From: bobd@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu (Bob DeBula)
Newsgroups: rec.guns
Subject: Re: Advice on Polar Bear protection requested (no kidding!!!)
Date: 7 Apr 92 18:13:12 GMT
Organization: The Ohio State University

In article <52549@mimsy.umd.edu> rboudrie@chpc.org (Rob Boudrie) writes:
#
#   (c) What calibers and gusn are recommended?
#

A possibility for a nice light bolt action is the Remington limited
edition classic from a few years back in .350 Remington Magnum. My
understanding (from some folks who've posted here previously) is that
.350 Rem Mags are used as "camp guns" for the purpose of protecting
against bears (probably not Polar bears, however) in Alaska (these 
would probably be the older model 600 in .350 Rem Mag which are almost 
impossible to find as most are still in use). Of course, if weight is no 
object, then something like a .338 Winchester Mag., .375 H&H, or .416 
Remington Mag. would be preferable. You might still be able to find the
Classic in .350 Rem. Mag. if you search diligently through Shotgun News.

I would consider any handgun a bit too light to intentionally shoot a
polar bear (although a .44 Mag. or better would undoubtedly beat throwing
rocks or volunteering to be a light, if highly vocal, lunch). Perhaps
I would have a holstered handgun in the .44 Mag. or better class *and*
a light rifle in .350 Rem Mag or better (you just *know* you're going
to lay that rifle out of reach at the most importune moment -- Murphy
says so). The advice from a previous poster to obtain reading matter on 
the subject of bears is an excellent suggestion.

Oh, I would probably also make a study of available ammunition in .350
Rem Mag (or indeed any other cartridge) were I to choose that cartridge 
and probably go with something like a Barnes or Nosler bullet for a heavy
duty handload. Penetration would probably be a prime factor in loading for 
bear as they have notoriously thick skulls. Given a choice, I believe I've 
read previously that trying to break the shoulder is the preferable shot as this
then allows one the opportunity (if the shot is successful) to avoid
being eaten or mauled to death while finishing the beast. Perhaps one of
the Alaskan contingent to this group would like to comment further?

I would probably consider a bolt action above a semi-auto for use
in protection against things like polar bears due to the likely temperature
conditions. Semi autos are much likelier to jam under low temperature
conditions. If a semi-auto is used, a study of low temperature lubricants
would undoubtedly be in order (Gun Tests had some studies of gun lubes
a while back which might make useful reading).

Does all this sound paranoid enough for you :-) :-) :-)? Of course, 
the best alternative is to avoid the bears and avoid shooting one if 
at all possible. I hope this helps.

Polar Bear joke from Farside I believe:

A picture of two bears bent over an Igloo which has been broken open.
One bear is commenting to the other that he "just loves that chewy center". 

-- 
==========================================================================
              Disclaimer: These are my views, not the U's

[MODERATOR:  In all this discussion about polar bear, we have 
overlooked other basic safety practices, e.g., always go into
the wild equipped with a colleague who runs slower than you do.]