Lever action gun hunters (.357 or 44 mag)

[family first]

Madjack, out on the west coast we usually have longer shots and less woods then you folks back in Maine. It's more of a scabbard gun when I'm out riding around in case I need to fend off trouble.

[People-of-the-North]

Originally Posted by Northern Maine Land Man

...That said, bears in Maine are primarily nocturnal animals and are no danger to people. They avoid people as much as possible.

Concerning this statement, I refer readers to the following articles:

Bear Attacks Maine Teenager - Field & Stream (http://www.fieldandstream.com/article/Field-Notes-And-News/Bear-Attacks-Maine-Teenager - broken link)

Bear Attacks in Old Orchard Beach, Maine « EK’s Star Log

Black Bear Attacks in the News - Maine Bear Hunting Referendum

[Northern Maine Land Man]

I checked the three links above and not one of them mentions a bear attack on a person in Maine. The first two involve dogs harassing bear cubs when the mother bear rushed the dog. There is no mention of whether the bear actually injured the dogs involved. No people were injured. The third article mentions bears at various locations in Canada and the American West. Again, no people were injured. I know of one bear incident in Maine in the last quarter century or so. A fisherman was leaning against a tree, asleep on the bank of a stream and he had a creel with trout in it. A bear pulled on the creel. The strap was around the fisherman's neck. The fisherman awoke and jumped. The bear took one swipe before dashing off without the trout. The fisherman was scratched on the leg by the bear's paw.

This took place in Lakeville 20 or more years ago.

[bvet4dog]

you know, it's against the law to have any firearms loaded in your vehicle including on recreational vehicles? If you want to be able to carry or have any firearms "loaded"... you're going to need a CCW permit.

Many people consider, MAGS with ammo in it as in "loaded". If the gun has the mag in it even tho the camber is clear, it's still considered loaded and if the wardens catches you... you're in a deep pile of trouble. Now, to play it safe, just get a CCW permit and get a rifle (perfer something with a caliber of 8mm) that has a mag (for fast loading). Then you can have it loaded and in/on your vehicle.

I have a CCW permit, i carry a smith wesson m&p .45. For a rifle, i have a izhmash saiga it's chambered in .308 and it has a mag. I love it to death cuz i have a scope that i have, which i can use it or use the sight by looking underneath the scope.
Also i love the recoil of the .308's. It's pretty much an perfect all around caliber for almost anything.

Now, all i can say is that i have been hassled by the wardens quite a bit and they are hard to get by. With the CCW, it's very helpful BUT BUT it's very sticky subject for hunting seasons. The laws tend to change and i've seen several people get screwed over. They are long term resident and veterans.... Laws are something you have to pay CLOSE attention to. Make sure you read the state of maine laws & rules several time before you do anything for your own safety.

here's a pic of my hand gun and my rifle.

Similar rifle but looks identical
http://www.collectorsfirearms.com/images/bb07b672fd4e5c46b6277c8d4427c6c7.jpg (broken link)

my handgun
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...6/DSC01512.jpg

hope this helps

[Submariner]

I have walked up onto black bear in Maine. I find it hard to imagine needing to 'defend' myself from one though.

I have a wide assortment of guns, I am all into meat, and defending my livestock from predators.

However I do not think that you need a large caliber to do that.

[Kracer]

A 22 cal semiauto pistol, Ruger Mark II or a Colt would be perfect if you feel the need to be armed. Get a hunting license as something is in season most of the year. If a 22 rim fire won't do, the next choice would be a 222. Good for coyotes.

Consider a single shot rifle with exchangable barrels to cover center fire to shotgun choices. Light weight, compact. New England firearms and some other companies make such a gun. Aside from a 22 rim, a shotgun can be tailored via ammo choice to cover everything from bunnies to bear.

It is all about bullet placement and bullet construction along with a good dose of common sense and an obsession with safety.

You will find more uses for a 22 rimfire than any other caliber.

Asking about caliber choice is like asking your mom, 'which woman should I marry?'