Quote Originally Posted by iamhunter View Post
You've probably never seen the Ruger Alaskan in .454 Casull.

This thing would put away a rhino.

http://www.shootingtimes.com/handgun_reviews/rgrRH/
seen it, never shot one.. also have handled a .500 S&W..
Basically any handgun powerful enough, recovery time is too long..

I knew someone that was charged by a Grizzly near Juneau, emptied a .44 Magnum into the bear, he survived- but said he'd never use a handgun as his 1st choice again, he felt very lucky to have survived.

This is an extreme example: http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/g/giantbear.htm

that example has been exaggerated in other stories.. but even the Moose in this territory can be very dangerous.. I've seen bull Moose you could park a VW bug under! Normally docile, under bad circumstances they kick in all directions & their hooves are massive.

you could go for months up there and never be forced to defend yourself- but if you are forced- I'd rather have something better than a handgun.. That Ruger Alaskan is better than pepper spray, tho

Zundfolge has it right- around here, your worst threat you could ever face is one that will shoot back...