Since we determined the best bear gun.......

[Brewhouse]

Personally, I think taking potshots at a predator that isn't acting threatening, as some sort of a "pre-emptive strike" is highly unethical and could end up opening up a big can of worms with the ENR types, especially if you wound or kill a polar bear. You could end up in a lot of really hot water.
Are you using some sort of hard-cast bullets in the -06? I don't think I'd trust an -06 with hunting ammo to stop an angry/hungry polar bear.

Let me clarify, I wouldn't be taking potshots for starters. In five years of flying in the coastal regions I have had many incounters with polar bears and even a baron ground grizzly and I have not fired a shot yet. I have however taken many pictures. You are correct about the hot water with DNR, but I would rather be judged by twelve than carried by six.

[Slats]

Ahh, roger. Agreed.

[Lost Lake]

Don't eat loons is another rule of thumb. (or any other 'fish-ducks')

'48

The secret to cooking loons or gulls is to boil them in a pot with, onions garlic and a rock. Cook for 24 hours, throw the bird out and eat the rock.

[rigpiggy]

Remington also sell a round called an Accelerator. Its a sleeved 22 cal. bullet; in a 06 casing, great for ptarmingan, partridge etc. to keep the belly full.

Can a guy still get those? I was under the impression that they were outlawed. The reason I heard was they were being used for crime since they were untraceable due to the fact that the rifling doesn't actually make contact with the projectile. I would like to get my hands on a few boxes they would come in handy for the reasons you point out.

You haven't been able to get them for many years, besides a 55gr at 4000 fps isn't going to leave much of a bird/rabbit/ground squirrel. If you insist on a 30/06 for bear defense, get a good 220 gr RN or a 180gr X or partition bullet. Find a buddy who reloads, and get him to load some 110 or 130 gr bullets with SR4759/red dot/trailboss etc... or other fast burning powder for about 15-1700 fps. makes a way better small game getter, quieter too.

[Brewhouse]

I currently use a 180 grain Nosler Partition in all my 30cal guns. Great bullet, costs more than most however. I don't do near as much coastal flying now days so the old 06 has been oiled and is in the safe. I picked up a little skeleton 22 single shot a few years ago, only weighs about two pounds and takes down to about twelve inches. The little thing fits an a backpack and should keep a guy eating little critters for as long as one needs.

[Northern Skies]

Try finding 338 Lapua mag ammo in Rankin Inlet.

Sarcasm aside, I believe there is one guy in rankin with a .338LM. Nice guy, too, a true gunnut. Not sure if he would want to share his ammo, but everyone has a price. You should be using your own fireformed, neck-sized brass in a fine rifle like that, anyway!

[Northern Skies]

Firearms are a true reflection of personal preferences. That's why there are so many different choices.

I have an 870 as a "bear gun", but honestly, I never use it. It's been a safe queen. I'm a rifle guy, I shoot rifles all the time. I'm good with them. So, naturally, I bring a rifle. And what else would I drag across the north, banging around in a floatplane, with no spare parts or backup, not caring if it gets dinged up, shooting cheap, available ammo, that I have put 3500 rounds through personally and can smoothly operate in my sleep?

My SKS.

Your mileage may vary. Just pick what's best for you.

[Northern Skies]

Or if our government ever pulls their head out of their a$$es a nice little AR would be a good sidekick.

Agreed, I would say the same for an FN FAL.

But if you really feel that way, have a look at the rightfully non-restricted Robinson XCR.

Edit: an IMI Tavor looks handy for a floatplane too.

[raven54]

Remington also sell a round called an Accelerator. Its a sleaved 22 cal. bullet; in a 06 casing, great for ptarmingan, partridge etc. to keep the belly full.

Can a guy still get those? I was under the impression that they were outlawed. The reason I heard was they were being used for crime

I had no idea ptarmigan were so dangerous, another elderly couple beaten to death with a partridge!

[rigpiggy]

Not outlawed, just really not accurate enough for real varminters. Remington discontinued them more than 10 years ago. As I said, find somebody to reload a box of light loads. these will work for game getters, without destroying too much meat

170g Lead 16.0g SR4759 1400 fps 20g SR4759 1650 fps 31.0g
SR4759
2325 fps 19.0g SR4759 1700 fps 20g SR4759 1650 fps 31.0g
SR4759 2325 fps 3.000 in COAL

[rigpiggy]

Remington no longer makes /catalogs them, however some NOS is available. the company that made the Sabots will sell you them, but you must supply your own bullets, and reload yourself. I found an online distributor, that had a few boxes at 65$/box

[rigpiggy]

hopefully with the old 20$/box price tag

[INVERTEDAV8R]

My favorite bear guns 870 defender or the good ol' .45 acp. Just remember to pull the plug on the 870 and leave the mag loaded with 1 ounce sluggers. If that don't save your arse maybe reconsider where you hang out.

And if we're exchanging duck recipes, here's my favorite:

1 fish duck, coots, teals, or rank mallards will do.
1 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup hot sauce
1/2 cup Montreal steak spice
Marinate for 2 days
BBQ for 4 hours
Bam! Duck jerky!

[Slats]

Really? .45 acp? Pretty anemic round for a full grown bear, no?

[human garbage]

Really? .45 acp? Pretty anemic round for a full grown bear, no?

I'd have to agree. A standard .45 is just going to piss the bear off before he shreds you. You should go .45-08 (.45 in a chopped .308 case a la Gunnar in PG) if really committed to .45. Pistol wise I would go 10mm at a minimum, but that is not really an option anymore as I doubt you would get a carry permit for it. The BC CFO has a hard-on for .44 or bigger and no autoloaders lately. Sucks really because I would love to tote my Glock 20 around if possible.

I always carry the trusty Wingmaster (Dlask 12.5" barrel, Hogue SOP stock) with me. Not really that needed when I'm in the twin, but as another poster pointed out it is like insurance. Carry an assortment of bird, buck, slugs, and flares for versatility. I recently picked up one of the Chinese 870 knock-offs (Dominion Arms) that happens to be mag fed. I'm pretty impressed with how robust it is. It is heavier than the old 870 so I don't know if I would want to carry it, but for three bills and change I wouldn't cry if it got trashed. Worth considering on a budget. I really dig the concept of mags with different loads in them...