quote:

Originally posted by tanksoldier:
If you have to shoot, make sure you kill it.

A wounded bear is either a danger to you or will die slowly... or both. Shot is not going to penetrate a bear enough to reliably stop it.

A standard 1oz 12g rifled slug will do fine.

quote:

After starting this post I did some further internet research and I am now more confused than ever. Some say a non rifled slug is fine to shoot through a smooth bore barrel but it should be a with a modified or improved choke. Whatever that is. I also read that a rifled slug should not be fired through a rifled barrel because the competing riflings will degrade accuracy. And that a regular slug should not be shot in a rifled barrel because it will foul the rifling grooves, And only a sabot slug should be used with a rifled barrel.

I don't even know what choke came with my gun, I bought it more than 40 yers ago when I was invited to go duck hunting in North Florida. Took it out of the box, loaded it and shot it.

Jeez I thought this was going to be simple, get a rifled barrel, get slugs, done. Not so much.

And before it gets suggested I already have bear spray. I just want this as another option.

Just tell me what to do. In words of one syllable or less.

quote:

Originally posted by Scooter123:

quote:

Originally posted by tanksoldier:
If you have to shoot, make sure you kill it.

A wounded bear is either a danger to you or will die slowly... or both. Shot is not going to penetrate a bear enough to reliably stop it.

A standard 1oz 12g rifled slug will do fine.

Normally I would agree with you 100%. Unfortunately these are not normal times the only place you will find available 12 gauge Slug loads is in your closet. So, if the OP had the foresight to stash some slug loads that is the best option. However if all he can find are bird loads then that is the only option.