Originally Posted by ConradCA
Originally Posted by derby_dude
I have an acquaintance of mine who has a son stationed in Alaska with the Air Force who uses a Ruger 1911 in .45 ACP for bear protection. Using +P I don't think he's that under gun for close work. Heck, I wouldn't feel under gun with standard velocity .45 ACP for close work.

Not what I would use for serious bear hunting but for close range work it should do.


Clearly you don't know what your talking about. A 45 APC is only 500 foot pounds and inadequate for grizzles. A 30 06 would work pretty well and the smallest pistol round I would use would be a 44mag with good bullets.
Not saying that the 45 acp is proper for big bear protection, but foot lbs of energy has zero to do with killing power. Penetration of a properly constructed bullet in the correct spot will end any bears life.