Suggestions on a firearm (1 Viewer)

[Det. Brees]

I retire next year and the wife has bought me an Alaskan bear hunting trip. I have to take a caliber larger than a .336!
any suggestions on calibers and make of the firearm.

 

[Swamprat]

Well, first of all.. congratulations on retirement!!!! And mid-50s to boot!!! Helluva job.

Secondly, congrats on wonderful and supportive wife...wow!!!!.... (or maybe she just wants you out of the house for awhile)...

Thirdly, I've no suggestions for a bear rifle... but I will say, you may consider bringing a slow friend in case bear decides to turn the tables...

Good luck! Sounds like an absolute incredible trip...

 

[Shotgunred]

Hard to go wrong with Weatherby rifles when considering large calibers. I have 2 Mark V's in 30-378 and they are very powerful. I would definitely get something with a muzzle brake and good recoil pad, you will definitely need it.

 

[xardoz]

Part of this is: "What do you have experience with?" "What have you hunted before?" Not knowing your experiences, I will base this off of my history. btw... I am not a big dude. I am 5-10" add 175 lbs. Whatever you get, practice with it, and don't shoot more than half a dozen rounds in a session.

#1. for me would be a 375 H&H in a Winchester model 70 or a Ruger M77
(I know, I am kind of a Fudd)

#2. The modern Browning BAR (Browning Autoloading Rifle) can be chambered in 338 Win Mag - If you are worried about a faster second shot.

#3. 35 Whelen

I understand some guides have started to have minimum calibers. I take 2 rifles and a 10mm pistol: A .338 Win Mag. and either a 30-06 or a 45-70. With the proper bullets the venerable 30-06 or 45-70 can take down anything. Honestly, a 30-06 (shooting 190gr bullet) will take anything you want but I understand the minimum requirements when hunting dangerous game.

 

[Det. Brees]

I was looking at the AR-500 auto mag but very expensive and there are problems with that system. I think I'm going with the 45-70. Its trajectory is a rainbow but I have a strong background in shooting.

but I'm willing to listen to what everyone has to offer

 

[Infoman]

Someone already mentioned the 35 Whelen. If you don’t need a shot over 100 yards and the only need 1 shot. I haven’t seen anything it won’t drop in one center mass shot.

 

[xardoz]

I was looking at the AR-500 auto mag but very expensive and there are problems with that system. I think I'm going with the 45-70. Its trajectory is a rainbow but I have a strong background in shooting.

but I'm willing to listen to what everyone has to offer

I do not know if the AR500 am can do what a .338 WinMag or a 35 Whelen can do. I would confirm that with the guide service before you purchase.

#2. Check local laws. Some places do not allow hunting with AR-style rifles
#3. This is a new round. So if you need to buy ammo (if it gets lost in shipping, etc...) You may not be able to find it. Common calibers are always the best.