How Big Of A Gun Do You Need To Take Down A Bear In Montana?

Last week, we shared a story with you about a massive grizzly bear caught on camera in Augusta, Montana. The video of the bear went viral and some experts estimated the size of the bear to be about 800 pounds or more.

After sharing the story, I received an email that left me with an important question: am I properly equipped to protect myself from a charging grizzly bear?

Local Says Of Montana Bears: "We're Gonna Need A Bigger Gun..."

I want to send a special thanks to Gary M. for sending an email about the story we shared about the 800-lb grizzly. Not only did he share his own personal experience with a large bear:

While I did not see this bear, he was laying on top of a back slope of a road going in to Taylor fork. I walked up a road in 1/2 inch of new snow. It was the first snow as it was early November. The bear rolled down the slope and walked on my tracks that I had left moments earlier.

It was at this moment when Gary realized: he's going to need a bigger gun.

His paw print was longer than the stock on my 7mm so about 15 inches. Glad I missed him but to close. My 7mm got replaced by a .338 win mag very soon after this close call.

What Is The Best Way To Defend Yourself From A Bear?

Now, it should be said that bear spray is obviously one of the best ways to defend yourself from a bear, right? No one gets seriously hurt, and most importantly - no one dies.

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However... WHAT IF... that bear spray fails or doesn't affect the bear the way you planned? Now, it's ticked off and charging at you. Do you have the right firearm to fend off a large bear?

Obviously, we're not saying people should be hauling around a military-grade LMG in the event they encounter a large grizzly bear. That's just not realistic.

So, what kind of heat should you be packing if you wind up in the "wrong neighborhood" of nature and encounter a hungry bear?

Bears & Guns: What The 'Experts' Say

As we learned in the email above, a 7mm just won't cut it and we could argue that a 9mm won't do much to deter a large bear either.

So, leaving bear spray out of the conversation, let's take a look at some of the best firearm options to protect yourself from a charging bear.

Do you agree? Do you have another firearm suggestion? Does buckshot work for you? Let us know your thoughts HERE.