Klikitarik,
I've always figured that the gun for the job is whichever gun you have available when a gun is needed...
"Cause it was 'the' everyman's rifle out in these parts for many years, consequently it was often what happened to be in the victim's hands at the moment of need"
That makes perfect sense to me for your needs in rural Alaska.
I hope that the Mini-14 continues to solve your Bear problems for you.
