Need help selecting Gun

[Fisher]

Hi there folks.

I'm heading to Alaska this summer on a fishing trip with some buddies and i've been delegated as the gun holder.

A friend of mine's dad lives up there and has a float plane, so he's going to fly us deep into the middle of nowhere for a week of superb fishing Yay!

As you have probably gathered by now the main reason for bringing a gun with us would be to try and prevent being eaten alive by the local grizzly bears wich will be plentiful.

Obviously using the gun would be the last possible resort and would only be used if a true attack was occuring. ie: Teeth and claws flailing, blood flying. This is not a hunting trip, its a fishing trip

With that said, here's the question.

What gun would YOU bring with you into deep Alaskan bear country. We will be hiking around the whole time so I was thinking more of a large caliber handgun. I can spend around five or six hundred bucks.

Again the only time it would be necessary to use the gun would be close range with an attack occuring. So using logic I want to stop whatever is happening instantly.

Anyone have any experience with this type of scenario?

I've got plenty of experience with rifles and shotguns but i've only shot a few types of handguns, so i'll be taking the necessary classes and such.

Caliber- .357? .44?
Make/Model- American made only/revolver preferred
Cost- price range even close?

[MLB]

Hi there Fisher,

I have to admit that I'm a bit lacking in wheel gun experience, but from what I've researched, sounds like you're looking for a Colt, S&W, or Ruger revolver chambered in .357 magnum as a minimum.

I can't think of any time that I've ever seen a use for that monsterous S&W 500, but yours is as close as any. Aside from the high strength steel reinforced suspenders you'd need to keep your pants up that is...

Take a look at the two other forums referenced several times on this board. You'll get much better information. Unfortunately, this one is of limited help lately.

[TA]

A Smith & Wesson Model 629 is a good choice for what you are looking for. It is stainless, so it will hold up well in the moisture. Caliber is .44 magnum. I personally wouldn't want to wander into bear country without .44 mag. Any of the "N" frame .44 S&W's would be a good choice.

[akinvestigator]

Hey id be glad to help you i was born and raised in alaska and have worked in many gunshops as well as built many alaskan brush guns check out wildwestguns.com if you want the most popular gun with alaskans in the bush get a Smith&Wesson model 629 it takes heavy loads well it handles well is not overly heavy and takes 6 rounds of 44. magnum not to mention that it is stainless steel so you wont have to worry about the finish as much out in the bush. it will meet all of you needs and should come in under the cost that you specified. I wouldnt discount getting a Remington 870 12 gauge it will be a bit bulkier but better than any handgun also if you are going into the brush for a while make sure to bring a backpacking 22. caliber as in a Marlin papoose or springfield scout they will break down into 2 pieces and weigh very little and will fit easily in a pack. weather is very unpredictible out there and you can get stuck for a couple of days. anyways i hope that i could help and have a great trip.