Camp Gun

[The Wiz]

Exactly what qualifies for a camp Gun. I maybe going camping in bear county and my friend suggested to bring one. I have a .357 six shooter and a .38 S&W with a 6 inch barrel that can handle P+ ammo. Also, what type of ammo.

[Hatchdog]

My advice is to bring the 357 with a good hard cast load such as this Buffalo Bore offering.

https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l ... tail&p=100

A box of 20 should be fine, shoot a cylinder full for a test and carry the rest.

Sounds like a fun trip.

[Mags]

Bear Country...
454 with Freedom Arms 300gr ammo.

[The Wiz]

My advice is to bring the 357 with a good hard cast load such as this Buffalo Bore offering.

https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l ... tail&p=100

A box of 20 should be fine, shoot a cylinder full for a test and carry the rest.

Sounds like a fun trip.

Thanks for the advice. not sure where we are going as it is Surprise trip arranged by him because we are the best buds.

[BigAl52]

10mm semi auto or a 41 or 44 mag

[5shot]

Bear Country...
454 with Freedom Arms 300gr ammo.

I shot mine today. It's getting to the point where in regards to pain it's a toss-up between shooting a stiff 300 grain .454 load and a slapping around by a bear. The "itus" family hasn't been very kind.

To the Wiz... I would agree with Hatchdog.

[GunnyGene]

.357 is a little light for bear, but if that's all you've got it's better than nothing. Ammo wise I agree with hatchdog about hardcast and recommend another source that I've patronized for many years: https://underwoodammo.com/357-magnum-18 ... gas-check/

I'd also recommend getting a chest rig for carry, since if you have to use it you're not going to have time to fumble around to get the gun into action.

Recommend Diamond D for the rig, although there are others if you can't wait a couple months for delivery.

https://www.diamonddcustomleather.com/p ... st-holster

All that said, If I thought there was a good chance of a bear encounter, I'd prefer a good 12 gauge such as the Mossberg Shockwave, loaded with Brenneke slugs.

https://www.mossberg.com/590-shockwave- ... 50659.html

https://www.brennekeusa.com/details/SL- ... 442a1e70e7

[BrokenolMarine]

I was going to suggest a shockwave. I ordered a magnaported barrel for mine, to help with the recoil, and with a good sling you can carry it around camp on your back out of the way, but it's at hand. Streamlight makes a replacement forearm for the shockwave with a built in light that is very powerful. If the bear comes rampaging into camp at night, you don't fumble for a flashlight. I have a sidemounted laser on the shockwave as well, one touch.

Mine is set up for coyotes raiding the coops, but would be perfect for bear.

[BigAl52]

Bear Country...
454 with Freedom Arms 300gr ammo.

I shot mine today. It's getting to the point where in regards to pain it's a toss-up between shooting a stiff 300 grain .454 load and a slapping around by a bear. The "itus" family hasn't been very kind.

To the Wiz... I would agree with Hatchdog.

Ill steal a little comment from the wise old Coop. You are in the 22 part of life 5shot

[Ted124]

Bear Country...
454 with Freedom Arms 300gr ammo.

3" barrel !

[daytime dave]

Just having something capable is better than nothing. Don't stress the exact details unless you are getting something new. I remember our scoutmaster chasing a black bear out of camp with a pot and long handled spoon. He banged it while chasing the bear out.
Grizzly bears are different than black bears. Carry what you can actually carry comfortably.

[DsGrouse]

Something you are accurate with under pressure. My go to camp gun

https://youtube.com/shorts/rExtLIAShto? ... weGNrRm4_H

[Hatchdog]

Something you are accurate with under pressure. My go to camp gun

https://youtube.com/shorts/rExtLIAShto? ... weGNrRm4_H

[Sir Henry]

A 357 would be sufficient for black bear around here. For grizzlies I’d take a Ma Deuse.

[Mags]

... For grizzlies I’d take a Ma Deuse.

um ya, but try putting that in your pocket or holster.

[Vaquero]

In bear country, I'd be carrying the 44 mag Vaquero and the 444P or the newer Trapper.

20260605_120317.jpg (2.79 MiB) Viewed 20 times

RP

[Sir Henry]

... For grizzlies I’d take a Ma Deuse.

um ya, but try putting that in your pocket or holster.

Didn’t John Wayne shoot one from the hip in The Green Berets.

[Mags]

... For grizzlies I’d take a Ma Deuse.

um ya, but try putting that in your pocket or holster.

Didn’t John Wayne shoot one from the hip in The Green Berets.

Ok, but he didn't pull it from his pocket.