Kidding. I carry a Glock 19 everywhere, including camping. Not for bears.

Springfield, .45, I bought a long time ago,......

 

[genocache]

Learning about bear skulls;

 

[Arailt]

Glock 17 (9mm) or a staccato P and a ar-10, or a 1911 and a ar15.

Nice try, AI.

 

[NoMoreGreen]

Nice try, AI.

lol, AI?

 

[Sparksalot]

It worked for Monty Python.

 

[CR-Venturer]

It worked for Monty Python.

View attachment 279034

Might baffle the bear, or at the least you can toss the bananas as a distraction lol. I'll stick with 12 gauge or 9mm though....

 

[Cypress]

This stuff stays in the truck most of the time.

Phoenix P360S Pepper Gel is close at hand.

Counter Assault 32ft Bear Spray in the door pocket.

Legal Heat app on the phone to keep all the gun laws straight.

Full frame S&W 45 M&P 2.0 stored as needed to stay out of jail.