The BEST GRIZZLY BEAR Defense 

I've carried a Ruger Alaskan 4", .460 S&W magnum, 500gr hardcast round nose, in a chest rig for years and had to use it twice on grizzlies and wouldn't even consider carrying anything else.

Few more tips if in Alaska. (1) NEVER EVER follow a bear, wounded or otherwise, into an Alder patch. Its a TRAP! To a human Alders are like steel bars, to a grizzly like toothpicks. They intentionally will try to lead you into the alders because their trails get tighter & tighter & they've already circled around to ambush you following their trail & will hit you from the side. (2) Bears ALWAYS die with their eyes OPEN. If theyre closed after being shot theyre bluffing just trying to get you closer to finish you off. (3) A bears red blood cells are HUGE & carry a lot of oxygen. Even with their hearts/ lungs shot clean out they can still get you several minutes after they been hit. Give em LOTS of time to die before approaching them. Id recommend time enough to smoke TWO cigarettes. ( My method, thats how long it takes ME to quit shaking after an attack.) (4) An enraged bear is a totally different critter than a calm bear is. Their "rage" switch can/ does go off/ on like a light switch. Wish i could tell you theres some sure predictor but far as i know, there isnt. Never known anyone who could & ive known a lot of bear experts. ( 5) Ive had 2 bluff charges that stopped only 3 feet away before they stood up, watched me wet myself & walked away. In both thoes they ran at me w their heads up high like a dog playing w you. The KILL attacks were w heads barely off the ground & their eyes locked & coming in hot. If you hear the " Death roar" theyre NOT bluffing. They fully intend to kill you. When my mentors told me about it they both laughed. Said. " Dont worry, youll know it when you hear it." And they were RIGHT! Theres so much anger & rage in that roar its unmistakable. Ive heard it 3 times. Both grizzly attacks & the BIG Black bear attack. Never want to hear it again. (6) Black bears ARE natural man-eaters. Once theyre as tall as you standing up your on their menu. Usually sneaky assed Stealth hunters. Like to silently sneak up behind you & go for the head/ spine first to paralize & then eat you alive. Anybody who thinks blackies are harmless is ignorant. (7) THE #1 favorite bushmans rifle is the lever action 45/70 w HOT bear loads. True, its heavier ( esp. fully loaded) than most hunting rifles but it has the bear stopping thump & magazine capacity for a multiple bear attack & its WAY faster than any bolt. W flip up ramp sights good out to 800 yards, when folded flat good out to 200 easy w the hot bear loads. If zero @ 100 the drop at 200 is only 5 inches. ( 420 grain WFNHC. @ 2100 FPS.) Buffalo Bore loads a bit hotter. 430 grain WFNHC. @ 2300 FPS. BUT, you will NEED a super max kickpad or it WILL hurt you. NO damned scope in bear country!! Up close all you'll have tome for a a look down the bbl & center mass the charging bear. It WORKS!

dude does his research, got a grizzly bear to learn its behavior, thats nuts

Great, great training. The only reservation I had was with the Marine flare. But I guess in snow country it is fine, but it would have been nice to mention it in the video about liability of starting a forest fire and millions in damage/ homes lost, possibly lives lost just to scare a bear away.

The Kenai is part of my bear defenss, paired with the G40, a holosun on top, a light, and the 220gr hard cast bear loads from underwood

If the flare didn’t scare the bear away the ensuing forest fire would.

Awesome video, I get into massive debates with all my buddies who are big "gun" and hunting guys that legitimately think that just because they have a firearm in the woods they have their defense ready. I tell them to carry spray and a firearm. They hardly ever train quick draw shooting and they get super mad at me when I tell them their not gonna hit the broad side of a barn when a bear is charging them they should probably invest in bear spray as well. Haha love the term "two is one, one is none"

My Primary Brown Bear Defense Deep Woods Defense Ruger-Marlin 1895 GBL 45-70, 576 grain Black Butterfly Ammo , Secondary 3 in rotation 1. Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan 480, Hornady 400grain hardcast, Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan 44mag, Buffalo Bore 340grain +P+. Last Glock 29 w Xgrip full G20mag, Underwood 220grain hardcast.

Intresting! Nobody talks about a charging moose, yet I know two people personally that have been charged by moose in Achorage. Seems locals are more concerned with moose, then bears!

I find it interesting that 10mm has gained such wide adoption for Grizzly defense. For years even stout loads of .357 Mag have been considered anemic for Grizzly. Yet now 10 mm which is ballistically in the same ballpark as .357 Mag is suddenly considered ok. And most commercial 10mm are loaded down to .40 SW specs, with even stout loads like Buffalo Bore warning about shooting in Glocks for their unsupported chamber design. People cite the magazine capacity as the tipping point, but most Griz attacks happen so fast rarely is the defender able to get more than a few shots off. Also semi autos have more restrictions on bullet design than a revolver which will allow for greater meplate and penetration than what can be used in an auto. And what happens when the bear is at contact and now all you can do is shove the muzzle into the bear and pull the trigger. Try that with a semi auto without a standoff device and you are lucky to get one shot off before the slide is out of battery and the gun is out of action. It’s just a curious change in conventional wisdom. In the end I guess competence and confidence outweigh ballistics and if you are competent and confident in your semi auto you are better off than incompetent and less confident in the most powerful revolver.

Watching this when in about 2 weeks I'm gonna be doing seasonal work in yellowstone is wild. I was highly debating on taking my gun but now I am certain I will be taking my gun lol

Before watching this video I’ll make this comment. For a grizzly bear defense if I’m limited to only handguns (+ bear spray hopefully) I would probably prefer 460 Roland as long as they figured out the hollowpoint expansion/penetration and reliability through platforms aside from 1911s. Usually it’s a conversion kit from a Glock 21 to 460R I believe or .45 super which I’ve only seen in 1911 that had reliability issues. All that said, I would prefer a 10mm loaded with 180-200gr Buffalo Bore or Underwood 200gr. Preferably a hand loaded batch of Hornady custom XTP 180-200gr

Great job guys 😊 Nice seeing Caleb.. he definitely should have more subscribers than he does ❤ New subscription

Where I hunt North Idaho its brutally steep and I’ve opted lately to NOT carry my 10mm’s, Bear spray and only carry a 5rnd mag of .308 in my rifle but….had a run in last year that was a Jesus moment and all Jesus did was chuckle over my weight saving ‘strategy’ lol. What I’ve heard/learned is they give zero warnings so when its your time just like sharks while surfing….it’s your time!!

I love this guy !! So having a 9 footer , head and all on the bed in the other room is a constant reminder of the machine that these things are. Also , the same day that one went down there were three of us , guide included , standing at the kill when a young bear decided to make his presense and his ferocity known . However much time you think you have , you simply dont . Whatever it is you think youre gonna do ? You arent . Nothing prepares you for how fast they close that gap on bluff. This training would have been awesome to have before my experience with these animals. I will ad a couple of things , one of which was touched on here and that is. Im not sure any foot work is the best use of the limited time you have the risk of tripping or falling on terrain is great as well . This bear is on a rail and he isnt tracking you as a live bear would be and these old boys are a hell of alot better at running you down than you are at running away. Creating distance is just the first natural instinct but I feel its a waste of time and that shot placement is whats going to save you , not the foot work. Watching some of the guys videos that does the "Death at my feet" thing in africa kinda reinforces that opinion. You can survive an attack if you brought the right tools and have the nerve to use them as affective as they can be used. The second thing is vigilance . Not presenting yourself on a platter for Mr Brown in the first place . I havnt been all over Bear country but the parts I have been in up in Alaska are certainly to the bears advantage and when those thoughts get in your head its a downright creepy place to be. Avoid close proximity to good bear cover and avoid being distracted from the fact that you came to a place where you are NOT the top of the food chain and the critters that live there make a carreer out of killing. Last but not least and something I dont hear mentioned much in any Grizz related stuff is that these Bears are looked after in most states . They are protected , What the guide said to us that day the young bear closed that gap on three guys with rifles stuck with me . "Ive got him if need be , remember that if we return with another dead bear and none of us have teeth marks on us , were gonna be in deep shit"......Guide carried a big bore iron sighted carbine.. Love the video guys...

I live in Wyoming and attended the game and fish bear clinics, wind affects bear spray along with humidity and or rain. During the bear clinic they told us a story about a experienced hunter that was jumped from behind, his rifle was shouldered on a sling, he couldn't employ his rifle, nor would he have been able to employ a pistol in a chest rig with the full weight of the bear pinning him to the ground. The hunter wasn't being hurt because the bear was tearing at his pack, he eventually got to his bear spray, buried his face in his other arm. And blastedthe spry over his shoulder ending the attack. I always carry bear spray and a 10mm, however the pistol isn't in a chest rig, I carry it in a thigh holster. I'm not saying one carry position is better than any other, just something to think about

A fat buddy who runs slower than you is the best defense.

I say no thanks to near spray. I don't want any defensive tool that can be defeated by wind. I don't want the wind to blow back on me and now I've just seasoned the bears next meal

First time I’ve seen these guys, love the video!

There is a reason many people carry snubs for bear guns. That extra barrel length slows the draw and aiming down. Yeah you lose velocity but you get more shots off. Also you wouldn't want hollows, you want hard cast bullets for penetration.

Great top notch video guys

I want 1000% agree both I also carry both, we have grizz and cats here I've been carrying revolver forever now. But i have considered a 10mm because of the capacity and Power recoil as well. The shoot nice I haven't decided yet tho

Great stuff! Surprised at the lack of lanyards though.

Ok, that’s not how you use bear spray. You don’t try to actually spray the bear at distance, you’re supposed to spray side to side to create a wall between you and the bear.

I lived in Alaska for 14 years. 45-70 was my preferred rifle. Cannot go wrong with a 12 guage. I later had a 454 casull in a bandolier. I was bluff charged once. I never had to fire in self defense. Make a lot of noise and most likely will be fine. If hunting and must remain quiet, then move as slow as possible to not frighten or surprise a bear. Bears run at you like a dog. Its not straight. They lean to one side or another. What you want to aim at is that leading front shoulder. Their hide and bones are thick. If you aim for that shoulder, it will slow them or possibly stop the attack. It is important to learn this while hunting moose or blacktail deer in southeast. Gun shots are sometimes a dinner bell for bears. This is for brown bears. Blackbears can be vicious, though i have never seen it. Pretty much any firearm will work on them. Shot placement is always key. I have heard .357 is just fine.

I hate revolvers but they offer the best calibers for bear defense

An important disclaimer…. No tight pants was harmed during the filming 😂😂 jokes aside… this was superb information… also ole boy took that bear spray to the face while dudes were coughing and gagging 😂. My choice would be the 10mm….. I use to think revolver but seeing if the bear was up close whipping out the law rocket to shoot 300+grain tomahawks would be less than ideal… more rounds on target with the semi auto.

Casull....300gr HP at 1800fp is bear slapping medicine with quick follow up at manageable recoil..

I’ve met more than one Chaplin who was pipe-hitter prior to become a man of the cloth. 75th, Group, and one who may have been CAG 😊

Using a flare as defense is only reasonable in the snowy winter months. Though Bears are Hopefully Hibernating. Forest fires are a thing in Montana.

Not gonna lie with a charging gizz, i want full auto M2 .50 bmg nothing short

Good, Thx

Any training is better than none, but this is still just target practice. At this range and speed (which is slow for a grizz) unless you hit the CNS it will still plow into you and maul you until it's blood pressure drops low enough to stop it.

The longer barrel revolver had to much holster angle , a flatter carry angle like the short barrel would have made the times closer.

marine flare for the win

Before the video, I'm gonna ask; Which do you have more time with?

As a traveler of our great nation and a former Marine and Law Enforcement instructor, I’m confident. Maybe overconfident! I need to relearn! I NEED THIS COURSE. SERIOUSLY! Btw, how would a .40 do????

Best way, don’t be where grizzlies are at

I'd love to go to Idaho to do their courses.

Ruger Redhawk 4.2 in 45 LC. Guides Choice Chest Holster. Ashley Emerson's Garrett 365 gr or 405 gr SuperHardCast Hammerheads @ 1250 fps.

I heard stories about 10mm not able to stop a bear fast enough. With several shots bear can still charge at you.

Short barreled 12ga is the answer for general hiking and fishing in Brown Bear or Grizzly country. I grew up in SE Alaska. The only guys that carry handguns are from out of State. Not as convenient, but vastly superior. I now live in Idaho and have a 329pd in .44 mag for backup during archery. I caved for convenience.

Thank you for what you do! Soli Deo Gloria 👍🏽

I want to attend this course so badly 🤘🏼

Do you guys plan on making the Canik Mete SFX available in the light bearing model of the spectre shoulder holster anytime soon? It’s the only thing holding me back from buying one as I don’t want to remove my light

Diablo 12 gauge handgun. Buy online, no ffl needed. Load with 120 grains black powder and a 12 gage slug. You have two shots. GO!

Wouldnt the 21’ rule apply in Grizzly situations? Are you required to be charged? Or if they enter a certain zone you are allowed to defend? Just curious.

Also, these guys have way more practice with semi autos, so they are gonna shoot that platform by default.

FYI my bro was charged by a grizz and it took 3 shots from a 300win mag…

Bear spray or other non-lethal weapon will help you if you find yourself between bear cub and his mom

I'd go with the Revolver.

I practice bear defense drills often and one technique/ habitat I try is too drop down on one knee when pulling my firearm this is to get a straight on shot because when standing and shooting at a charging bear the angle makes it hard to get a accurate shot and get deep penetration. I know it's hard to get down eye level with a charging bear but if you don't deter the bear your going to be on the ground anyway but now with a bear ripping you apart.

I often think the ultimate bear defense gun at close range would be one of those 10mm MP5 submachine guns the FBI had in the 1980's. A 30 round mag and full auto should do the trick. To bad we mere peons cannot have something like that.

Hide/skin thickness vs caliber vs ballistic bullet speed vs stress

21:00 the solids ricocheted...

Somebody should invent a powerful stun gun for bear defense? 🤔

It seems to me that a manufacturer might build a large caliber carbine for this backwoods market.

... Do proper preparation when planning to be in bear country ,, know your weapon(s) and capability ,, remember a bear focused on you is not going to be a straight line rush , they also can pivot and stay on target ... One or two hits may or may not stop the attack ... Have heard of two hunters with a local skilled guide that shot a large Grizzly ,, Guide requires you to sit and smoke a pack of cigarettes before approaching the downed bear ... They didn't show up back at camp when expected and another couple guides went to search ,, found a dead bear and three dead hunters .... Seems even when shot multiple times the nervous system of the bear didn't know it was dead ... completed task at hand ...

Wow …you have like no time at all. And if you do get the shot, it’s super close and you have 800lbs slamming into you

Some experts say that ultra loud air horns can be effective.

Curious why hip holsters weren’t tested. Noticed y’all had to use two hands to effectively pull the pistols from either holster. A smaller gun you can fire accurately is better than a big gun you can’t shoot accurately.

The rolling bear targets won't continue to steamroll you over after they have been shot ...

And, this was stating at the bear consudering if it would charge. Imagine your back turned not knowing the bear is there.

The barrel on the Colt 44 magnum is WAY TO LONG. Try a 3 inch

Big heavy bullets that create massive blood loss.

Brown bears are ambush predators so you may need to draw after being knocked down. The shorter barrels are definitely a better choice.

Always be beside someone who runs slower than you

The Tactic site doesn't mention the bear defense class.

12 ga. 00 buck / slug

The best Grizzly bear defense? A BAZOOKA! Next question?

Those chest rigs kinda suck for big guns. I run a hip holster, it's faster.

They dont make auto loaders in .454

What happens when a forest fire is started from that flare?? I think that is a bad idea, and borderline useless.

... assuming you have had an armed confrontation with a Grizzly with an attitude problem and were successful in defending your life to the fatal detriment of the attacking bear ... this begs the question that nobody ever answers ... what the heck do you do with 400 or so pounds of Grizzly meat???? ... any good Grizzly recipes??

You are only going to have "One option". Better chose wisely.

Dumb question! Do you want 6 rounds or 15?

If a bear is charging me an my dog I'm not betting my life on six shots regardless of hard large they are.😅

Why a 6 inch? Who would carry that in a chest rig where your range of motion is limited? Why not go for the 4 inch or even 3 inch?

So why are you guys removing legitimate comments?

You should try pneumonia it don’t really knock you down

Why do some guys think it looks good to wear such unnecessarily tight pants, especially pants that aren't supposed to be just for looks? Those types of pants are designed with all those pockets and reinforced, double-stitched knee pads, those guys would be lucky if they could take a knee without cutting off the circulation to one leg or fit anything more than a couple of credit cards and a driver's license in those pockets that are meant for stuff lik a Leatherman.

Bazooka

Lol they make it sound like you need to pay money and do training to go in the woods lol i hope most men like me been shooting and in the woods growing up right ive never needed training and ive been all over hiking and living in 🐻 country. Training is good for the range they have set up but i suggest what there actually doing which on you tube you can get all fundamentals and than practicing at home you to can become a way more confident shooter .the point is you dont need to pay for training in order to be prepared for the threat .

This why I carry 357 mag and 10mm. I think that's a better comparison. 357 is actually arguably better than 10mm similar recoil.

I saw a while back a movie called,White Ghost I BELIEVE. It was a TRUE story about a Bad @$$ minister,that picked up an AK an a BIBLE, and put the Lord and his talent to use. Would love to sit with you some day.

🤘 😁 🤘

Obviously semi is better but not as reliable so reply just up To you

🤘

A flair in the woods I don't think so. Just what we need more forest fires.

All I can hear is dude chewing gum

Words from my friend who is a Grand Master. "Only an idiot would carry a semi-auto in bear country."

This is a stupid video. The real question is, which one’s going to work more often. Are you more likely to get a jam with the revolver? I didn’t think so.

Stopped listening when I heard "i don't aim for the head cuz it'll skip off the skull". So so silly. Keep your little 10mm semi autos. .454 casull or .460sw all day every day I'm sure this comment will be removed so.... 😉

No idea why people think this so important. I’ve surfed and scuba for 30+ years with just a dive knife and been surrounded by fish that can eat me. If you think hitting a pissed off bear with a pistol will stop it, get a clue. Even by luck you hit the heart, he is gonna get you. I spend two weeks a year with family in Sitka, bears swim up to our property and walk right by. If they want you, they will take you.

Would like to find myself a DESERT EAGLE. SEMI IN A 41 MAGNUM

Good lord,talk about kicking a dead horse. This “best bear gun” video has been done to death. It’s already been proven, the best bear gun is the one your most comfortable/proficient with. It could be a 12g, it could be a 10mm hell it could be a 9mm. Use the gun you’re comfortable with, and will actually carry with you. That’s it. That’s the best bear defence gun..