I’ve Killed Dozens of Bears. Here’s What Actually Makes a Great Bear Gun

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›

Picking a great bear gun isn’t a complicated task, but it’s easy to become paralyzed with indecision if you’re seeking advice on the subject. There is plenty of information, much of which focuses on bore diameter and muzzle energy, but most pontificators miss out on what’s really important when it comes to bear guns. 

The truth is that there are lots of great bear guns to choose from, and their utility is found in appropriately matching them to the task. In other words, you need to consider the application and likely conditions it will be used in. Is it going to be hunting for black bears over bait in dense forest, glassing alpine hills and avalanche chutes, or watching over the wind-blown beaches and alder patches on the Alaska Peninsula in search of a brown bear? Lots of bear guns aren’t for hunting at all, but for self defense. Setting these parameters is the first step in homing in on the best bear gun for you. 

Generally, there are three major categories of bear guns: guide guns, hunting guns, and defensive guns. While there is some overlap, considering your own situation will help you choose.

Guide Guns

When many people visualize the ultimate bear hunting rifle, what they’re really thinking of is a guide gun. In some cases, these do make excellent hunting rifles, but not always. Most are intended to be short-range finishing guns in case a client hits a bear poorly. 

Guide guns often sport iron sights, shorter barrels, a spackling of rust, and are usually chambered in heavier cartridges from .30-caliber magnums and up. This is the rifle a guide carries along to back a hunter up or haul into the thick stuff after a bear has been shot. 

Hunting Rifles

See It

The most important factor in killing a bear quickly is shot placement. There is no substitute for it. Knowing where to shoot a bear and placing your bullet there are, by far, the most critical keys to success.

Many different hunting rifles are a great choice for hunting bears. They need to be reliable and it’s ideal if they’re impervious to moisture when you’re hunting in wet climates. Aside from those two things, the world is really your oyster. Pick a rifle that you can shoot really well and practice with it. 

Most hunters are better off taking a quality deer rifle or the old .308 they have used for years rather than try to get a big magnum. You don’t need it. Even a .30/06,  in confident hands, is a perfectly capable  hunting rifle for big coastal brown bears. When confidence is lacking, it’s an even more compelling reason to pick a shootable rifle. 

Read Next: Best Hunting Rifles, Tested and Reviewed

Defensive Guns

See It

Lots of activities can place you in potential conflict with bears, and you don’t always want to be toting your heavy artillery. For those times, it’s good to consider a handgun or shotgun as a strictly defensive bear gun. 

We’ve spoken and tested a lot regarding revolvers vs. semi-autos for bear defense and, generally, a semi-auto is going to be a better option for most people. A good defensive firearm boils down to two things: convenience and proficiency. It needs to be convenient enough for you to carry at all times in bear country. Your handgun needs to be quickly accessible and you must keep it on your person. Handgun proficiency isn’t easy to attain, and it’s a perishable skill. Choosing a cartridge like the 10mm auto allows for more affordable practice and a better shooting experience than a magnum revolver. 

Read Next: Best Bear Defense Handguns

Focus On What Matters, Don’t Sweat What Doesn’t 

Though most of us appreciate a fine classic hunting rifle or a premium custom build, the price isn’t what makes a bear gun great. It’s fun to indulge in a new rifle or pistol, but let’s not confuse that with necessity.

Watch Next: Bear Gun Shootout: 10mm Auto vs .44 Mag.

There are many affordable guns that are great for bears. While make, model, cartridge, bullet, and other attributes are fun to explore and nerd out on, the most important factor is you. Choose something you shoot well, will work in the context you want to use it, and it won’t disappoint.