Side arm for Alaska

I'm going to Alaska this fall for black bear/ moose. What cal sidearm should I carry?

I would be at minimum 44mag. Probably better 454 Casull

Just don't miss with the rifle.

S&W 460

I agree with the min of .44mag but I would get something with a shorter barrel like a 4.5" that will be lighter to carry. You could also look at a 10mm Glock which has lots of power and is real light.

How hard is the 454 or the 460 to shoot? I was thinking the 10mm but is that enough? I'll have 2 more guys hunting as well but when you go off on your own your on your own.

They make a short barreled 460. A 44 mag would be a better choice than a 10mm,imo.

A 460 would be a good one to go with as it is more versatile and has better ballistics then a 500SW. You can shoot 454 and 45LC out of it so it is like having three different power levels.

If you're not an experienced big-bore handgunner, I would recommend trying to find someone who owns either a .454 or .460 S&W that will let you shoot it before you buy either one. Recoil is quite stout with either cartridge; revolvers chambered for .460 S&W are also quite large and heavy.

nicholst55 wrote:If you're not an experienced big-bore handgunner, I would recommend trying to find someone who owns either a .454 or .460 S&W that will let you shoot it before you buy either one. Recoil is quite stout with either cartridge; revolvers chambered for .460 S&W are also quite large and heavy.

Yes, I'll stop by a few ranges and see if I can rent them. Then I'll start looking around for a used one

I know one of the favorites among Alaskians is the Smith and Wesson 500 magnum. Personally myself, that is what I would try and get. I almost bought one but ran short of the funds. I am hopping to find another great deal...

Some of the shows I watch, Alaskan State Troopers to name one, the Smith and Wesson 500 is talked about here and there...'

When ya leaving for Alaska?

Daywalker wrote:I know one of the favorites among Alaskians is the Smith and Wesson 500 magnum. Personally myself, that is what I would try and get. I almost bought one but ran short of the funds. I am hopping to find another great deal...

Some of the shows I watch, Alaskan State Troopers to name one, the Smith and Wesson 500 is talked about here and there...'

When ya leaving for Alaska?

In the fall, I'm really looking forward to it

For what it's worth, I spent several years just north of Mt McKinley back in the late 60's. I carried a Winchester Model 70 in .338 Win Mag and a Ruger 44 Flat Top. Never got into a face to face with anything dangerous but never found those 2 guns lacking. Like said above, don't miss with the rifle is the prime directive. We didn't have the 454, 460 or 500's so I can't attest to their usability. I CAN tell you that if you can't hit what you aim at it doesn't matter if you have a howitzer. Oh, and don't forget to take a Ruger 22 for camp meat. Not much left of a ptarmigan or rabbit thats been hit w/ a 44. (^-^)