02-28-2020, 05:26 PM
grayfox Wrote:First question is, which "woods"? And, how far off-the-beaten-track? If in the Eastern US, that's one thing, if in Idaho/Wyoming, that's another... and if in Alaska, that's a whole beast of a different caliber.
Shot placement is of course, king! A "camp" 12ga would be nice no matter what...
But, I don't go with only a rifle into the woods, and don't recommend anyone else to do either.
Always, always carry a backup. And if winter camping, I wouldn't be having a semi-auto as my rifle-- lever or bolt-action for reliability.
a) in the Eastern US, a grendel plus a 9mm or .45 (Each of which is well-broken in) would do. A Grendel with Cxp2 ammo like the 123 sst, or better, will do its job on those style animals, even a black bear.
b) western US, depends if you're in grizzly country or not. If so, I would have any good centerfire rifle with Cxp2 or better ammo, plus a .45, 10mm or 41 Mag+ alongside. Rifle would be a 308-like or better, a magnum, with high-quality bullets for grizz areas.
c) Alaska, I would have a guide along, both of us armed as in b) or better, 2 are better than one in Alaska backwoods.
You raise good points and questions!
South eastern woods. Appalachians. Have seen some pretty hefty black bears down here, but nothing near as big as Alaska / Rocky mountains.
Yes I keep a 45 or a 9mm handgun ready with Buffalo Bore outdoorsman.
My gun isn't the best with the SST, but it's definitely well within the realm of adequate.
Thanks for the feedback