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The very first thing it is advisable to learn about bear protection handguns is that if you end up needing to make use of one, issues have gone terribly unsuitable. You must by no means be snug with the concept that the one factor between you and an attacking bear may be a handgun. Even the behemoth .500 S&W Magnum has about half the vitality of a .375 Ruger — which some take into account to be on the lighter finish of the spectrum for stopping a pissed-off brown bear.
A practical means to have a look at bear protection handguns is that they’re higher than nothing. A giant rifle and even slug gun is a correct software for conditions the place a harmful encounter is even remotely seemingly. However for the remainder of the time, a bear protection handgun is a good selection should you can carry it and shoot it proficiently. They’ve been used efficiently to thwart bear assaults every year. Listed below are my greatest bear protection handgun picks:
Issues to Contemplate Earlier than Shopping for the Greatest Bear Protection Handgun
A Bear Protection Handgun Labored If the Assault is Stopped
The metric by which many individuals measure bear-stopping success is a bit fantastical in terms of bear protection handguns. Most individuals think about a bear charging, and the measure of success is whether or not the bear folds to the bottom, sliding as much as their toes or not. The reality is that it in all probability received’t occur like that. Hell, three months in the past I shot a medium-sized inside grizzly operating towards me at 15 paces with a hot-loaded .338 Win. Magazine., and that stable shot to the chest didn’t even take her off her toes instantly. Should you should defend your self from a bear with a handgun, any scenario through which you come out unscathed is a win, even when the bear runs off.
You’ll Should Shoot a Bear Extra Than As soon as
Contemplating that many bear expenses stopped by rifles contain multiple shot, you’re virtually assured to have you ever shoot a bear greater than as soon as with a pistol should you’re compelled to defend your self. Choose a bear protection handgun that’s nimble to deal with, you could apply with, and you could shoot precisely beneath stress. Ammunition capability will be essential. Many keyboard consultants will let you know that you simply’ll solely get one shot off, so energy is what issues. The reality is that the one bear claws most of those of us will ever encounter are stored beneath clear plexiglass and distributed with aluminum tongs. Generally you may get one shot, typically none. Within the warmth of the second although, ammo goes fast.
Due to these info, the 10mm Auto has seen an increase in recognition as a defensive cartridge in bear nation. Some nonetheless favor massive revolver cartridges, however with the best 10mm ammo, the cartridge has confirmed to be efficient in stopping bear assaults.
Learn Subsequent: Charged by a Grizzly: A 10mm Glock (and Serious Practice) Saved My Life
In a current vary take a look at, we shot the 10mm against a light .44 Mag. and proved what many hunters already know: The 10mm is far simpler to shoot shortly and precisely.
The Gun You Have is Higher Than the One You Don’t
To select a bear protection handgun that might be efficient for you, it’s essential to select one which you’ll carry on a regular basis. Having a handgun you could carry and use intuitively with out impeding you within the woods is extra priceless than having a selected caliber or researching ballistic vitality tables. The 9mm loaded with Buffalo Bore hard-cast bullets that you’ve is all the time going to be higher than the cannon you left at camp as a result of it’s a ache within the ass to hold.
Greatest Bear Protection Handguns: Critiques & Suggestions
Glock Gen 5 G20
Glock Gen 5 G20
Key Options
- Caliber: 10mm Auto
- Capability: 15+1
- Barrel: 4.6 inches
- Body: Polymer
- Optics Compatibility: Glock MOS optic mounting system
- Worth: $700
There are two main camps in terms of handguns for bear protection—massive bore wheelguns and nimble semiautos—and the Glock G20 is the poster baby of the second. Over the previous decade it has turn out to be the preferred backcountry carry pistol, seemingly by a large margin. Whereas some take into account a .44 Magnum revolver to be the minimal for a bear safety handgun, the 10mm G20 has confirmed itself as not solely a succesful assault stopper, however a regular for backcountry carry. The new Gen 5 G20 has a couple of enhancements and the identical nice efficiency.
Like different Glock Fashions, the G20’s magnificence is its simplicity. It’s a polymer-framed, semi-automatic pistol with a 15+1 spherical capability. Till not too long ago, it was the one generally out there double stack 10mm on gun retailer cabinets. It includes a 4.61-inch barrel, is simple to shoot, and runs with unquestionable reliability.
Early Glock 10mm barrels didn’t have nice case head assist and earned a repute for catastrophic failures on high-pressure 10mm hundreds. In any Gen 4 or newer Glock G20, that’s not one thing you’ll have to fret about. You’ll be able to safely fireplace manufacturing facility ammo like Buffalo Bore, Underwood, and others. Glock barrels do are likely to accumulate lead fouling with hard-cast bullets, simply apply with copper-jacketed ammo and clear your bore properly after capturing forged bullets.
Learn Subsequent: Best Glocks, A Complete Guide to Glock Pistols
Springfield XD-M Elite 3.8-inch Compact OSP
Springfield XD-M Elite 3.8-inch compact OSP
Key Options
- Caliber: 10mm Auto
- Capability: 11+1 or 15+1
- Barrel: 3.8 inches
- Body: Polymer
- Optics Compatibility: Springfield plate adapter system
- Worth: $780
The recognition of the 10mm Auto as a backcountry and bear protection handgun cartridge has introduced numerous consideration and variety to the choices on this specific class. Some of the versatile 10mm pistols within the pack is the XD-M Elite 3.8-inch Compact OSP. Its mannequin title is a mouthful, however this compact 10mm brings the products.
Because the title signifies, it’s a compact 10mm pistol with a 3.8-inch barrel. It includes a detachable magwell and comes with 11-round magazines. It’s additionally appropriate with Springfield’s sleeved 15-round magazines to match the capability of the G20. In general dimensions, it’s practically an identical in dimension to Glock’s compact 10mm, the G29. Nevertheless, the Springfield is rather more forgiving to shoot. It comes normal with an optics minimize and detachable plate, however can be out there with Springfield’s Hex Dragonfly crimson dot sight. I’ve settled on a Leupold Delta Point Pro for mine.
After reviewing this pistol, I purchased it. You’ll be able to read the full review here. I’ve carried it since then and have round 2,000 rounds by way of the gun with out a lot as a hiccup. I eliminated the magwell and located that it improved the grip for me. The gun could be very controllable with full-house 10mm hundreds, particularly utilizing a GoGun Gas Pedal takedown lever, and I discovered that I solely lose about 75 toes per second of velocity in comparison with a 5-inch aftermarket G20 barrel with sizzling bear hundreds.
Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0
Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0
Key Options
- Caliber: 10mm Auto
- Capability: 15+1
- Barrel: 4 inches
- Body: Polymer
- Optics Compatibility: S&W adapter plates
- Worth: $610
A 10mm addition to the Smith & Wesson M&P line is a welcome sight for M&P followers searching for a bear protection handgun. Constructed on the M&P 2.0 .45 ACP body, the M&P 2.0 10mm includes a full-size grip, 15+1 spherical capability, and a 4-inch barrel. It options glorious grip texture and ergonomics, an ambidextrous slide cease, and reversible journal catch button, making it lefty pleasant. This gun additionally comes optics-ready and consists of a number of mounting adapter plates.
I examined and reviewed the M&P 2.0 10mm, then ran one other one arduous at our Best Handguns of 2023 take a look at. It’s correct, dependable, and has in all probability one of the best grip contour and texture of any manufacturing facility polymer 10mm. For optimum match, it consists of the usual interchangeable M&P grip modules for a thinner or fatter grip. The stippling texture doesn’t slip simply, even with sweaty fingers.
The M&P 2.0 10mm has a bit snappier recoil than the G20, however the safe, snug grip makes it manageable. A giant benefit for a sensible bear protection handgun is coaching and familiarity. Should you’re already carrying or capturing an M&P pistol, it is a nice possibility for the backcountry.
FN 510 Tactical
FN 510 Tactical
Key Options
- Caliber: 10mm Auto
- Capability: 15+1, 22+1
- Barrel: 4.71 inches
- Body: Polymer
- Optics Compatibility: FN optic adapter plates
- Worth: $1,000
This previous yr, FN USA introduced one other strong, reliable 10mm semi-auto to the market: the FN 510 Tactical. The 510 is predicated on the smaller 509 collection and is a full-sized pistol that’s versatile, user-friendly, and completely ambidextrous. It comes with a regular 15-round and an prolonged 22-round journal that provides it unparalleled capability for a 10mm.
I examined the 510 extensively and wrote a full review, however shooters who’re conversant in the 509 collection received’t discover any surprises right here. The pistol has a long-pulling double-action set off and tall sights—the rear sight is protected against affect by a wing on both sides. The 510 Tactical has a 4.71-inch threaded barrel that may accommodate a suppressor or compensator, and the slide is optic prepared. It’s an enormous pistol, however sensible for the woods, particularly for anybody who already shoots FN pistols properly.
Glock G29 Gen 5
Key Options
- Caliber: 10mm Auto
- Capability: 10+1 rounds
- Barrel: 3.78 inches
- Body: Polymer
- Optics Compatibility: Iron sights solely
- Worth: $550
The Glock G29 is the unique sub-compact 10mm pistol, and this pint-sized powerhouse has endurance. The Gen 5 model doesn’t function the MOS optic mounting system that a few of the different fifth technology Glocks have, nevertheless it does share a few of the favorable enhancements over earlier fashions. First, the annoying finger groves have been ditched, and the grip options the raised stipple texturing that may simply be improved with residence stippling. The pistol has extra backstrap items which might help the pistol suit your hand higher — significantly you probably have massive fingers. The Gen 5 G29 has ambidextrous slide cease levers and each entrance and rear cocking serrations.
There isn’t room to your pinkie on this little grip, and it’s not very nice to shoot. Nevertheless, an excellent compact pistol will be fairly useful to hold, and with apply, you should utilize if successfully in an emergency — particularly in a holster that’s under or attached to your bino harness. I’ve a buddy that opts to hold a G29 over the full-sized G20 when guiding hunters within the mountains of Alaska, and he’s sucessfully fended off at the very least one shut, fast-charging grizzly bear with it.
Taylor’s & Co. 1911 A1 FS Tactical II
Taylor’s & Co. 1911 A1 FS Tactical II
Key Options
- Caliber: 10mm Auto
- Capability: 8+1 rounds
- Barrel: 5 inches
- Body: Parkerized Metal
- Optics Compatibility: Iron sights solely
- Worth: $720
Together with polymer pistols, the sphere of excellent 1911 pistols chambered in 10mm Auto has grown in recent times. Excessive-end 1911’s aren’t low-cost, and plenty of high quality ones in 10mm will price properly over $1,000. A few of these are nonetheless finicky. Taylor’s & Co. has been importing some finances 1911 pistols which have impressed us—particularly in our 2023 1911 test. I’ve had the prospect to shoot their 10mm M1911 A1 FS Tactical II mannequin, and have been happy with its efficiency.
I haven’t had a single malfunction with the pistol but, and its primary function set is in step with the finances value. It has Wilson Fight-style grips, a magwell, ambidextrous safeties, a Novak-style adjustable rear sight, and a bull-profile barrel. The set off is fairly good and the end is best than different 1911 imports on this value vary. Mine handles a wide range of bear protection hundreds properly, and for somebody who’s a 1911 die-hard, it is a stable possibility.
Sig Sauer P320 XTen
Sig Sauer P320 XTen
Key Options
- Caliber: 10mm Auto
- Capability: 15+1
- Barrel: 5 inches
- Body: Polymer
- Optics Compatibility: Optic minimize, Romeo 2/Trijicon RMR sample
- Worth: $799
Selection is an efficient factor in terms of bear protection handguns, and Sig Sauer’s new P320 XTen is a welcome addition to the market of 10mm handguns. The P320 collection options largely 9mm fashions, and has turn out to be an enormous winner for Sig. That is partly due to its versatility. The XTen is an up-sized model that brings the P320 traits that many shooters like.
The XTen matches the capability of hottest 10mm bear protection pistols and comes with two 15-round metal magazines. The polymer body is barely bigger than the full-size 9mm X-frames however options the identical snug ergonomics and grip texture. It has a flat set off shoe and no set off security. Mounting a light-weight in your bear protection handgun is a big plus, and the XTen has a protracted 5-slot accent rail. The 5-inch barrel offers a slight enhance in velocity and an extended sight radius than most different polymer 10mm’s.
I’m within the means of testing and reviewing an XTen now, and I’m liking it. I’ve discovered it to be very snug and manageable to shoot. I at the moment carry a P320 9mm each day, and the an identical ergonomics and grip angle translate very properly throughout each weapons. I haven’t encountered any reliability points up to now, and it’s reminding me why I just like the P320 platform.
Learn our full assessment of the Sig Sauer P320 X-Ten.
Colt Python 3-inch
Key Options
- Caliber: .357 Magnum
- Capability: 6
- Barrel: 3 inches (longer barrels out there)
- Body: Polished stainless-steel
- Optics Compatibility: Iron sights solely
- Worth: $1,499
Regardless of the modern recognition and perceived benefits of semi-autos as one of the best bear protection handguns, wheel weapons nonetheless see loads of use within the area. Many people nonetheless take into account them the one dependable possibility. Though not massive by magnum revolver requirements, the .357 Magnum has lengthy been used right here in Alaska as a bear protection cartridge and was championed by long-time Fairbanks bear protection class teacher Joe Nava. With heavy hard-cast loads, it penetrates deep and is akin to the 10mm Auto. I as soon as needed to shoot a “useless” black bear with a .357 when he stood up lower than 5 yards away, and I’ll say that the efficiency was lots satisfactory.
There are a lot of nice choices for .357 Magnum revolvers—the Ruger GP100 for instance—however my choose could be the Colt Python in a 3- or 4-inch configuration. I reviewed the 3-inch mannequin earlier this yr and was smitten. You’ll be able to read that review here. This six-shooter seems unbelievable, but in addition performs. The brand new Colt Python fashions are constructed to be as near the unique designs as attainable, with some added mass within the upper-rear portion of the body for added power.
The match on the brand new Colt Python 3-inch is tight, and operation is butter-smooth. You’ll lose a contact of velocity on the 3-inch barrel mannequin, however I consider the comfort of carry to be value it. It rides properly in a chest holster and could be very controllable throughout double-action capturing.
Smith & Wesson Model 629
Smith & Wesson Mannequin 629
Key Options
- Caliber: .44 Magnum
- Capability: 6
- Barrel: 6 inches
- Body: Polished stainless-steel
- Optics Compatibility: Iron sights solely
- Worth: $1,100
For giant bear protection handguns, the Smith & Wesson 629 is tough to beat. Many laud the .44 Magnum as actual bear medication, and it’s received loads of energy for a bear protection handgun—so long as you keep in mind that it’s nonetheless not a rifle.
The 629 is a wonderful revolver. Its stainless-steel construct is made to be subjected to the weather widespread in bear nation. The 4-inch and 5-inch fashions are 9.5 and 10.5 inches in general size respectively, they usually have a very good stability of barrel size and dealing with for a .44. It’s a fairly snug revolver to shoot and holds 6 rounds of .44 Magnum or .44 Particular. The rubberized grip is good for moist situations and makes sharp recoil extra tolerable.
Should you’re prepared to place within the apply, heavy .44 Magnum hundreds can provide you an edge in penetration over less-powerful cartridges just like the 10mm, however you’ve solely received 6 pictures, so make them rely. The 4-inch Mannequin 629 will weigh about 4 kilos loaded, so ensure you have a snug method to carry it. Though the Mannequin 329 PD is far lighter (and a very good revolver too), the recoil is completely punishing, and also you’ll be arduous pressed to get something on-target after the primary shot. The Mannequin 629 is a greater stability of ease-of-carry and recoil manageability.
Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan
Ruger Tremendous Redhawk Alaskan
Key Options
- Caliber: .44 Magnum
- Capability: 6
- Barrel: 2.5 inches
- Body: Polished stainless-steel
- Optics Compatibility: Iron sights solely
- Worth: $1,200
Should you’re searching for powerful and reliable, Ruger’s Tremendous Redhawk revolvers are a very good place to begin. These double-action massive bore revolvers have lengthy been widespread in Alaska, and I carried one chambered in .480 Ruger with a 7.5-inch barrel till I received uninterested in lugging the factor round. The Tremendous Redhawk Alaskan is basically a chopped-down 2.5-inch barreled model. That makes it considerably extra handy to hold than the full-size mannequin.
Though there are a couple of larger revolver cartridges on the market, I take into account the .454 Casull to be a very good high finish selection for a bear protection handgun. With uncommon exception, something larger is just a novelty. The .454 is difficult sufficient to shoot properly, and even the larger cartridges nonetheless aren’t as much as the extent of a rifle. Like .44 Magazine/.44 Particular, you possibly can apply with .45 Colt cartridges, and save the recent (and costly) stuff for the sphere. Simply you’ll want to hold on while you contact it off.
Though you sacrifice important velocity by blowing a very good portion of your powder out the tip of that brief 2.5-inch barrel, the convenience of carry is what makes this revolver sensible. Revolvers that get left within the truck or within the cabin whilst you’re doing chores are not any good. The Tremendous Redhawk Alaskan is without doubt one of the most carry-friendly big-bore revolvers. Its rubbery grip makes it fairly rattling tolerable to shoot too.
Learn Subsequent: Types of Pistols, a Beginner’s Guide
Remaining Ideas on the Greatest Bear Protection Handguns
There isn’t a single greatest bear protection handgun for everybody. It’s essential to know that even one of the best or strongest handgun falls properly in need of an enormous rifle’s energy. A bear assault is assured to be a dynamic encounter with innumerable variables, like how fast the bear can run and what sort of terrain you’re on.
What’s sure is that if you wish to have an actual likelihood to cease a bear assault with a handgun, it is advisable to be carrying it—even while you don’t anticipate an encounter. You might want to carry it in order that it may be drawn shortly and simply. One other certainty is that you simply want to have the ability to draw and shoot precisely. Selecting a handgun that you simply’re snug and proficient with is best than simply chasing energy. Lastly, practice along with your bear protection handgun like your life will depend on it, as a result of it’d.
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