Guns and Gear for an Alaska Black Bear Hunt

by
posted on March 7, 2020
guns-and-gear-alaska-black-bear_lead.jpg

Editor's Note: Field Editor Philip Massaro put the following gear to use on a recent Alaska black bear hunt. You can catch up on that story here.

Mark Basner Custom Rifle in .404 Jeffrey with Leupold VX-5HD scope


Because both black and brown bears were available, I chose to take my Mark Bansner custom rifle in .404 Jeffery. The rifle began life as a Legendary Arms Works Big Five, but it has been restocked and hot-rodded by Bansner. Built on an M704 controlled-round-feed action with a synthetic stock (lengthened to 14
¼ inches to fit me like a glove), the rifle made sense for Alaska. All its metalwork is covered in Cerakote, and the rifle is equipped with a properly tuned Timney trigger. It is topped with a Leupold VX-5HD 1X-5X-24mm in Talley detachable rings. This rig made perfect sense to me as a rifle for any bear, anywhere. 

Norma African PH Woodleigh FMJ 450-grain Ammo

The Norma African PH load I chambered in the rifle fires a 450-grain Woodleigh Weldcore bonded core bullet at 2150 fps to deliver more than 4,600 ft.-lbs. energy. It’s a good stopping round for the biggest brown bears. The Bansner rifle will print three-shot groups with it in just under an inch.

Riton 10x42 Binocular and Hoppe's BoreSnake

I took along a Hoppe’s BoreSnake to keep the bore clean; the salty air of Cook Inlet can cause rust quicker than you’d think. I also carried my Riton 10x42 HD binocular, as it has stood up well in all sorts of weather and temperatures, and is comfortable to carry and use for long glassing sessions.

Jagdhund Erzberg Jacket

I wore a Jagdhund Erzberg coat and Reiting pants in loden green. Jagdhund uses a blend of new wool with a bit of camel hair thrown in to make warm, quiet and efficient outerwear. The clothing was comfortable—not too warm when temperatures rose yet plenty warm during the late-night sits. In addition to my favorite Karesuando skinning knife, I took along a Knives of Alaska skinner/cleaver. It’s a handy tool, capable of skinning a bear or moose as well as breaking bone or cutting branches for an impromptu ground blind (and we did just that).

Latest

001 4BBT Holster 01
001 4BBT Holster 01

4 Reasons Big-Bore Revolvers Are Still Ideal Trail Guns

Although semi-automatic pistols have a place in the trail gun line up, revolvers still have their advantages.

First Look: Rise Reliant Bolt-Action Trigger

Rise Triggers has entered the bolt-action market with its first-ever trigger for the Remington 700 platform: the Reliant Hunter and Reliant Pro triggers.

NRA Announces New Club Leadership & Development Online Course

The National Rifle Association of America is pleased to announce the release of its newly revised edition of the NRA Club Leadership & Development Online Course.

USDA Order is a Win for Wildlife

Late last month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a memorandum to conserve and restore wildlife habitat connectivity in the United States, directing agencies within the USDA to consider habitat connectivity in planning and programs in a manner that recognizes State and Tribal authorities and respects private property rights.

Review: Beretta BRX1

Beretta calls the BRX1 the fastest manually operated repeating platform on the market. Quick barrel, bolt and magazine swaps and adjustable ergonomics make it a distinct alternative to the classic turn-bolt for just about anyone, and ambidextrous controls make the rifle an attractive choice for lefties.

Are Premium Steel Waterfowl Shells Worth the Price?

With prices approaching those of bismuth—a superior shot-making material—are top-tier steel loads worth the cost? Here is what you need to know to make an informed decision.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.