Black Bear...44 mag?

My wife and I like to take the Tacoma far and away in the high country of northern California. The more desolate, the better. However, with being alone comes the threat of wild animals. Our main threat would be black bear and mountain lions. I currently carry my 1911 with FMJ rounds and a stubby Rem 870 with 00 buck and slugs, but both are bulky.

Any suggestions on a decent, light weight .44 mag (Taurus Tracker, etc.)...or is a .44 overkill for black bear?

 

do bear precautions..like no secret peanut butter stash in your sleeping bag.

i would take what you already own...45.

i am taking mine to idaho..LOTS of bears where we are going. but we have bear tags. we want them there

 

Smith and Wesson trail boss

 

S&W Trail Boss

Wow, you weren't kidding. A beauty.

 

That's wicked! This is my go to...P220 carry 45

 

A 45 doesn't have the penetration of a .44 mag in short barrels. But being accruate with a .44 is a bit harder.

 

I've been enamored with the 629PD since it came out. But I agree with Aficianado; I'd feel just fine with a 1911. I wouldn't use FMJs though. A black bear isn't particularly thick skinned. I'd use a heavy hollowpoint as long as my gun fed it reliably.

The 629PD is scary light and you won't be shooting 44 Mag through it much I guarantee you.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...57770_757767_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

 

S&W 500 Mag!!

 

S&W 629 mountain gun.

 

I just bought a Charter Arms Bulldog .44 Special. I hope that will be enough for the black bears here in West Virginia.