Henry Rifle Forums

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.

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.

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

Hatchdog wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 25, 2025 10:32 am

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.

10mm semi auto or a 41 or 44 mag

Mags wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 25, 2025 11:48 am

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.

.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

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.

5shot wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 26, 2025 12:00 am

Mags wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 25, 2025 11:48 am

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

Mags wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 25, 2025 11:48 am

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

3" barrel !

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.

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

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

DsGrouse wrote: ↑

Thu Jun 04, 2026 9:07 pm

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

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

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

Sir Henry wrote: ↑

Fri Jun 05, 2026 10:09 am

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

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

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

RP

Mags wrote: ↑

Fri Jun 05, 2026 11:49 am

Sir Henry wrote: ↑

Fri Jun 05, 2026 10:09 am

... 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.

Sir Henry wrote: ↑

Fri Jun 05, 2026 1:52 pm

Mags wrote: ↑

Fri Jun 05, 2026 11:49 am

Sir Henry wrote: ↑

Fri Jun 05, 2026 10:09 am

... 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.

There are several videos out showing bear skulls and muscular systems explaining basically that a .357 aint gonna cut it.

As a devoted Ruger GP100 and Henry Big Boy 357magnum fan maybe it's time to upgrade with a 44magnum revolver if it's possible. I like the idea of a chest holster rig for whatever caliber you choose.