Registered: Jan 2010
Location: NC
Posts: 274

I am looking to buy a bear gun. I think I am set on one of these two. Would like know which one you guys prefer and why.

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John Queen

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Registered: Sep 2010
Location:
Posts: 593

I use a 35 an its never failed me so far, I like it over the 30-30 because it's gotta little more knock down power, but I have seen several takin with both calibers

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Registered: Dec 2008
Location: Va
Posts: 219

a 30-06 with a 180gr bullet plenty of knock down power, i also have a 35 but have only killed 4 deer with it never a bear. i been thinkin of usin my 257 roberts this year as its never failed me yet. 30-30 has plenty of power to take down a bear as ive seen bear killed with a 22 an 22 mag! so either one of them guns will get the job done! it will be all in what u perfer!

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Cameron Burns

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Registered: Oct 2003
Location: mid-michigan
Posts: 4437

I hunt with a Model 94 Winchester 30/30.
I like the short , light rifle.
One shot to the neck , and the bear comes out dead.
If I bait hunted , I'd use it also. Here in Michigan , you probably wouldn't get a shot much over 50 yards. Well within the limitations of either one.

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Registered: Oct 2007
Location: United States
Posts: 407

I use a .35 with 200gr. LeverRevolution Ammo. Its never failed me and hits hard.

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Adam Evans
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Registered: Jan 2011
Location: Maryland
Posts: 582

I've shot bear over bait with both calibers and both worked fine but my preference between those two is the 35 Remington due to large bullet size and weight.

My favorite close range bear caliber is a 45-70.

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Registered: May 2011
Location: Spencer,WI
Posts: 78

Im sure either would work great for a bear in a tree or over a bait! When things get a little hairy like hunting corn fields or bayed up bears I like to have a little bit more security. I like to use a 12 guage slug or 45-70. Shot a 400 pounder with a pistol last year on the ground witha 44 mag pistol, that was a rush!

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Registered: Jan 2010
Location: NC
Posts: 274

I use a 12gauge slug now. I want to lighten up my load. I hound hunt. I will be shooting treed and bayed bears. I am leaning toward the 35. I want to be able to stop him on the ground to minimize dogs getting hurt, but I dont want to lug a cannon around. Thanks for the replies.

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John Queen

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Registered: Oct 2007
Location: newhampshire
Posts: 144

30/30 w hornady pointed bullets and good shot placement..

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Registered: Oct 2006
Location: wisconsin
Posts: 170

45-70 marlin guide model it is short,not to heavy and plenty of power.It has everthing you need. The guns you mentioned will work just fine,but I think you should at least take a look at the 45-70.

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Registered: Jul 2009
Location:
Posts: 14

I use/ prefer the marlin 444 lever action, its light accurate and tough! And has plenty of knock down power. I killed bear with both the 444 and the 45/70 both do.great jobs, but have also seen a good many bear taken with the 35. Good luck!

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Registered: Not Yet
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Posts: N/A

I usually use whatever in hand or someone eles is lugging along lol, but here lately everytime I look at the clock in the truck it says 444 sometimes I even wake in the middle of the night and there it is, 444. I think someone or something is trying to tell me something, plus with the 444 I can reload my 44 mag rounds. I looked at one at the gun store, but didn't like the looks of it. It was light and much like a 30-30 but it just felt cheep.

RuffRunbearhunt what mod did you use? I know I am going get one soon. I really like the size of that round, it's a nice one, and the casing wow, what a round. Heck I read that with the pointed bullets it will reach out 200yds. How bad does it kick in that light lever action?

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Registered: Jun 2011
Location: VA
Posts: 40

Karidnalkennels I sent you a pm

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Registered: Mar 2011
Location: michigan
Posts: 260

If bait hunting 300 mag. But I hound hunt so my favorite n best gun I thinly is 12 ga. Slug. Seen a ton of bear killed w/them.

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