Re: SHWW Group
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Aer454</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I plan on owning several guns for different purposes. Ideally, I would like a big caliber for super hard hitting, long range stuff (thinking .300 Weatherby Mag or .338 Lapua). This gun would also act as a backup/safety for when I'm out bowhunting with my uncle for bear. Usually 3-4 of us will go, and I'd like to have a rifle on hand for safety-sake for a poorly placed shot, or unexpected charge.</div></div>
Aer454 -
I want to give you my two cents on this subject as I have been asked to research this exact question before. Let me first begin with one basic premise that you may or may not find valid in this particular application.
The qualities of a good long range hard hitting rifle, and thus it’s cartridge and projectile, are not necessarily the same as the qualities of a good short range up-close-and-personal charging grizzly rifle, cartridge and projectile. In essence, there is no "uber" rifle, cartridge or bullet that fills all these needs at the same time. For long range hunting / precision shooting, the Sako .338 Lapua Magnum TRG-42 is an excellent choice. For thick brush <span style="font-weight: bold">”kill-that-grizzly-NOW!”</span> situations, not so much.
In regards to the rifle you should pack just in case of a charging grizzly scenario, I was asked this question two years ago by a man of virtually unlimited means who planned to have a solo-retreat type cabin deep in Grizzly territory. He wanted a lightweight extremely packable easy-to-carry rifle to engage charging Grizzlies even in the worst of weather conditions. Rifle had to be low maintenance, highly reliable and weather resistant, very quick to deploy, highly effective and with very fast follow-on shots.
In my experience, there is a perfect rifle made for this situation.
The rifle is a stainless steel, laminated stock lever action .45-70. Marlin makes a good one.
http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firearms/bigbore/1895SBL.asp
This Marlin even has a rail just in case you want to mount a quick reflex type of sight or a low power scope. Having one or the other would be a very handy feature in my book.
In regards to ammunition, if you don't reload, buy Garrett .45-70 ammunition.
http://www.garrettcartridges.com/products.asp
In particular, look at both the 540 grain gas-checked Hammerhead and the 500 grain Hornady copper-clad steel jacketed flat-nose solid. The 500 grain Hornady bullet is rated for the world’s most dangerous game and personally, I put grizzly bears in that category.
http://www.hornady.com/story.php?s=791
Using this ammo in conjunction with the Marlin lever action will give you <span style="font-weight: bold">six very fast shots of +500 grain projectiles</span> that will easily smash through brush, flesh, muscles, bones and strike at the most vulnerable parts of a dangerous animal. In this case, a charging bear.
These types of rifles (lever actions) are known for their ability to work in the absolute worst of conditions. The lever is easy to manipulate with either cold hands or wearing heavy gloves. The trigger mechanism is very heavy duty. In particular, the hammer really is a <span style="font-weight: bold">HAMMER</span> on lever actions. Nothing dainty or fragile about them. The rifles are damn near bomb proof; they’re solid as hell and can take hard falls / impacts better than other styles of rifles. And they don't cost thousands of dollars either. For what it's worth, I personally believe this is the best rifle for that survive-or-be-eaten situation.
That's my 2 cents. I hope this helps you out.