My Bear Defense Shotgun Setup

[@derekbootle8316]

Love it. Easy, simple and effective. You never see that in a gun video anymore. Its always, "my gun is best". I like, "this is what i use, it works".

[@cunninglinguist9853]

You're modest, humble and a damn fine shot. Your presentation was good. Thank you, sir.

[@podsmpsg1]

I'd use 3 inch slugs for Bear defense, Breneke Black Magic Magnum to be exact. It's a 1.5 Oz, 600 grain projectile moving at 1,300+ fps.

[@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875]

That's a bruiser for sure.

[@scinanisern9845]

I just got a rifled barrel and ordered the Crush and a folding stock. 1 1/2 oz. at 1600 fps. MPN SL-123CMR UPC 4030128120522 Manufacturer Brenneke USA Ammunition Caliber 12 Gauge Ammo Bullet Type Rifled Slug Muzzle Velocity 1604 fps Muzzle Energy 3804 ft lbs Primer Shotgun Primer Casing Shotgun Casing Ammo Rating Hunting 12 Gauge Ammo Its my camp gun.

[@fatfuzzypotato6113]

1 3/8 oz slug is what the brenneke black magics are

[@videogazer801]

@@fatfuzzypotato6113what if you missed?

[@FranklinHicks-qs4gs]

Ouch

[@timothyprice9064]

We had the same problem in Hawaii, a beautiful place but you could almost watch your weapon rust after cleaning it. We used regular motor oil to prevent rust. To this day I still use motor oil with no noticeable issues. That's from 1978 until now. 44 years of motor oil.

[@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875]

If it works it works! I have spent some time on those terribly humid pacific islands and I know exactly what you mean. Very clever with the motor oil.

[@timothyprice9064]

@@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875, Hey, it's cheap compared to gun oil, and one quart of mobile one will last forever.

[@vic2796]

Motor oil is just as good as any fancy gun oil if not better. it’s designed to protect engines spinning at 6000+ rpms guns will never experience parts friction like that . plus it will help cleaning due to the detergent in the oil ! Rock on and don’t think anything of what any one tells you otherwise ! I use both motor oil and gun specific oils what ever is closer. Just don’t use gun oil in your motor 😉

[@timothyprice9064]

@@vic2796 I can only imagine what a few quarts of gun oil would cost. I have been using motor oil on my firearms since the 70s I really don,t think I'll change now. And yes, a well-oiled weapon is very easy to clean.

[@artemusp.folgelmeyer4821]

Interesting...I never gave any thought to motor oil. @@vic2796

[@RomeoEdward]

Mossberg 500 has been my choice for over 50 years. Very dependable, reasonably priced, and great customer service.

[@interrestrial9815]

I have carried my Mossberg 500 all over Alaska. Summer, winter, spring and fall and I am with you on the finish. I have however used a product called RIG which I smear all over the blued parts, except the trigger. I load up patches of cotton (old tee shirts) with it and put them in zip lock bags. It works pretty well. Well enough that after 20 plus years I do not have any rust or pitting. It is on me while fly fishing as well.

[@je862]

Nice video! Simple......you did some shooting, and btw good shots, highlighted your gun and what you added to it. I like how you kept the gun simple without all the additions, although some additions can certainly help in some situations. I'm a blued and wood guy myself. Great channel!

[@billboyd6894]

Wow nice shooting I’m glad you listened to your dad and I when you were young. 😉

[@stephencarmichael5156]

I use a beeswax and almond oil mixed into a cream to treat my 870 for bad weather. Old timers used bear lard for rust proofing.

[@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875]

Cool, I bet that heavy natural grease works pretty good.

[@markpeever496]

This has become a favorite channel. I love the signal to noise ratio here.

[@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875]

Thanks, that means a lot.

[@KH-rt3ef]

You can have your finish Cerakoted inexpensively. It’s like a durable shellack that’s baked on, it doesn’t allow water and salt to reach metals. It can be patterned, matte, it can even be clear so your finish doesn’t appear different. That would save you from rust.

[@tommybarrios3307]

Mossberg 500, great gun, nice set up. Thanks for sharing

[@jimnassiopoulos6335]

A nice strait forward gun. Perfect.

[@adoptdontshop3916]

Simple, straightforward, and gets the job done. - 👍

[@masgrey9608]

Nice shotgun. Everything needed without all the "tactical" junk that is so popular lately. You get my vote! You shoot very well.

[@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875]

Thanks! I like keeping things as slick as possible. No need carrying around all that extra weight.

[@wilez3219]

Not junk. That's like calling GPS in a car junk lol. But a lot of people don't learn the basics

[@caseg7761]

@@wilez3219 Agreed. Just cause it's not what YOU prefer, doesn't make it "junk"

[@adakcelina]

@@wilez3219 for something you take on a hike in a bear infested zone, this shotgun with nothing else suffices. No need for extra weight.

[@johnyy1911]

I have a Browning BPS Upland with a 22 inch barrel. I am a lefty so the bottom loading and bottom ejection works better for me. I really like the ghost ring rear sight that you have and the tritium post front sight. With that set up and much practice, you are very quick at getting on target.

[@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875]

Cool! The sights are a pretty nice upgrade.

[@keelyoconnell3911]

Nice video Alan! Interesting material - I liked the advice about not having to carry ammo in your pockets.

[@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875]

Thanks :)

[@davidneal6920]

Good shooting! Nice simple set up for bear defence

[@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875]

Thanks!

[@metroplexchl]

Great video. Man you're really good at honestly practical outdoor guns.

[@dlansburg2673]

Thanks again,I’m going to Carry my moms Mossberg for bear protection,she used it for deer hunting in NY,I now reside in WY

[@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875]

Hope it serves you well, take care!

[@Rakete96]

Nice video, informative and no bullshit talking, besides that you're a pretty good shot keep on going buddy

[@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875]

Thanks! Will do.

[@homeschooldaddyjournal9839]

Finally. The video I've been waiting for.

[@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875]

Thanks for watching, glad you liked it.

[@biglos1999]

You're nice with the gauge! Keep up the good work.

[@fredmeebley]

Nice shooting, practice definitely pays for itself.

[@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875]

Thanks, I agree.

[@rickurban9681]

Looks like it would be quite capable to handle the job. Defensive position, on your knee if he’s charging you. Equal height will give more positive results in a high speed situation. Good video, nice rig.

[@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875]

Thanks!

[@curtis6554]

great video . I have a mossberg 590 I carry when in the woods here in Arkansas . we have black bears and like you I have not had to shoot one . hell when my gun goes off ( 3" magnum ) the sound scares everything even the bears . I was a remington 870 guy until I got my 590 mossberg makes a fine shotgun .

[@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875]

Thanks! Nice, 3" magnums pack a wallop. I don't really have a strong preference between the 870 or the Mossbergs.

[@random_eskimo_in_the_rockies]

The controls on the 590 are MUCH more intuitive for me. I sold my Remington, as nice as it was. Love my Mossberg.

[@nate4036]

I agree our TN black bears can be chased off by clapping your hands. But I noticed when I’m in the Kenai Peninsula, those bears do not have the same kind of behavior, nor do moose… that said, moose are freaking terrifying in the backcountry. Never had to deal with an aggressive bear, but twice we’ve had to deal with cow moose.

[@jimmyghersi]

Great setup, functional and simple

[@Alaska610ish]

As Alaskan I carry a Mossberg 930 SPX for bear. Also a Glock 20 with 4 mags.

[@wm973]

Well... you put me down with your shooting. Course mine is for home defense. Thanks for the vid!

[@stevec1022]

You have a good channel. Greetings from Ohio!!

[@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875]

Hi Steve, thanks for watching!

[@tdsmith]

Fine shooting and a good on-screen presence.

[@davy3085]

Shotguns got the power 💪🏼💪🏼

[@notpoliticallycorrect]

Good set up! I like it!

[@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875]

Thanks!

[@R_K_S2401]

Shotguns are nice for quick follow up shots. I have a Mossberg 500 with federal 3 inch 1 1/4 ounce slugs at 1600 fps. Great against most charging animals in North America.

[@interrestrial9815]

Used mine for just that. 00 buck no! I used Brenneke slugs to follow up - yeah!

[@johnnyh-pay5843]

Nice setup! We also use the 870 for work. A ceracote finish really helps for working in S.E.. Trouble is most slug loads aren’t waterproof and the powder can get soaked if the shells get submerged. I prefer to carry my personal .44 in stainless because it’s more likely to be on me if I need it. If it’s a bear heavy area or really remote I take my stainless 1895 guidegun in 45/70.

[@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875]

Sounds like good choices all around. I imagine its hard to keep anything dry in southeast! Thanks for watching!

[@therccelebrityspeedfresh5393]

Hey, nice shot bro. I got me a mossberg 590 12 gage shot gun pump action, it’s got heat shield on top of my barrel and and ghost ring sight, it’s 20inch long. Mine has 8 rounds plus 1. 9 rounds I’ve shot it and I love it.

[@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875]

Thanks, sounds like a nice shotgun you have there.

[@therccelebrityspeedfresh5393]

@@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875 yes sir and I love it. I got it 5 months ago. Brand new 2022

[@gruges2068]

Great job, Brother!

[@arcticblaster2]

I prefer Mossbergs to 870s and while my gun is the 590, the 500 is lighter, handier, and arguably quicker. I swapped out the steel magazine follower and factory spring for a nylon follower and stainless spring. I prefer a side saddle for spare ammo which doesn't interfere with shooting from my weak side the way a butt cuff does, and it provides a spot to mount my flashlight. Typically I keep the magazine loaded with Brennekes and have buckshot in the side saddle in case of a "polar bear in town" issue. I swapped out the Speed Feed stock for a Magpul SGA which I chose for it's adjustable LOP, I epoxied a swivel stud to the under side of the butt on the angled portion ahead of the butt, and just use a plain 1.25" web sling.

[@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875]

That sounds like a sweet well thought out setup.

[@geraldek4948]

Have a benelli nova and if you don't pump it really fast it will jam. Benelli says that's the way its supposed to be but every other pump shotgun I've had I only had to pump it normally not as fast as I can

[@BUZZKILLJRJR]

Good training sir! Looks like you have practiced alot and that is definitely what matters.

[@jamesschneider2091]

Shotgun/sling with quick acquisition sights on slug barrel and a 10mm auto in the holster . . . works for me . . . "should be sufficient"!

[@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875]

shhh....don't tell anyone. I'm wearing a 9mm pea-shooter in this video.

[@skylerdylan1005]

Nice accuracy!!

[@richardcronin5345]

I love the one gun that gets er done . The old street howitzer !

[@ILOVEBROCK23]

like your videos!! What kind of work do you do? Love Alaska videos!! Keep them coming

[@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875]

Thanks! Will do! I work for Alaska Department of Fish and Game in the summer.

[@ILOVEBROCK23]

@@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875 That's neat! Bet that is has some nice "offices" for you!! thanks for the reply

[@Shot_Gunner]

Great setup there! 🤠

[@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875]

Thanks! 👍

[@user-vg3yc6gk5f]

One thing I'd change is the forend to something less slippery than that smooth one.

[@seeratlasdtyria4584]

MY Alaskan 'bear' gun was (spent ten years of summers up there fishing) also a 12 gauge pump Mossy, however spending all that time on a boat, meant stainless, but painted none the less. Since mine was/is a Military model, it has ghost ring sights and of all things a bayonet lug w the bayonet:) So not only was it a powerful "Bear GUN", it also served as a 'sharp stick" LOL. (Funny thing is not only am I NOT kidding (hat to use a Shottie to get thru Canada's inland waterway- no rifles/pistols allowed on US yachts in those days) GAWD Canada had some stupid gun laws...maybe they still do.

[@richarderamirez5909]

nice setup!

[@okbob8147]

Practical Setup

[@billsummy2412]

Looks , AWESOME pard 😃😃😃😃

[@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875]

Thanks!

[@RobertSmith-ub6tk]

Did you have somebody put the front site on for you cause I know that don’t come standard awesome video

[@mrbigglesworth375]

I love both the 500 and the 870. Slightly favor the 870, just like how the action moves. But both are outstanding.

[@jorgequinones991]

That's right

[@Midnightv]

This video is awesome

[@Alvin-l9n]

i have the mosseberg shockwave for bear defence . i found that with the very short pistol grip it was hard to acquire the target right away ? so i took that grip off and put a full buttstock on it ! way better

[@shaunblevins3303]

Looks like that Mossberg Jammed a few times. If I’m going to carry Shotgun for Bear Defense I would Carry a Remington 870 express. I’ve never had a jam with it. Good video

[@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875]

Thanks for watching! I am not sure I see what you mean, what is the timestamp for the jam? I like 870s too, could not pick a favorite between them.

[@davidgodwin651]

looks good, love those sights.

[@robertseafield5810]

Nice shotgun. FLITZ might work for rust. It is a wax and cleaner.

[@rangerdanger766]

setting up a tactical shotgun in Montana, the slugs with ghost rings are no problem. where I found issues were the buckshot rounds have way less range than I thought. Would u recommend flight control buckshot? or ditch that idea and run strictly slugs. Thanks

[@q-man762]

Buckshot is really poor for bear stopping probably have to be in spitting distance to get positive results.

[@dirtyscoundrel2013]

Plus six if you add a side saddle which i would

[@jasonaffeldt7838]

Nice outfit. Thanks for sharing. 🇺🇲🔪🌲🔥

[@americanshad8396]

Thanks

[@TheFairAgent]

Really nice setup! Do you have a link for the sights?

[@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875]

Thanks, they are xs sights. The winged ghost ring with banded tritium bead.

[@kris2435]

Stay with the brenneke as mentioned in a previous comment. Had to dispatch a boar with fosters and was lacking penetration. Perhaps a comparison would make an interesting video

[@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875]

That's a great idea. Have not seen good brenneke slugs in the store for a while but it would be interesting to compare when I can find some more.

[@StacyHagerty]

@@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875 look forward to that comparison!

[@justintyme2764]

Very cool!

[@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875]

Thanks

[@michpatriot9097]

I've tried my whole life to warm up to pump shottys..but I always seem to bungle when shooting fast..just sold my pump and bought a Rem11-87 supermag and couldn't be happier with its reliability..even got it shooting low brass 1140 fps #8 shot...3-1\2 chambered auto loading shotguns can be very reliable too.I didn't buy it for the long chamber and found there's a lot of people who don't like 3-1\2" chamber shotguns because of reliability issues they have had with theirs..gas management is the trick..on my bird barrel I opened up one of the two gas ports 1\64" larger and it made all the difference for cycling low brass..5 min job. The rifled slug barrel has proven to have excellent accuracy and reliability using Sabot slugs. No more short stroking a pump for this old fart.

[@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875]

Sounds like you got a good setup for your needs now.

[@brandonstillwell9405]

Your solid with that gun

[@BluePatch-pc7sx]

Very nice, I have a gen 2 KSG, thanks for your thoughts, stay safe.

[@erikwaters4672]

If it works, don’t mess with it.

[@deaneng8540]

how do you waterproof your slugs if it's raining? And have you changed your mind since this post is 2 years ago? NIce channel!

[@johnconnor4594]

Nice 👍

[@scinanisern9845]

What is the barrel and what is the ammo? Kind of important for big game as your speaking of.

[@Clipazine]

How did you attach the front sight post? Is it just fastened over the bead or was some gunsmithing involved? Curious because I also have a Mossberg 500 and those ghost ring sights look pretty neat.

[@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875]

No gunsmithing necessary, it clamps around the barrel and fits over the bead.

[@Clipazine]

@@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875 Nice, have you ever had it fall off or loosen up on you?

[@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875]

No, but I did use some nonpermanent thread locker.

[@Clipazine]

@@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875 Ah, makes sense. Blue loctite is good for that.

[@atharvatoskar1633]

Nice Hat!

[@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875]

Thanks!

[@D-A-1776]

Just picked up a Winchester sxp for my camp gun along with my 10mm. What loads do you use for bear? I've heard 00 buckshot or slugs are best. We only have black bear in my area but they're very prominent and around a lot.

[@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875]

I like slugs over buckshot for bears, any decent slug should do the trick on a black bear.

[@michaelfay794]

Sweet setup. What is your AMMO of choice for 🐻 defense where u live? I hear 3" magnum slugs are the way to roll. But I don't live there so I don't know. Great shooten.

[@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875]

I like the Brenneke Special forces short magnum. Its a 1 1/4 oz slug built for penetration in a 2 3/4 inch shell. Good balance of power and recoil.

[@liberty4392]

Can three inch, magnum, 12 gauge, 437 grain slugs penetrate a polar bear's skull? I think if you got a side shot with a 12 gauge magnum slug into a polar bear's heart it would take it.

[@alaneichelberger3014]

Weird.. We share a name and I also carry the exact model m500 with me in the PNW for the same reason lol. I wish current circumstances afforded me the opportunity to become a ranger like yourself though haha.

[@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875]

Nice! I spell mine the same as yours also.

[@anonconspicuous6910]

I always used a Mossberg Shockwave as my bear defense Shotty. Now it's in a legal grey area where I am, so i switched to an IWI Tavor TS12. Too heavy for long hikes. Just got a Beretta 1301, I think that might be better... We'll see in a month or 2 when Morel season hits

[@toddk1377]

The 1301 is no doubt a fine shotgun. It's light enough to carry on a hike but can shoot insanely fast if needed. I was an 870 fan for over twenty years and not even a year so far with the 1301, I take it over the 870 every time. I did replace the plastic mag clamp with an aluminum GG&G clamp which is more robust and changed the handguard out with a Briley aluminum handguard, which is much better than the plastic one it came with.

[@amixofeverything]

Did you by chance go to the Library when you were in Kodiak? I thought I saw you there and I was going to ask if it was you but wasn't completely sure.

[@Denman500.]

I love Shotguns.

[@00skeletor00]

Just curious what you run for ammunition? Do you stick to slugs, or do you alternate between slugs, and buck? Thanks.

[@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875]

I stick to slugs, my favorite is the brenneke special forces short magnum 1 1/4 oz rifled slug.

[@carloscarlos7044]

What department did you work for that issued the shot gun ?

[@troybingham6426]

You said the sights help for shooting slugs but is that what you actually carry for bear defense? If so do you have a particular kind?

[@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875]

Yes, I like the Brenneke special forces short magnum. It's a good balance of recoil and power. 1 1/4oz slug built for penetration in a 2 3/4 inch shell. As a disclaimer though, I have never had to kill a bear with them in self defense but that is what we were issued by ADF&G and I felt confident in them.

[@aarontooley570]

I never heard in the video what shell he was using or recommended for bear defense

[@harlandrake266]

Good stuff😊

[@OhadjeiBratton]

Cool vid thank you

[@Goodnightandgoodluck-c7m]

Just wondering what kind of round you were using at a longer distance. Thanks

[@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875]

Just some cheap Winchester super-x slugs.

[@Goodnightandgoodluck-c7m]

@@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875 Thanks

[@CheJoffre]

Nice. I'm sure you've seen them before, but have you ever practiced with bear targets? Amazon has a pack of 100 for like $40. "Alaska State Parks Bear Target, 100 Pack" is what they're called there.

[@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875]

Only when I shot the ADF&G qualification. It was fun, mean looking targets!

[@CheJoffre]

@@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875 ha, they do look pretty mean. Kinda like the menacing lifesize Bigfoot cutout in "Harry and the Hendersons". If you ever saw that movie :)

[@MLZ1957]

What is the Ammo you are using? Slugs?

[@jamesblanton1320]

I want to ask about ammo. Is he shooting a rifled barrel with slugs? What about buckshot?

[@glenbegin9152]

what kind of shells do you use against Kodiak or grizzly bears?

[@the_watcher_abc]

Perfect setup for four legged and two legged predators, but add a light and it will be… even more betterer.

[@user-ev2qo1hj1g]

Do u lose a lot of velocity with the shorter barrel? I have never chronographed mine. Have a Beretta 1301 wanted to take to Montana

[@FabFaulconbery]

Do you have a link for the sights?

[@francisfacondini6872]

Why does everybody have a pump , pump is good for personal defense! However with bear defense wouldn’t u want faster succession in rounds and go with semi automatic? The only thing I could think of, afraid of a semiautomatic jamming? Test and know your ammo and shotgun see if it jams. It shouldn’t with high brass rounds, I think semi is a better choice for bear defense. Thanks!

[@johnyy1911]

Why don't you like buckshot ? I would really like to hear your opinion. When I went on a fishing trip in Canada the guide carried a shotgun like your's loaded with magnum 00 buckshot. When I asked him why he carried buckshot, he said because he didn't want a bear pooping me out 3 days from now.

[@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875]

I know some reputable characters who alternate slugs with buckshot but I like the penetrating ability of the slugs better. More mass and sectional density. Individual buckshot are pretty light and I cant imagine they would penetrate very well. Doesn't mean they can't or won't work. I just like slugs more. Also If I need to shoot a bear that is really close to another person the spread may be a problem.

[@artemusp.folgelmeyer4821]

I load the two or three into the magazine first for real "close up and personal" application at the end of a possible encounter. I use 3" 000 for a "last stand". With the "ghost load" I can put five to six Brennke Black Magic ahead of them. You can eight 3" shells into that gun.@@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875

[@2BullChain-hj8zj]

Nasty with that thing! 😃

[@mylifeisdope916]

even stainless rusts on the rock

[@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875]

Haha, not surprised.

[@GmGarlo]

where is the best place to put a slug in a bear when he is charging you , I know it is better to get a profile shot but that is hard when the bear is facing you? Nice shotgun by the way!!!

[@birddog4015]

I'm new to alaska, whats the best 12 Ga. ammo to use for bear attacks???

[@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875]

I like the Brenneke 1 1/4oz special forces short magnum. Good balance between recoil and power. Make sure you waterproof them, I have a video on it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6KrfoGep5Jpirs

[@birddog4015]

Thanks

[@birddog4015]

@@gunsgearoutdoorsalaska5875 what have u found to be oil or grease for pistols and shotgun