Back Up Rifle for Alaska Brown Bear

[dross]

A friend wants to bowhunt brown bear in Alaska. I've offered to be his back up. Rifle recommendations?

 

[melensdad]

Marlin 1895G or GS or SBL "Guide Gun" Lever Action in 45-70

Blue >>> Marlin Model 1895G "Guide Gun"
Stainless >>> Marlin Model 1895GS
Stainless SBL >>> Marlin Model 1895SBL

 

[dbd870]

Just from reading posts from guys up there on another site it seems the 12GA is pretty popular as well.

 

[OneBadV8]

M82A1


seriously though, the Marlins listed above would probably do the trick.

 

[fireball168]

As much as I like the Marlin's - they are going to require some love and attention before I'd trust one against something that can bite back.

Still a cost effective way to go though.

CDNN has a special going on the Zavasta built Mauser 98 Remington 799's.

They've got them in 375 H&H, 458 WM - as I recall for $499 and $599 depending on the stock. THESE WILL NEED YOUR LOVE AND ATTENTION TO FEED PROPERLY, SHOULD BE PROPERLY BEDDED AND SLICKED UP, or seek professional help.


You're going to be hard pressed to get into any of these with the tuning required to trust one for less than $1000:

New Haven Model 70's in 375 H&H, 416 Remington, 458 WM
CZ 550 in 9.3x62, 550 Magnum in 375 H&H, 416 Rigby, 458 WM
Steyr ProHunter/Big Bore/Alaskan/African 9.3x62, 375 Ruger, 450 Marlin (My out of the box choice)

 

[Hank in Indiana]

No doubts here, Marlin 45-70.

 

[seamusalaska]

Another vote for the Marlin 45-70.

 

[dtkw]

Bow hunt the brown bears? You'd have to get dangerously close to it to shoot effectively. Reading the American Hunters a few issues ago, a father and son were hunting deer with bow and arrows. Then a Brown bear appeared and attacked the son, the father use his bow and arrow to shoot the bear right next to it. Killing it and saved his son from more injuries.

 

[Redskinsfan]

.30-06 or 300 win mag

I would go with a bolt rifle in .30-06 or 300 Win mag or similar caliber. A bolt rifle will generally be more reliable than lever in bad weather and can be had in much more powerful calibers than .45-70. The .45-70 is powerful only when reloaded to pressures much greater than commercial loads, otherwise it is just a 19th century black powder cartridge. I have a .45-70 and have shot and reloaded for it for over 25 years.

Terry

 

[HandK]

300 win mag gets my vote, or a .50 cal M2

 

[mrjarrell]

I'd take my .300 Win Mag. No sense messing around with something that could very well eat you.

 

[dross]

I have no doubt that a 300 win mag, or even a 30 06 could kill the bear, but I'm talking about if the thing charges at bowhunting ranges. I need him to stop, I can't afford for him just to die later.

 

[dross]

I'd take my .300 Win Mag. No sense messing around with something that could very well eat you.

To hijack my own thread, a couple of questions, as I'm thinking of buying a 300 win mag.

What model do you have?
How accurate is it?
How's the recoil?
What the hell do you use it for in Indiana?

 

[yankeetownboy]

Most alaskan guides suggest shotgun for the average nimrod. Go to Supercub.org and /or Backcountry pilot.org Both have gun sections in their forums. of course there are as many opinons there as any other web forum, but alot of first hand Bear gun knowledge.

jeff

 

[DBH]

I also agree with the Guide Gun in 45-70

 

[mrjarrell]

To hijack my own thread, a couple of questions, as I'm thinking of buying a 300 win mag.

What model do you have?
How accurate is it?
How's the recoil?
What the hell do you use it for in Indiana?

I have an older model Browning BAR, that's much more accurate than I am. The recoil's about what you'd expect, not too bad, tho.Say, 30-.06-ish or less. As for using it in Indiana. I kill paper with it, when I break it out. I got it years ago in a trade and it's just too purty to let go of. That and it's always nice to have something that can reach out to quite a distance, if necessary.

 

[HandK]

I have a BAR & a rem 700 BDL both are very accurate, I took a deer with the BAR at 440 yards in Arkansas, it went down like a lump!! dead before it hit the ground!! around here I just kill paper with it. Recoil is not bad on ether gun but much lighter on the BAR, your ears will ring after you shoot for about ten minutes, that was a shock for me every other gun I have shot a deer with you never hear the shot because of adrenalin I guess but you will with the 300 win mag!!!

 

[baldmax]

When I lived in Alaska, I carried a 12ga that was capable of using 3" shells. 6 slugs should do it. Just no pistol grip, you need to aim. I also carried a ruger Blackhawk 44 mag, but that is last defence.

 

[zoglog]

I say get some claymores and set up a fall back area! I have never been bear hunting but would love to, I think 30'06 is the go to caliber.

 

[Thumper]

Just take Sarah Palin.