Guns

[Scottybs]

I have very above average size hands, and Glocks, especially my Glock 41 (.45 acp) with the beavertail attachment is my perfect fit.

While I have multiple concealed licenses that allow me to carry in all but a couple states, I'm not much into carrying (especially in cities) for a number of reasons. But if carrying is something you want to do but aren't comfortable for whatever reason, look into a Byrna. I think it solves a lot of the reservations most people have while still eliminating a threat.

Byrna | Best Non Lethal Self-Defense Products

One of the best defense products available is the Byrna SD, a legal, non-lethal self-defense weapon that fires pepper filled rounds up to 60 feet using CO2. Save lives without the risk of taking one. Empower yourself today!

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I would be interested to see some case law with a Byrna being deployed. Really comes down to one’s own moral compass. My biggest fear with those is if they will stop someone that is under the influence of a cocktail of drugs.

 

[Scottybs]

I carried a G20 10mm in a chest harness in MT. Packs plenty of poop to take down a grizz. Actually out-performs the .41 Mag with the right ammo. The Norwegian Ski Rescue teams carry G20s for defense against brown bears.

X2… Kenai Chest Holster

 

[wanderingrichard]

I would be interested to see some case law with a Byrna being deployed. Really comes down to one’s own moral compass. My biggest fear with those is if they will stop someone that is under the influence of a cocktail of drugs.

Just be aware, there's several states that have outlawed use and possession of the Byrna devices.

 

[Jim in Anacortes]

I would prefer a shorter barrel. And a more modern light set up.

 

[Jim in Anacortes]

.

 

[Evan B]

Just be aware, there's several states that have outlawed use and possession of the Byrna devices.

That's not accurate. Unless you have info I don't. Some jurisdictions on the city level have some restrictions on shipping and a few other things. I think a couple cities have bans on CO2 powered devices, which Byrna falls under, but it's a very small number. Otherwise, they're legal nationwide.

Any other restrictions on them are typically in-line with whatever restrictions the jurisdiction has on pepper spray. In those places, you can use solid/rubber rounds vs chemical. In the vast majority of places where they are fully legal, a very common way to load them up are alternating rounds of pepper/plastic or rubber/pepper/ and so on. Give the threat a variety pack.

 

[dirty dog]

I have been shooting for ever it seems.
Starting around 6 or 7 years old.
Dad was an LEO so I got the gun safety first, safe storage, safe handling, safe shooting.
For fun shooting I like my Ruger Mark II and as I've gotten older I carry a Ruger 1911 in 9mm for self-defense.
Remember this "Gun Control" is hitting what you shoot at.

 

[2MANY]

Accuracy.
That's why I don’t like the shotgun pistol grip above. If possible I like looking down the barrel. If I need to hip shoot with one I'll be just fine with a normal stock too.
Back when there was a ton of ducks and they were Landing in our face we would hip shoot the back half of our limits.
Good times and happy dogs.

 

[SurfnFish]

We spent a couple of months time in Montana and Wyoming during the 90's 4x4 base camping by rivers and streams, a fave the Bob Marshall Wilderness where one fall trip we saw a big grizz most days fattening up on berries a couple hundred yards downriver. A Mossberg Marine 12 ga was always in quick reach.
Per the advice of a black bear hunter we had met when getting our Montana fishing licenses, the first five shells going into chamber were sabot rounds for distance followed by 000 for in your face range.
His advice that because grizzlies were so freaking fast on the charge, the moment one turned toward your let one round off hitting something close to the bear, which gave you target distance and warned the bear, and than be prepared to fire on the bear the moment it began any continued movement towards you, justifying the shooting afterwards if still alive.

 

[Breck]

A Mossberg Marine 12 ga was always in quick reach.

I have the Remington 870 version (Marine Magnum) of that. Great shotgun.

I also have this little bad boy. Remy TAC-14 “Shockwave”. 14" barrel with a 5+1 capacity.

 

[2MANY]

I have a Mossberg Thunder Ranch.
Lighted with a Streamlight tactical for when company comes over.

 

[Roper]

I get that 100%, but a bolt-action rifle with that level of recoil might be a little slower than you want for follow up shots.

IMO, if a rifle is the way you want to go for brown bear protection, I think I’d go with a .45-70 lever gun loaded with 425gr hard cast bullets. Much faster & more manageable.

Like this? After shooting full power loads I’ve gone subsonic with 405 grain lead…much more pleasant.

 

[Breck]

That's a real beauty, Roper. Marlin?

I've been eyeing the newish Henry stainless .45-70 with the loading gate. I just can't justify the spend right now.

 

[Roper]

That's a real beauty, Roper. Marlin?

Yup, 1895GS.

 

[GAT]

I opted for a Tiger tank but the blasted thing kept breaking down and was a diesel guzzler.

(Actually, I grew up in NEO so am very accustomed to guns of every sort. The majority of my handguns are Baretta. I'm a sucker for a handgun that actually looks good and not an experiment in rectangles.)

 

[krusty]

We spent a couple of months time in Montana and Wyoming during the 90's 4x4 base camping by rivers and streams, a fave the Bob Marshall Wilderness where one fall trip we saw a big grizz most days fattening up on berries a couple hundred yards downriver. A Mossberg Marine 12 ga was always in quick reach.
Per the advice of a black bear hunter we had met when getting our Montana fishing licenses, the first five shells going into chamber were sabot rounds for distance followed by 000 for in your face range.
His advice that because grizzlies were so freaking fast on the charge, the moment one turned toward your let one round off hitting something close to the bear, which gave you target distance and warned the bear, and than be prepared to fire on the bear the moment it began any continued movement towards you, justifying the shooting afterwards if still alive.

View attachment 176933

Not only are they (as are all bears) incredibly fast but grizz/brown bears are totally unimpeded by any brush, and have a genetically ingrained predisposition to head directly towards whatever they perceive as a direct threat.

I was always amused by the advice to climb a tree to escape grizz (which are essentially interior brown bears) in AK and the Yukon Territories because they couldn't climb trees....which would be interesting since most of the spindly taiga sized trees are quite short.

 

[Evan B]

Not only are they (as are all bears) incredibly fast but grizz/brown bears are totally unimpeded by any brush, and have a genetically ingrained predisposition to head directly towards whatever they perceive as a direct threat.

I was always amused by the advice to climb a tree to escape grizz (which are essentially interior brown bears) in AK and the Yukon Territories because they couldn't climb trees....which would be interesting since most of the spindly taiga sized trees are quite short.

I always found the "just climb a tree" advice to be so off-base. Next time you're out fishing or in the woods, just try to go climb ANY tree. Let alone whatever one you just happen to be near when the bear starts charging. I'm fit and can pull myself up and climb, but most trees weren't kind enough to place their branches in a manner conducive to our required ergonomics.

 

[krusty]

I always found the "just climb a tree" advice to be so off-base. Next time you're out fishing or in the woods, just try to go climb ANY tree. Let alone whatever one you just happen to be near when the bear starts charging. I'm fit and can pull myself up and climb, but most trees weren't kind enough to place their branches in a manner conducive to our required ergonomics.

It is, indeed, very silly advice.

The best one could do (for grizz/brown bears) in such circumstances is to roll yourself up in a ball and attempt to protect your neck with your hands. The bear may perceive that the threat has been eliminated.

I actually met a badly disfigured man in the YT who had done just that...he was somewhat of a local celebrity and a real character because his major complaint about the attack was that the surgeons did a poor job sewing his scalp back on such that his 'part' simply didn't look right any more.

 

[wanderingrichard]

That's not accurate. Unless you have info I don't. Some jurisdictions on the city level have some restrictions on shipping and a few other things. I think a couple cities have bans on CO2 powered devices, which Byrna falls under, but it's a very small number. Otherwise, they're legal nationwide.

Any other restrictions on them are typically in-line with whatever restrictions the jurisdiction has on pepper spray. In those places, you can use solid/rubber rounds vs chemical. In the vast majority of places where they are fully legal, a very common way to load them up are alternating rounds of pepper/plastic or rubber/pepper/ and so on. Give the threat a variety pack.

Double checked. Boston , LA and NYC had come to mind. But, here's my search;

No U.S. state has a blanket ban on Byrna launchers as firearms, but California and New York restrict them heavily, especially chemical projectiles, treating them like illegal "tear gas," while cities like NYC ban compressed air weapons, impacting Byrna legality; other states like Michigan and Wisconsin restrict specific Byrna ammunition, but the devices themselves often fall outside traditional firearm definitions due to being CO2-powered.
Key States with Restrictions:

• California: Bans Byrna pepper/tear gas ammo and launchers, classifying them as illegal tear gas, though kinetic launchers may be allowed with kinetic rounds.
• New York: Prohibits Byrna pepper projectiles and launchers, with NYC even banning CO2-powered air guns, creating a ban on Byrnas in the city.
• Michigan & Wisconsin: Restrict Byrna Max (pepper) projectiles from being shipped in.

Why the Confusion?

• Not Firearms (Federal Definition): Byrnas use compressed CO2, not gunpowder, so they generally aren't federally classified as firearms, allowing sales in most states.
• State/Local Laws: States and cities have specific rules for "less-lethal" devices, often focusing on chemical irritants or air guns, leading to bans or restrictions on Byrna products.

 

[Roper]

So, here are my EDC choices. Based on where and when. Byrna CL, Springfield EMP4 9mm, S&W 432 in 32 H&R magnum. Like others, I have a holster collection trying to find the right one. My preference is leather OWB. Kydex is too bulky and doesn’t conform to the waist. The Byrna sits in a belly band nicely, as there are no holsters for it. ( Byrna holsters are crap)
Someone noted that a S&W 642 is a handful. The 432 is comfortable to shoot and has real sights, the front is a bright green dot. A plus is one can practice with 32 long, I happen to reload for both. The magnum with XTP hollow points is a potent weapon, and it holds 6 rounds.