Wondering if there is line of thought on the comparison of the 480 Ruger VS 12 Ga sabot slug in deer and black bear hunting. The shorter barell of the pistol has big "pros" in the tight forest where we hunt. Any ideas/comments?

Never hunted bear in tight quarters, also never hunted them with a handgun or shotgun. Howsomever, if given my druthers, I'd opt for a short barreled (18" min) shotgun with premium slugs - more meplat, weight and energy.

YESSIR kdub, you got it right. I've got a 475 Linebaugh and I'd pick the shotgun W/slugs every time. Only a very experianced and skilled handgunner would be @#$#@ enough to pick the revolver. Pepe Ray

Given my druthers I'd take one ot the lever rifles (Marlin or Winchester) in 480 Ruger with 18.5" barrel and 400 gr cast bullets that have about .4 meplat. It would have better accuracy and every bit as much penitration. Most likely more energy and Taylor KO factor as well as a few more shots. The Marlin when available will also handle 475 Linebaugh if desired for even more velocity and energy.

Personally, i would take the .480 revolver (either 1X or 2X scope) with the tight spaces in the woods you have a big advantage over the shot gun or a rifle, a black bear will go down with a .44 magnum, the .480 will take it down also. it also might be a good idea to take both of them with you though.

YESSIR kdub, you got it right. I've got a 475 Linebaugh and I'd pick the shotgun W/slugs every time. Only a very experianced and skilled handgunner would be @#$#@ enough to pick the revolver. Pepe Ray


I dont see why you have to insult people that would choose a handgun, i personally havn't but my cousins have taken deer with everything from a .30 caliber taurus revolver, to a .44 magnum and taken bear with the .44 and a .454, there is nothing wrong with handgun hunting deer and black bear hunting with hand guns, that what the long barrel revolvers are made for.

I poersonally would rether hunt with a handgun. Just hope to be sure that I can effectivly and quickly drop the game in it's tracks.

I personally would rether hunt with a handgun. Just hope to be sure that I can effectivly and quickly drop the game in it's tracks.


Nobody is gonna' be responsible if you don't drop that big ol' Boar or SOW when you drop the hammer - only you.

Hey, it's a FREE Country - hunt any way you want as long as it's legal. When that includes dangerous game like BEARS & BIG UGLY HOGS, it's your pucker factor that's gonna' be tested - not mine. ;)

I would just personally choose a very heavy 12ga Dixie Terminator Slug load like ol' James has sorted out very recently, but then that's my personal choice. Each to his own! ;)

The recent episode up in Alaska where a couple was killed and eaten by Grizzly Bears is a good example of how effective a 12ga slug can be! The Troopers and Rangers who responded to the tragedy dispatched two of the bears (one estimated over 1,000lbs!) with 12ga slugs!

GOOD LUCK!

Roger over

[QUOTE=44SandW]I dont see why you have to insult people that would choose a handgun,

Sorry!! Very sorry you thot that @#$#@ was an insult. I've been a hand gunner for a while. 42 yrs. Love 'em. I'm not quite as good at it as I usta be. I've got a lot of handgunner friends. Some of em are d--ned good. You know,fast cool headed, accurate. One of em has actually taken deer w/ a pistol. Maybe if I can get a good treestand this fall, I'll try my Linebaugh. But I know I'm a better shot w/a rifle than a hand gun. And most people are. Did ya ever see the look in wounded deer's eyes when that first "easy" shot didn't do the job? So I'll probly be usin my rifle from now on. Say hi to Elmer and Ross for me. Pepe Ray