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