I'll bet the good ol' 30/30 in a M94 would kill a bear. Light and inexpensive, and could be lots of fun with cast bullets after the bear hunt. Same goes for 35 Remington in a Marlin 336
I agree. I've hunted Black bears twice behind hounds in very rugged territory. A Marlin 336 or Winchester 94 (or equivalent) .30-30 with 170 grains bullets will effectively kill any Black bear you'll tree. Most shots won't be more than 25/50 yards. I used a .30-30 on one at about 35 yards and a .41 Mag. S&W on another at about 15 yards in a tree. Both dead before they hit the ground.
A light, handy rifle in .30-30 will make your walking, climbing, struggling through brush and Junipers, etc., much easier than trying to lug around a heavy rifle with an overpowered 'scope.
Good luck on your hunt.
L.W.
