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Author Topic: Single shot rifles for hunting Black bear?  (Read 1008 times)

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Offline coyote trapper1928

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Single shot rifles for hunting Black bear?
« on: April 16, 2005, 01:41:41 PM »
Hi.

  I am thinking of getting a Ruger Single Shot Rifle for hunting Black Bear . What is your opinion of a single shot rifle for hunting Black bear?

1. What caliber would you use in a single shot rifle when hunting Black Bear where the shot would be under 150 yards in heavy woods?


Thanks,
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Offline Redhawk1

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Single shot rifles for hunting Black bear?
« Reply #1 on: April 16, 2005, 03:41:48 PM »
I think a single shot would work just fine for Black Bears.
I have a Ruger #1 in 45-70 and a Shiloh Sharps in 45-70. So I favor the 45-70 for your intended range. I also Have an Encore in 444 Marlin.

I just love big bore guns and heavy bullets.   :D
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Offline Qaz

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Single shot rifles for hunting Black bear?
« Reply #2 on: April 18, 2005, 07:20:36 AM »
I am with Redhawk, a 45-70 will really thump it. But..., I would really have to think about the single shot anything on dangerous game. Although black bear are not hard to kill, a wounded one could be dangerous to you or your dogs. If need be, how fast can you reload? Faster than it can cover 150yrds. I doubt it. Also, every once in a while, a young male will be pretty aggressive, if you miss your first shot, you may be dinner.
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Offline Lawdog

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Single shot rifles for hunting Black bear?
« Reply #3 on: April 18, 2005, 12:30:19 PM »
coyote trapper1928,

While the Ruger No.1 is a great rifles I must concur with 'Qaz'.  I don't like the idea of tackling any dangerous game with a single shot.  Following a wounded Black Bear into the brush, and that's exactly where they go when wounded, will definitely get ones attention.  Any Black Bear can cover 40 yards faster than any half-back or wide receiver in the NFL or on the Olympic track team.  I own a few Ruger No.1’s and would take any of them when hunting Black Bears.  Lawdog
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Offline Sourdough

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Single shot rifles for hunting Black bear?
« Reply #4 on: April 21, 2005, 07:56:20 PM »
I carry two single shots exclusively, all summer and fall.  One is a NEF Handi in .35 Whelen, the other is a T/C rifle in .338win mag.  I am in Grizzly country almost all of the time.  I favor the Handi since it has an ejector, the TCR only has an extractor.  I also carry a sidearm, a 454 Casull.
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Offline Qaz

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Single shot rifles for hunting Black bear?
« Reply #5 on: April 22, 2005, 07:25:27 AM »
Sourdough, so what you are really saying is that you carry a single shot with multi-shot backup! So that means you do not carry a single shot, right? :)  :)

Trapper, if you are going to buy a rifle to hunt bear, do yourself a favor and the bear. Buy a marlin lever action in 45-70 or 450. That way if you need a quick second shot, you will have it. Good luck on the hunt.

One of the many idiots that I grew up with, as a kid went after a pretty large black bear that was raiding trash cans with a single shot 20ga shotgun and #4 buck. No he did not find the bear and yes he is still living, but should he be? :)
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Offline Lawdog

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Single shot rifles for hunting Black bear?
« Reply #6 on: April 22, 2005, 10:14:08 AM »
Qaz,

Quote
One of the many idiots that I grew up with, as a kid went after a pretty large black bear that was raiding trash cans with a single shot 20ga shotgun and #4 buck. No he did not find the bear and yes he is still living, but should he be?


Reminds me of back when I was 12, my best friend and I decided we wanted to hunt bears.  For weapons we had my best friend’s Win. M94 .25-35, and my 1891 Argentine 7.65mm Mauser.  I think back on those days and wonder how we ever managed to live to adulthood.   :eek:   The funny part is we actually killed a number of Black Bears along the way.  Lawdog
 :D
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