For those folllwing along....

I am moving to AK . I hope to be there in the spring and am making provisions now as to my new life there, most of which will be bush living, living in the cabin and trapping Martin.
I'll be carrying a 22 pistol for dispatch.
I have a 270 WSM tikka T3x and a 6.5x55 in the same for hunting.

However, I want a bit more medicine for early season when the bears are out. The availabilty of the 375 H&H ammo on the shelves, as well I reload, puts the 375 H&H at the top of my list. The 45-70 is near the top, but the limited range has me prefering the 375.



I would like information concerning the Talkeetna for these purposes.

Would those in the know please educate me about this rifle with the Alaskan bush being the setting.

Thank you

In my opinion if you trust your life on a kimber your going to lose big time, get anything else!!!!

I've read of a few problems with the Kimber in feeding.

Why not go with the 375 H&H like you want but choose a more trusted platform like the CZ 550 or Winchester model 70 or Whitworth,or even an older pre 75- 85 Sako.

http://www.gunsinternational.com/gu...lassics-375-h-h-mag.cfm?gun_id=100998260

http://www.gunsinternational.com/gu...64-model-70-375-h-h.cfm?gun_id=100995664

http://www.gunsinternational.com/gu...5-h-h-safari-rifle-.cfm?gun_id=100988889

http://www.gunsinternational.com/gu...ko-finnbear-375-h-h.cfm?gun_id=100981873

There's lots on Guns International to chose from. I always thought a Sako Mannlicher Carbine in 375 H&H would be cool.

that sounds like good info!

I hear you loud and clear.
Rings like a bell.!

Right ... or a sako that *might* eject into a scope turret, or an M70 that might not have a Williams extractor, or or or ....
It is amazing that anyone trusts their life to ANYTHING less than an Echol’s Legend. In fact, anything less in your hands and you might as well just consider yourself EATEN!!!

Seriously, there are plenty of Talkeetnas and Kodiaks in AK which have served their owners well, killed bears, and not “lost big time.” I think sometimes this stuff gets a bit overblown ... like one time at band camp.

Also curious to know, if a scope such as the earlier (70's era) Leopled M8 3x would give clearance with the possible ejection issues known in regards to the Sako rifles.???

What is your experience with Kimber rifles?

Well he's still posting, so either he survived the bear attack, or the Kimber worked that time.

I would say that is likely an accurate assessment as well.Even if there have been some bad reports,which I have heard,you can find something bad about just about anything if you look enough.

Does hearsay and supposition count?

Evidentally!

Well none of course !

Never hunted anything that bites back either.

BUT he read on the internet that Kimbers often fail and dozens of hunters have been gored/stomped/clawed and otherwise dispatched.

If you don't carry a Magnum Mauser from Holland & Holland your hunting trip will be a one way ticket to some beasts stomach.

Since a Kimber is nothing if not a M 70 clone, how could it possibly be any good ?

I rather like my 6.5 CM Adirondack, although I couldn't take in hunting in the Adirondacks as presently configured.

Ha! Your question about the Talkeetna was "answered" by two guys who've never owned or likely even seen one. About par for the course around this site these days, it seems.

I have a Talkeetna. It shoots ridiculously well. Like a varmint rifle. Never had a problem with feeding in a couple hundred rounds fired.

Experience is no match for arguement alone.

You've got my attention.

No.

For the record,like it matters,I simply said I had heard of feeding problems. I expect anyone to take that as they should.

Personally,I would love to own one of the Taleketna's if I could find any reason for it. Maybe,looking for Bigfoot. Is a 375 H&H enough for a Bigfoot and might I need more rounds for the rest of his clan?

I understood what you said Randy, and I think you straightened it out in your second post implying every rifle can have it's issues.



I am reading and listening carefully these days.

This was my experience as well. Rumor was some were built with Krieger barrels. Still found the 24” to be a bit long but could never bring myself to chop it. Hands down best factory stock on a 375 still made (the ks/awr mcmillan being the obvious other contender when available.)

Seriously?!

WoW! I'm lucky to be alive!

Kimber Talkeetna .375 H&H

Mind if I save that picture.?

OKAY WE HAVE SOME TALKEETNA USERS..!!! COOL.!!!

Now, lets talk about them, shall we.? (The rifles, not the users )

Mine has the Krieger SS barrel.
I tweaked mine just a little bit:

Cut the barrel back to 20.5"
Removed the factory sites and replaced with:
NECG Masterpiece Banded Front Ramp with bead and flip-up night sight
NECG Classic One Leaf Expess Sight w/Island Base
Moved the barrel band back since the barrel was chopped

NP3 coating to bolt and internals
Cerakoted the external metal graphite black

Pillar and glass bedded

Trips my digital scale at 7lbs 8.6oz

Don't be afraid to cut the barrel back if you so desire. Only thing to make the Talkeetna better would be an Oberndorf style floor plate. Having said that, I've had zero issue with the blind mag.

Buy a Ruger 375 and be done with it !

358wsm,
I've had my Kimber Talkeetna for about five years and have shot hundreds of rounds through it without a single issue. I competed in the Safari Challenge in MT and saw numerous rifle failures from other manufacturers. I had more than a few competitors ask me about the rifle when they saw how well it ran. Not only is it a tack driver putting 5 shots into .65 moa or better at 100 yards, it will run empty cases faster and smoother than many rifles will run loaded ammunition. It's my go to hunting rifle that I've used successfully on deer and elk out to 465 yards (furthest so far). The Talkeetna is a world class rifle for a reasonable amount of money. I've been offered more than twice what I paid for mine but it's not for sale and I would never part with it.


In this video I run 12 empty cases (fired and not resized) through the Talkeetna fast, medium and slow. This is how it functions.



In this video I run loaded rounds through the Talkeetna about as fast as I can. This is how it functions.



Here’s my Talkeetna.



This is how it shoots.

I'm actually awaiting info from the Alaskans (such as your self) as to the "on shelf availability of the ammo...especially out in the bush stores.


BTW, it's an honor to have you posting here.

Hahahah.... I watched these vids last evening while trying to study the platform...it lead me, in part, to start this thread.

You finally killed an elk with your Pixelated Hero Camo rifle!

I like that it has the blind magazine...it will help keep the crud out of it.

After comparing two handloads and a factory load in my 24" barreled Talkeetna and a friend's 19.5" barreled .375 H&H I decided to cut the barrel back to 22". I agree with you re the stock, but Krieger never made the Talkeetna and Caprivi barrels.

I don't know about the current production, but previously Kimber did indeed purchase their Talkeetna and Caprivi barrels from Krieger. The front and rear sites from NECG and the barrel bands from Gentry.

This from campfire member "Headache" whom is a Senior Design Engineer for Kimber, and was the lead on the Talkeetna and Caprivi rifles.

Pete H was the rifle engineer at Kimber who developed the Talkeetna but he left many years ago. The last time I saw him was over two years ago and closer to three. He's doing (or was) some consulting on various non-firearms projects as far as I know. He's a very knowledgeable individual and a great resource. The barrels have never been made by Krieger and I can't say more than that. Ultimately it doesn't matter because the barrels on the Talkeetna and Caprivi rifles are outstanding.

I know you didn’t ask about it but in Bush life with lots of wear and tear on a rifle I’d also consider finding a Ruger Alaskan in 375 Ruger. Ammo was readily available in and around Fairbanks and it’s as tough a rifle as you’ll find, plus it comes with the shorter barrel and iron sights. Very handy reliable package! Plus if you reload brass is readily available and cheap compared to the H&H

Talkeetna holds 4 in the Mag.

So am I hearing Ruger over the Kimber.?

I'd like to know the views on that.

#2162666 - 04/22/08 Re: Kimber Talkeetna? [Re: Jeff_O]
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 245Headache Offline
Member
Jeff_O,

The barrels are purchased from Krieger, the front and rear sights from New England Custom Guns, barrel band from Gentry and new stock tooling. It adds up pritty fast.

Have a Great day,
Headache


So ... Pete was disingenuous or this was never supposed to be public or ... ?
Now I’m kind of curious...

I have Three 375HH, 1 350 Rem Mag,1 500 XFrame and 1 458 Win Mag that I bought from people who came up here and then decided that Alaska and them didn't work out. The price on each was a steal. My guess is you are planning to work around here before you go out. Get up here and then find one from somebody leaving. People will buy big bores and then figure that they better sell them before they move back to Illinois or Nebraska. It is a win for us up here.

So do I. My experiences are the same. I also have a .30-06 84L Montana and a 6.5 Creed 84 M Hunter. No problems.

There it is. About as sound as wise advice could be.
Yeh, once those wheels touch down on the runway, I ain't ever leaving that place. Gonna work and settle in, then in time hit the 'line at the cabin, do some fishing, and might even do some hunting. When I am done and over, they can plant me in the permafrost.

That is a great plan Kaboku. I had not thought of that.

I'd take Headache's thoughts on the matter over the guy who thinks a 308 is a poor choice for elk because a lung shot bull went 30 yards before dying.

Get the new G&A. Boddington covers both in depth.

A hunting partner got his ass kicked by a bull moose a couple years ago in large part due to a Kimber in 338WM failure to fire. Wounded bull came at him from real close and he stumbled backward and attempted to shoot while lying on his back. Factory load, just a click...

Extreme excess "headspace" at the shoulder (+.125") and enough excess at the belt that a no go closes with slight stiffness.

Kimber CS yawned...

I'd look at a Ruger Guide Gun in 375 Ruger. Pretty much perfect as is.

https://www.ruger.com/products/guideGun/models.html

Never checked head space on a Kimber .308 I had that would go click on a certain load it bug holed. About every 6-7 shot "Click"! I likened it to a weak firing pin spring and CCI 250 primers. I hear its a harder primer? I switched primer and loads opened up a 1/4 but it always went bang. Still tho that click resonated in my brain and I never got past it. Kimber went down the road.

Internet search will render lotta conversation about weak kimber firing pin springs.

Get a Ruger 77 stainless in 375 Alaskan model or 30-06 or 308 if necessary.

Id have no problem trusting a Talkeetna, they are awesome rifles and I'd love to get one at some point. Right now I have a weatherby Vanguard Dangerous game rifle and it does well but a Kimber is nicer.

358WSM,
Man no shortage of opinions and some experience here in your posting. Here my 2 cents for the what it's worth department.
Well I might have missed it, but are looking to hunt bear or are you looking more for protection? Reading your first posting sounded like more towards protection. If thats the case than a fast pointing rifle is the ticket..... First off I've found over the years that tried and true is the way to go. Hard to beat a 375 HH, yea there are newer stuff like the Ruger,and I'm sure it's a fine cartridge, but, for teeth and claws, go with the one that has been working, and working very well for almost a century (1925). A former Charter Captain and fish guide that worked for me for 11 years only carries a 375 HH when he's Bear Guiding on Kodiak. My brother has a Sako carbine that he's thinking of selling, I don't think he's ever taken it out of the box from when I gave it to him 30 years ago. If intreasted let me know and I'll ask him.
BUT... For the up close and personal, I would go with the 45-70 with Buffalo Bore ammo. I used to take customers to shore off our long range charters in Prince William Sound and I carried a custom Remington 660 rebarelled to a 458x2 American along with a 5.5" Ruger 480. Finely went to a 50 Alaskan built on a Browning 71. We had customers in along bear streams lots.
I only hunted big Bear once when my Father and Brother insisted on it, I carried a custom 458 mag built for my move to Alaska 45 years ago. Nice gun, but, 45" long, 11 pounds loaded with a Lyman peep. Carrying that monster through the alders was what made me build the 660, 458x2, 7.75 pounds, 38" with a Leopold 1x4. Can't personally see a good reason to hunt big bears. But, there are times when you can find one close in and unexpected. Fast and big makes me feel better. So the question is are you hunting or just wanting to feel more comfortable?
John

John,

PROTECTION.

I'll be living and working out of one of the smaller villages, outside of Fairbanks. Then, in the fall, I'll be heading back in and around unit 19 to run a Marten line. It is back in there where my concerns rest. No way in or out, possibly for days, even weeks, depending on the weather and contact with the pilot. Even a little scratch could spell the end. So, Protection, especially before den up is my goal.

Feel free to add, or even PM me, please.

Get a 06 Shoot 200gr partition out of it.. I have a model 70 stainless classic in a 375 H&H I yet to take it out hunting. Most times I grab my model 70 in a 338 wsm (200gr ab) or my model 70 in a 325 wsm (200gr partitions) or my model 70 in a 30-06 (200gr ab). do you see a trend yet..

79, some guys may scoff at that 30-06/200gr partition remark, unless theyve actually used it. 5 in the mag box, makes me feel a little better too.

Yes. I do see a trend.

When running the 30-06, how did it perform when attempting to stop a charge.???

I actually think perhaps my next thread should ask/read - " How has your 30-06 performed for you durring a Brown Bear charge.?"

I'll have NO other shooter standing by.
I'll be a minimum of 3 days back in, by boat, without another living soul to call upon for just over 50 miles away.
I'll have to have near perfect snow conditions in order for the pilot to land, find my mauled body, and drag me to the nearest hospital.
I'll have a satalite phone that might work, might complete a call, and someone might answer...if I am in any condition to dial.


Still banking on the 06.???

So here it is.

" How has your 30-06 performed at stopping a bear charge.?"





.

358wsm,
I don't know how to PM, I feel lucky just making a post with not to many miss spellings and such.
Anyway: KISS, Keep It Simple Stupid.
45-70 with buffalo Bore, wide flat nose cuts a nice hole. Close in high velocity cartridges can pass through without expanding or just blow up. It's a crap shoot because you don't know what you will be confronted with. I did a test to prove a point on that subject for my Father who had just bought a 460 Weatherby mag, nasty gun and not needed since the T Rex passed on.. Anyway the very unscientific test:
1 each, 460 mag, 458 WM, and a hot 45-70. Target 8"x8"x16" timber chunks, mostly on the dry side at 20 yards. the 500 gr RN soft point 460 Weatherby drilled a nice 1/2" hole in the block. Next the 458WM with 350 gr RN soft point, split the block. The 45-70 with Barns Originals shatered the block. To much velocity close up does not give the bullet the chance to work. After that my Father shot the 460 for the first time after my testing, one shot and the 460 was for sale. Now there are exceptions to that for sure, but it comes back to KISS. I would shy away from the factory loads in the 45-70, like the Remington, 405 gr at what 1330fps. The Buffalo Bore 45-70 Magnum - Lever Gun Ammo - 405 gr. J.F.N.(2,000fps/M.E.3,597 ft.lbs.) or CorBon has a 460gr at 1650fps.. Buffalo Bore is expencive stuff, but it's not like your going to go plinking and burn up a bunch of ammo, so buy 2 boxes, 1 to test out and one to carry up the mag.
Around the interior or Fairbanks it's rare to get a Grizzly, mostly Blacks and those on the smaller side. But, in unit 19 you could run into Grizz. If you go with a Marlin get an older one and change it over to the Wild West extractor and a few other items to make the Marlin run reliably. No frills, if you get a older one the trigger will possablity be good and smooth. I have a older Marlin with some cleaned up rust pits, bought it that way. Makes for a good boat gun, don't mind getting a ding or 2 in it and it's short, light and comes up fast.
Anyway thats my 2 cents. I'm sure somebody will put thier 2 bits in and say I'm full of it. But you know what they say, opinions are like Azz holes, everybody has one.
Remember: KISS.
John

Probably like any other rifle in whatever caliber they have miserable.. if I’m worried about charging bears I’m packing a benelli semi auto in a 12 gauge loaded with slugs.. or a 870 in a 12 gauge ... as far as trend that one flew over your head I use nothing but model 70’s that’s the trend the other I guess would be I like nosler bullets..

Bump.

Wow you will be the only guy ever to venture into the wilds of Alaska.. good luck buy a 458 Lott shoot 510gr slugs out of it.. good luck

I'm not asking that.
I'm asking an honest question, I'd like to hear the reports of performance there while using yojr 30-06's to stop a Brown Bear charge.?
Encourage me a bit.

358wsm,
458win said it: simple buy Ruger 375 and be done with it. Can't go wrong there either. I personally don't have any experance with the 375 HH or Ruger. The only reason is I came here with a 338WM and just did not want one more caliber.
The main point is get comfortable and confident with your firearm..
My most used calibers for me are 30-06, 338-06, 35 Whelen in the interior/Fairbanks area. The coast is a differant story.
John

I don’t need to encourage anyone.. buy whatever you want but I can wander into any store in Alaska and get a box of shells for an 06.. I wandered the wilds of unit 13 and never worried about charging bears.. but I have complete faith in whatever I’m carrying to turn a charge if one ever happened. The big question will you be able to hit a charging bear? I don’t care what you have if you can’t hit what’s charging you might as well have a rape whistle and blow on it cause that bear about to give you the ass raping of a lifetime. That bear ain’t going to give you any chocolates afterwards either..

Can’t go wrong with a 338 win mag either with 250gr slugs..

Winchester all the way. I prefer them. Noslers, yes.
Sorry, got a bit on my mind...seemingly worse than getting my a $$ handed to me by a bear...a wife that charges harder than any ol bear...charging right on outta my marriage. So......bit distracted. But I'll pay closer attention from now on.

So.... in order to "hit" and "hit" again, shootability, and recoil recovery would come into play. Figure an 06 might be an advantage there.
Going for CNS coming in at 30 mph could be dicey. A miss might wind up in the chest, right or left, or high (spine works.)

Where did you hit yours when it was charging.??? CNS.? Somewhere else.?

You can pick up used Rugers here in Ak and pretty reasonable. I like rugers but I’m a model 70 guy..

You sound like my tutors, Kaboku and ykrvak, big time 45-70 suggesters.

Guess I’m lucky I never had to worry about charging bears.. hell phil shoemaker killed a charging bear with a 9mm pistol... but whatever I’m lugging in the field up here I feel I’m more than adequately armed to take care of any issue. But if you want a 375 get the Ruger with the money you save buying it over the kimber you can put a good scope on it and get Warne quick disconnect rings for it. So you can switch to irons...

Any idea why there are so many reasonable priced Rugers there.?
I've run 'em, liked them.
To me fit and function...then brand name.

Thanks for your post 79S..

I would think Phil Shoemaker would have had a 30-06/bear charge experience or at least know, first hand, someone that had that experience. Maybe he will weigh in on it soon. I would be very interested myself to know how the 30-06 fares in a bear charge. I use my M70/06 in bear infested areas during drive hunts for boars. RJ

Called Alaska list believe it or not you will find deals on there..

I believe you.
And I appreciate you for bringing some things to the table.

And if my attitude sounded a little wiseashish...it ain't. I'm listening and asking, and learning.

Thank you for helping a brother out.

This I believe.

30-06 ranks high on my list because.
Ammo is widely available.
I also handload.
Lots of ammo on the cheap, means lots of shooti g and practice.
30-06 will not bounce off a skull, spine, or shoulder.
If a poor first shot, it has mild enough recoil to make a quick follow up.
It's lighter than the Mag rifles.
Usually holds an extra in the magazine.

For hunting Moose and 'bou, it's plenty.

It would be hard to talk me out of one.

One on there now 375 Ruger in a Hawkeye fella wants $625 for it.. I gone full circle and I’m back to an 06 and 270 Winchester.

I'm thinking the 375 has diminisbing returns..in my hands..
But your Warne disconnects are spot on.

There ya go. And for good reason too...the 06 and 270 that is.

I am betting Phil could end a Bear charge with strong language.
When bears gather they talk about him with fear and trepidation, and the "stay away from Phil" memo goes out.

I'll write to him and get his experiences with the 06.
I've a sneaking suspicion he's slamed a few on comers with that number.

If he doesn't post, I'll share what I learn.


What he DID post was simple, "Get the 375 Ruger Alaskan and be done with it.!"

That said, I'd still like to hear from him concerning the 06.

Last year, early fall, on a driven boar hunt, I was charged by a large brown bear. I was holding my M70 in 308 Win. I hollered (probably sounded more like a woman screaming) and he turned away at 3 yards and ran off. The woods was pretty thick in that area and I did not see him coming at me until he was around 15 yards away. I should have started shooting immediately when I saw him. In that situation, with a bolt gun, I would be lucky to get 2 shots off at the bear before he was on me. Since then, I don't mind using that 308 or my 7x57, after the leaves have dropped and I have good visibility, but in those close places, I want to be holding my 9.3x62, 30-06 or 870. I take blood thinners so if a bear slaps me good with a paw, I'll bleed out before before someone can get me to a hospital. And here in Romania, emergency services and hospitals aren't what they are in the states. RJ

No shame screaming like a woman if that is all it takes. Nothing scares me away faster than a woman screaming at me either

As I understand it your going to pound Nails in the Summer and run Traps in the winter,regardless of what rifle you get to shoo Bears away,it will most likely hang on pegs in your 12 by 16 Cabin. I would be more concerned with the one you’re going to carry on your line,as Art has said light is your friend. How will it stand up in and out of its carry scabbard,what are you going to do with it at night,leave it outside or take it inside.

You’re post reflect that recoil is not a major concern,I would take a few more pounds of recoil and shave a couple pounds off my rifle,especially if my Machine had a malfunction and I had to Snowshoe back to my Cabin.

Just a couple of thoughts, best to you in your endeavors.

79S, those M70's are hard to beat, especially if you like the rifle a bit lighter. Here are a couple of pics of my M70 stainless Featherweight in 30-06. I cut the barrel to 20" and put it in a Mc Millan Hunters Edge stock. I installed a Ruger front sight because of strength and the quick change front sight inserts. I use an X/S rear Low Weaver Back-up on the rear weaver base as a back-up sight. I replaced the screw that attaches the X/S sight with a stud and thumb nut so I would not need tools if I had to put the sight on in the field. Since the pictures, I have changed to a larger rear aperture. I have found the white bead to be faster, for me, than the white stripe post front sight. As a primary sight for driven boar, I like a good red dot. I think the red dot would be good in bear situation also. with the red dot as in the picture, this rifle weighs 7 pounds, 1 .75 ounces RJ

To be fair to Phil, he stated that on a thread when you were asking about different 375 chambered rifles. A search on this website and in the Wolf publications will yield more than a bit of his opinion on the 30-06. He's a fan and IIRC it has been his choice as a backup rifle more than once.

60n148w,

Thank you for the couple of thoughts. And thank you also for sending your best.


You wrote, " As I understand it..."
Yes Sir, You understand it correctly....the part about "pounding nails...running traps..." and such.

Concerning the pegs in the 12x16 As I see it, I will be hanging a 20" Barreled Winchesterbbard 97. It currently wears a ramp sight blade/bead, a Williams receiver serves for the rear sight, and being that it is tubed It lends it's self. That one will be kept inside.
For personal carry, doing chores around camp, a 5 1/2" barreled Redhawk in 44 Mag (like to aquire one once I arrive) will be carried.

Out making sets and doing checks, a 22 for dispatch would be holstered in the sled box. And before den up, I'll sling my Savage 99 TD in 300 Sav when getting off the sno go. Once back on, it'll slide into a scabbard under and behind my right leg on the ski doo. Irons sights for obvious reasons. Maybe at some point I'll want to find a Marlin that thumps a little harder to replace it with, but for now I'll dance with who brung ya. The Savage fits me, the thump of the rifle butt against my shoulder, and sight alignment happens simultaneously, and the lever trumps any of my bolts when it comes to follow up shooting. Heavies for close work. And, as Art suggested, it isn't heavy.

For exclusively hunting, what I have I'll use, another lightweight rifle, and for now that looks to be a Tikka T3x in 270 WSM. Again, that is what I have and so, yada, yada, yada. And again, that will be kept outside during the season it will get used.

These rifles and scenarios, are of course, subject to change.
A stainless model 70 or model 77 in 35 Whelen pushing 250's and dropped into a McEdge would be an example, and a friendly companion for that long walk back to the cabin.


I Really liked your post.

358wsm,
I have to admit, my go to rifle is a M70 feather weight in 30-06, I've had one for over 50 years. If your a reloader you might look into the Woodleigh 240 gr made for the 06 velocity. rj308's got a fine looking rifle pictured. Bought a Forbes Rifle in 35 Whelen that I need to get broken out. Weighs in at about 6.5 pounds with a scope. Like someone said up above, light is nice, a little heavy on recoil when needed, but when needed you won't notice.
But, no matter what rifle and caliber you pick, the key is being able to use it confidently and reliably.
I will admit that I am a bit of a rifle nut, got one of those and 2 of those, which to choose.
John

Read this link - http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=wildlifenews.view_article&articles_id=734

drover

Nice rifle.

Gentlemen,

Unfortunately mu work day has begun, and I do not have time to give proper response to your posts this morning.

I did write Mr Shoemaker, and he was gracious enough to respond.
I will share with you what was said when I return this evening.

Wishing you all a fine day!

Here is the gist of my comments

The 30-06 works as well as the shooter does !

The famous Alaskan territorial hunter Jose Sarber was forced to kill many large problem bears and although he owned a 375 H&H he claimed he had more faith in his familiar 30-06.

The world record bear was killed on Kodiak with a 30-06

The famous Kodiak guides, bill Pinnell and Morris Talifson, recommended the 30-06

I have also killed numerous big bears with my 30-06, a few that had to be tracked after clients had wounded them, and that charged me.
With 200 or 220 gr Nosler partitions or 180 or 200 gr TSX bullets the 06 penetrates as well as the 375.
If you place your bullets correctly with a 30-06 it kills big bears very well
and if you don't place your bullets well it doesn't matter if you are shooting a 375, 416 or 458, you still have a wounded bear.

Now wait a second! Are you saying it’s the indian not the arrow Phil?!?

Phil, thanks for your valuable input. That'll ease my tensions a bit, provided I can hit well, under extreme stress. RJ

I would suggest you strongly consider the Marlin 1895 trapper.

Lots of good recommendations already, but I'm a big fan of the boring old 30-06. If I was in your shoes I'd take a Winchester pre-64 in 30-06 (about a $700 rifle) and a BRNO 602 in 375 H&H (about a $750 bill, I just picked two up for that shipped to me) and be perfectly happy.

So who is the guy with the Lion ?

Sure as hell no the defrocked GS5 hiding in Fredrickburg !

White guy with the lion is "me, myself, and I". Never been in civil service (GS) but you keep puffin' up your scrawny chest and crow about things you're completely clueless about!

I wonder what BATF and the IRS would say about your "business" of buying and selling firearms when you haven't an FFL? Might want to be careful Larry.... it's ALL out there on the various Forums where you've purchased, and then turned around and sold on Gunbroker and Gunauction just to name a couple...

You're not the only one with "files"...

Its your call as to what you feel comfortable with in the line of protection. If me, it would be a lever gun w/ 16"- 20" barrel shooting 45-70 (a lot of great defensive ammo to choose from); or 45-70/457 Mag lever from WWG. You may be fast with a bolt gun, but you will never outpace a lever gun at close range in a moments notice against a large bruin. Inside of 50 yards the 45-70 loaded correctly with today's excellent bullets (Barnes Buster) is a bone crushing instrument with incredible penetration. If you consider carrying a revolver, the 480 Ruger loaded with 410 HC at 1,200 fps or 475 Linebaugh with 440 HC at 1,300 fps will get the job done giving extreme penetration along with extreme recoil (it take practice to shoot them well under stress). Only one mans opinion. Good Luck.

Marlin 1895 trapper