r/canadaguns • u/iiBenzo • Mar 30 '26
Buy recommendations Backpack size takedown for bear Defense
As the title suggests I’m looking for a backpack size takedown for bear Defense, I work as a bush pilot and the 12ga keeps getting in the way when working.
Any suggestions?
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u/Mirin_Gains Mar 30 '26
I have a SxS 12.5in barrel. Like all SxS you can split the stock and actiom from the barrel. Shoots. 1 1/8 oz slugs no issue at 50m.
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u/PlanetGuardian-42 Mar 30 '26
You can get a Chiappa takedown 45-70 with a 12 inch barrel.
But honestly, just sell that gun and get a 12ga with a shorter barrel. The versatility of a shotgun makes it much more effective. Can use rubber slugs, buckshot, and real slugs depending on the situation.
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Mar 31 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Airplaneondvd Mar 31 '26
Those rubber slugs are for bears getting up on the porch, or rummaging around the property. I wouldn’t rely on them in a backwoods situation.
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u/Mountain-Stock5615 Mar 31 '26
What about the folding trail hand 10” 12 ga
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u/NeruLight Mar 31 '26
Charles Daly 101 lil Scorpio 14” is 4” bigger but also almost a hundred bucks cheaper. I didn’t suggest these because presumably you need more than one chance lol
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u/Weak_Flamingo_3031 Mar 30 '26
You could probably get a handgun exemption for your job. I met a guy that was a surveyor in nwt and they gave him an exemption.
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u/iiBenzo Mar 30 '26
I’d imagine it’s a bit trickier to get given getting an RPAL without being able to buy a handgun is practically useless, unless people are still getting them?
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u/Weak_Flamingo_3031 Mar 30 '26
They would issue you exemption to purchase one after you get your rpal. Probably a 44 or 357.
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u/hafetysazard Mar 30 '26
Wilderness ATC is an exemption, and bush pilots get them regularly.
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u/iiBenzo Mar 31 '26
Didn’t know they were still being handed out, thanks a lot you guys for the feedback will be booking an RPAL class here shortly
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u/hafetysazard Mar 31 '26
I took the wilderness handgun safety course which was a pre-requisite for obtaining a wilderness ATC. I never got an ATC because I gave up my quest to be a trapper, but one of the guys in my class was a bush pilot.
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u/NeruLight Mar 31 '26
In case they don’t grant you an exception, I vote a mares leg in .44 magnum. You could even get one of those in takedown format to break down even smaller
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u/Top_Importance6216 Mar 31 '26
if youre taking the course theres no reason not to test for the rpal as well.
laws change, are you gonna pay to retake the course and test again if they do?
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u/chubbyshart Mar 31 '26
Like a few suggest, I have a 18.5" barrel with a pistol grip, 12ga. .5" over min.
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u/MacintoshEddie Mar 31 '26
I've always wanted a Browning BLR Takedown in .308, but they're always more expensive than I want to pay.
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u/Emergency_Rooster511 Mar 30 '26
You can get a bighorn model 89 takedown if you’re looking to part with some serious coin.
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u/GinnAdvent Mar 30 '26
Churchill 612 Pump Action with Pistol Grip
This one has 12 inch barrel.
Mossberg Shockwave and other clones?
Sulun 211 would be small enough for it. Gonna be a pain to shoot it though.
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u/Ok-Customer-9743 Mar 30 '26
Genuine question, is bear spray part of your deterrent strategy? Just asking as it is often similar or even more effective and preserves the life of the animal. They already have it hard enough with declining populations.
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u/VariousCheezez Mar 30 '26
Grizzly population is increasing in western Canada.
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u/Ok-Customer-9743 Mar 30 '26
Interested in where you get that information.
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u/VariousCheezez Mar 30 '26
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u/Ok-Customer-9743 Mar 30 '26
Cheers
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u/VariousCheezez Mar 30 '26
I will say I agree with prioritizing bear spray as a deterrent but having a backup option isn't a terrible idea depending on where you are.
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u/Ok-Customer-9743 Mar 31 '26
For sure! It’s always funny seeing folks hating on the bear spray option, it’s a studied fact it works.
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u/iiBenzo Mar 30 '26
Every year I have at least one-two close encounters that are pretty darn scary, not worth losing my life over
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u/Ok-Customer-9743 Mar 30 '26
Fair enough, as someone who spends a bunch of time backcountry I understand and have had encounters myself. It’s a fine balance between protecting your life and the life of the animal, in a non hunting scenario. At least from a conservation / respect of wildlife point.
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u/iiBenzo Mar 30 '26
Hey totally fair. My first year flying before I had a rifle with me, I had walked into a cabin to open it up for the season to find a bear in the kitchen. Not fun. I guess I know the answer to the question: “does a bear shit in the woods?” Nope! The he shits in the kitchen lol
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Mar 31 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/NL1839 Mar 31 '26
If a grizzly bear is charging you a rubber slug will do nothing to stop them. You won’t have nearly enough time to get six shots off. You’ll be lucky to get one
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u/hafetysazard Mar 30 '26
Bush Pilots can qualify for an ATC. One was in my class when I took the Ontario wilderness carry course before they stopped offering it.