If you were going to live in Alaska for a year or two...

[AJMD429]

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Say you were big-time into hunting, and had a chance to live in Alaska for a couple of years, and would be doing a lot of bolt-action rifle hunting, so had your nice long-range gun for hunting, but you also wanted some more potent bear-medicine than just a handgun, for times you were out and about scouting but not hunting.

Your choices are either a Marlin Guide Gun in 45-70, or a Rossi 92 in 454 Casull...

I'm thinking I like the shorter lever-throw (I think) of the 92 vs 336 action, and the higher magazine capacity of the 454 due to the shorter cartridge case.

I'm partial to the 16" Rossi though, which in exchange for being lighter and handier (potentially faster to get into action) does sacrifice a bit of capacity - though I think it still beats the Guide Gun. The 20" Rossi I think is about the same heft as the Guide Gun, though balance is different.

I'd definitely want the bolt-safety deleted on the Rossi, but on the other hand I actually DO like the basic and reliable safety of the Marlin.

These are considerations my bear-hunting son is looking at. I'm interested in your thoughts.

(If it were me I'd add a third choice - an AR-pistol in 50 Beowulf - as a bear-defense option in case I stumble upon one while scouting and it takes a disliking to me...and whatever I ultimately picked would be with the assumption that I'd put a LOT of decently-stout hard-cast loads downrange with it with zero malfunctions...)

[Grizz]

These are considerations my bear-hunting son is looking at. I'm interested in your thoughts.

(If it were me I'd add a third choice - an AR-pistol in 50 Beowulf - as a bear-defense option in case I stumble upon one while scouting and it takes a disliking to me...and whatever I ultimately picked would be with the assumption that I'd put a LOT of decently-stout hard-cast loads downrange with it with zero malfunctions...)

Ha! you anticipated me. With the exception of one or two shots, i never harvested anything that i could not have killed with the 50 Beo pistol. My caveat is that there should also be a side arm as a next to last ditch option. You've seen the 1911 that has enough horse power to handle that chore. A Ruger Redhawk would be an option, although the Redhawks have a built in flaw that needs a bit of tuning, other wise they can misfire, and if they can, . . .

So I am saying Beo is primary, in place of my 45/70 load in the guide gun, in the jungles of SE Alaska, and other bear laden areas of the state. Carrying a bolt gun for a long rang shot and a Redhawk for the one that jumped you would be my choice, IF i had the hand strength i once had, and wanted to eat something that wasn't inside the 80 yard circle.

It is important to remember that a brown bear can outrun a quarter-horse. Hmmm, that would enliven the Kentucky Derby. In which case, for that scenario, the 5-1/2" Redhawk might be traded for a shorter barrel. Although a sub-4 inch barrel may still be illegal for taking game in Alaska.

etc.

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50 v 35.jpeg

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for comparison sake here is a winch 94 with a 16 inch barrel compared to a 50 beo with a 10 inch barrel. which is actually a long barrel compared to the pistols the round was developed for. for me, the AR is far more ergonomic if carried slung horizontally, compared to say a shotgun strapped to someone's back. I was used to shooting deer with a 10 inch sbh, the AR has much more fire power and can be loaded close to 12 Ga TKO.

In SE when i lived there the f&g and foresters carried cut down 458 win mags. i think they were shortened enough that they were running at 45/70 velocities. don't know what ammo they used. sometime when we are sitting around the same fire ask me what kind of feed back they got at a town hall meeting.

I used a 338 win mag for a while, until i realized that the barrel length is not my friend in thick cover, and the muzzle velocity was far too fast for the bullets I was loading, they weren't tough enough and could frag. i converted to 45/70 at that point. now days, in my 'circumstances' , i feel a lot more enabled and secure and prepared and ready with the two-hand hand gun. that's just a me thing. i have seen a boar chase a youngster across Lituya Bay from Cenotaph Island to the N shore. they took off running and they run fast. heck, they swim faster than i can run . .. Big bears eat little bears, which are tougher than i am. :(

[High Desert Hunter]

After living in interior Alaska, I would pick a Ruger M77 Guide Gun in 375 Ruger, with QD rings from Alaska LLC, you have long range and up close covered with a round that will hammer anything you could run across. Second choice would be the same setup in 338 Win Mag. I used my Ruger 300 Win Mag on everything from caribou to grizzly bear and had no regrets. When fishing the salmon streams I had an 1895GS in 45-70, but had the 20" Ruger in 375 been available I probably would have chosen it. I am a dyed in the wool levergun lover, but I definitely run a bolt better under pressure.

Dave

[oldebear1950]

I am retired from the US COAST GUARD, and was stationed in KODIAK, ALASKA for 5 and 1/2 years.
the ALASKAN FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT recommeded two guns for bear protection at that time.
1975 - 1978 and 1983 - 1986.
These two guns were a good 18 inch barrel pump 12 guage shotgun with slugs, and the 1895 Marlin in 45-70.
That was it.
From 1975 - 7978 most of the fisherman carried a 44 mag pistol for just in case.
From 1983 - 1986 most carried a 454 casull pistol.

You have to understand that an old 30-30 is more powerful than a 44 mag pistol, and no one recommends a 30-30 for bear protection.

If I were moving back to the state, i would choose one of the new short barreled 45-70s from any of the Italian firms, a short barreled one from Henry or Marlin and a 454 casull pistol.
But now with the Rossi 454 lever gun might just choose one of those.
With the 16 inch barrel

[348win]

I would take my 348win Carbine for up close. General packing/scouting.
A tad heavy but the wanted horsepower comes w weight.

And a buddy: packing a nicely scoped stainless 30-06 or larger bolt gun

And several handguns between us.

I worry about the weather messing up my rifle more than anything....but the laws of nature say any steel mechanical device can freeze up if you don't keep it dry. Or rust.

[OldWin]

I am retired from the US COAST GUARD, and was stationed in KODIAK, ALASKA for 5 and 1/2 years.
the ALASKAN FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT recommeded two guns for bear protection at that time.
1975 - 1978 and 1983 - 1986.
These two guns were a good 18 inch barrel pump 12 guage shotgun with slugs, and the 1895 Marlin in 45-70.
That was it.
From 1975 - 7978 most of the fisherman carried a 44 mag pistol for just in case.
From 1983 - 1986 most carried a 454 casull pistol.

You have to understand that an old 30-30 is more powerful than a 44 mag pistol, and no one recommends a 30-30 for bear protection.

If I were moving back to the state, i would choose one of the new short barreled 45-70s from any of the Italian firms, a short barreled one from Henry or Marlin and a 454 casull pistol.
But now with the Rossi 454 lever gun might just choose one of those.
With the 16 inch barrel

My son and DIL are also USCG in Kodiak. They have been there for 11 years. My son carried an old Remington 870 Police with Brenneke slugs for a while, but switched to a 94 carbine in 30-30 after a couple years. He liked the 870 because it handled easily and could take a beating with no scope to get broken, fogged (Kodiak), or have the zero bumped off. Carrying something all the time, it takes a beating. Dropped, knocked around, in and out of vehicles, weather. He switched to the 94 mostly because its lighter and more compact, with more range. It's also cheaper to shoot and practice with using the load he carries.

[oldebear1950]

From what I hear a lot has changed there in Kodiak, since the 1980s.

I can remember walking the road with a Marlin 1895 on one shoulder and a Ruger 44 mag on one hip, and a Ruger 45 colt on the other hip, and getting a ride from one of the locals. But that was in 1976 and always kept loads in the pistols and rifle just in case

[2ndovc]

I enjoy little mind exercises like these.

Thinking about the firearms that I own I would take my Bowen SBH, Marlin 45-70 LTD III and the FrankenFinn. That custom Finn 91/30 is one tough rifle, amazingly accurate and with Handloaded ammunition, I can take on just about anything. I have thousands of 7.62x 54r surplus, but sometimes it difficult to know what's corrosive ant what isn't.

Looking forward to seeing some other choices.

jb

[OldWin]

I'm sure it has. Like everywhere else. It's still pretty laid back though. Great place for the grandkids to grow up. Still bear and deer in town.

[348win]

I also got to wonder how many situations get handled w 5.56 / 223 up there, out of practicality.....seems everyone's got one or access to one, and a 223 to the neck or head is a devastating injury to any critter.

Especially if the 1st one don't stop it, put a few more rounds into it, its bound to go down quick.

Idk, I see both sides of the opinions on the cartridge, but in the hands of a capable marksman I think it can be counted on.

I'd take a 30-30 over a 223, but a 223 rifle over most rifles chambered in pistol calibers. A 454 or 480 is a different class though.

SD on 223, she penetrates and is "high intensity"

I think people claiming it to be inadequate, probly never killed an animal w one.

[GunnyMack]

Guns i already have that fit the bill
AR in 450 Bushmaster
375 H&H
338 WM
Benelli M1Super 90, 7 shot mag tube.
Ruger 44 carbine
Probably on the light side my Henry 41mag with BH on the hip. Or my 338 Federal( only SS gun I own)

What I would prefer
9.3x74R in a double with ejectors! I dunno what it is about that round but I really like it!

[LeverGunner]

I would go with the 454. I wouldn't be unhappy with a Winchester 94 in 30-30 either.

[jeepnik]

Made my choice when they first came out.

For backup.

[Grizz]

Made my choice when they first came out.

For backup.

That's good stuff...it might be impossible to improve on that combination. plus they are absolutely fun to shoot, every time.

[mickbr]

Of those choices Doc, 454 Casull Rossi. I own one in 20" as I wanted decent power in a small rifle for anywhere. A win 92 scabbards better on horseback, bike or ATV and can be pulled out from behind a seat etc about as fast as any firearm in existence, save a pistol. It draws almost like a sword.
I can backpack a Rossi with 20" barrel with stock off in the pack and total length of the metal parts are only about 28". With a 16" barrel, the long peice would be only 2ft long. Thats a standard short rifle too, not a fancy takedown miroku worth twice the money. The above uses may not be relevant to all folks of course.

Regards 45-70, and not so much this forum as fellas here are often expert reloaders, but a lot of regular 45-70 owners are buying ammo off the shelf which often runs less power than the 454 anyhow. Apples to apples of course the 45-70 leaves it behind if reloading. I also have no experience with big bears or Alaska, but have my fair share of big hogs in close, so apply required grains of salt as needed.

[Steve in MO]

I'd probably go with the 454. I'd pair it with a revolver in the same caliber, so I could use a couple of different bullet molds and keep them running. Along with the obligatory 12 gauge loaded with slugs or buckshot and a .22 rifle, I'd think all bases would be covered.

However, I say all this as a lowlander, having never been to Alaska. So take it for what it's worth.

[oldebear1950]

I am blessed to have both a Henry 45-70 22 inch octagon barrel with the loading gate, and a 20 inch stainless 454 Rossi R 92.
For ease of handling I think I would go with the Rossi, 454, but for sheer power the 45-70 with some of GARRETTS heavy loads.
I do reload, but think his bullets are superb

[Sarge]

Given the choices I'd take the R92 in 454 and a Ruger Alaskan or Toklat-ized SRH with 4-5 inch barrel.

I do have a well proven old 336 Texan 35 Remington that lives on a steady diet of 30-30 level loads, and an equally proven Taurus 617 2" 357 that breaks 1200 fps with Federal 158 grain JSP. I wouldn't feel naked with those or my 20" CZ712 loaded with 000 Buck or Brennekes.

[Bearskinner]

I had a place on the Kenai for over 30 years. I always carried my FA83, 454 ( as a life long handgun hunter) but for home protection I always had a loaded 375 Ruger alaskan at the front door. Never used it, but it was there, mainly for moose. Had a run in with a brown bear chasing two moose calf’s running circles around the barn a couple times before taking off, but didn’t need to loose a round. If you need, make sure you hit them heavy and hit them hard.

[hfcable]

i have been an alaskan resident for over 40 years now. have used a lot of different firearms. have used 45/70 for moose and caribou, and still might but for everyday purposes i.e. float trips, four wheeler trips, etc i used a rossi 454 in stainless. it is lighter, handier, faster handling etc than 12 gauge, and gives me the option of 'engaging the target' at a further range than with the 12 gauge. [ ialso still take a compact 12 gauge to our remote mine cabin ].

my all around handgun is the S&W 329, 4". light weight and loaded with barnes 260 gr bronze loads will take down most anything i might encounter.

i have all sorts of other rifles, shotguns, and handguns, but these are what i use almost invariably.

if i know i am hunting moose or caribou then most recently i have used a marlin 336 ER or winchester big bore in 356 winchester. it works quite well.

[hfcable]

i have been an alaskan resident for over 40 years now. have used a lot of different firearms. have used 45/70 for moose and caribou, and still might but for everyday purposes i.e. float trips, four wheeler trips, etc i used a rossi 1892 454 in stainless. it is lighter, handier, faster handling etc than 12 gauge, and gives me the option of 'engaging the target' at a further range than with the 12 gauge. [ ialso still take a compact 12 gauge to our remote mine cabin ].

my all around handgun is the S&W 329, 4". light weight and loaded with barnes 260 gr bronze loads will take down most anything i might encounter.

i have all sorts of other rifles, shotguns, and handguns, but these are what i use almost invariably.

if i know i am hunting moose or caribou then most recently i have used a marlin 336 ER or winchester big bore in 356 winchester. it works quite well.

[jkbrea]

I'd take my old man's Big Horn Armory 500 S&W!

[hfcable]

i have been an alaskan resident for over 40 years now. have used a lot of different firearms. have used 45/70 for moose and caribou, and still might but for everyday purposes i.e. float trips, four wheeler trips, etc i used a rossi model 92 454 in stainless. it is lighter, handier, faster handling etc than 12 gauge, and gives me the option of 'engaging the target' at a further range than with the 12 gauge. [ ialso still take a compact 12 gauge to our remote mine cabin ].

my all around handgun is the S&W 329, 4". light weight and loaded with barnes 260 gr bronze loads will take down most anything i might encounter.

i have all sorts of other rifles, shotguns, and handguns, but these are what i use almost invariably.

if i know i am hunting moose or caribou then most recently i have used a marlin 336 ER or winchester big bore in 356 winchester. it works quite well.

[Scott Tschirhart]

I think it’s hard to beat a Marlin Guide Gun and a big bore Ruger sixgun. I’d probably opt for a 4 inch Redhawk in .45 Colt and I think the ammo choices might be more important than the gun.

[jeepnik]

I think it’s hard to beat a Marlin Guide Gun and a big bore Ruger sixgun. I’d probably opt for a 4 inch Redhawk in .45 Colt and I think the ammo choices might be more important than the gun.

Ammo is always more important. What you are using has to be designed for the job. Even more so with handguns. But even if you don't reload companies like Garrett and Buffalo Bore have products that maximize performance in some firearms.