There is a tactical version that has a sliding stock and a pistol grip. The pistol grip really steadies the weapon and makes it really easy to fast-cycle the action. You'd really be able to fire shots only a quarter tic slower than a semi-auto, and stay on target to boot!

Carl, I finally found the darn things - Counter Assault Bear Spray, magnum (edited: 8.1oz) cannister. Has its own holster.
http://counterassault.com/bearspray.htm
Looks for all the world like a small automotive fire extinguisher. This stuff is really nasty, and has warnings not to use on humans or dogs (though I wouldn't hesitate for 1/2 a damn second). Available at REI and the internet...

The cheapest place I found it:
http://www.bobwards.com/COUNTER%20ASSAULT-...CFQaMaQodtacACQ

I actually bought it at Bob Wards in Helena when I went to Glacier National Park.

Cool beans. Where I am bear isn't the problem. Mountain lions and bobcats are.

Thanks!

latest random find I'm considering

Taurus 4" .44 mag

Good write-up on it here. Seems like the 4" is a good balance of not bring too big to carry/draw but keeping the rounds on target. http://blog.cheaperthandirt.com/taurus-m44-44-magnum/

He's selling it for $480 with 50 rounds of ammo. Looks like they sell for around $650-ish new, but then it'd add tax, so it seems like a fair deal. Thoughts?

I'm not a revolver guy.... but that is one bad mother. Also, really good deal!

I am very happy to see Colorado women learning to use firearms and carry them to protect themselves.
The numbers from around the State are impressive, even in Boulder County.

Female Concealed Carry up 793% in El Paso County

In my opinion this is not necessarily good news. I have had my concealed handgun permit for over 5 years now and I remember very clearly that when I took the "class" that is required that I came to the conclusion that at least half of those people (men and women) really shouldn't have been allowed to get their permit.

I say that because the instructor asked the class how many people have never shot a gun before and more than half of the class raised their hands. I'm not exaggerating. In fact the instructor passed around one of those blue rubber pistol replicas around and some of those people were afraid to handle it. The guy sitting next to me was one of those people. He admitted that he had never even handled a gun before and there he was in this class about to be allowed to apply for the permit. It was unnerving.

Now I'm not saying that just because you've never shot a gun that it should disqualify you from obtaining a concealed handgun permit. I think that if you have never fired a gun that you should probably go learn how to safely operate one before you think that you're "certified" to carry one.

In Colorado (and a lot of states) it's more difficult to get a drivers license than it is to get a concealed handgun permit. There's no written test, no "drivers" test, and in fact you don't even have to know how to use it. Scary.

Thank god that there hasn't been an incident when one of these people mistakenly shot someone. At least I haven't heard of one.

Obviously there's many different opinions on this topic, and this is mine.

Now let's see just how many people will get upset with this idea. I think that concealed handgun permits should require the same qualifications and be a nationwide permit (aka no more reciprocity). Pass the background check, show that you know how to safely handle your weapon through demonstration at a firing range, and pass a written test that shows you know when and where it is appropriate to carry and use the weapon if necessary. A concealed handgun has a singular purpose. The privilege to carry a concealed weapon should be taken very seriously.

No argument from me! Thankfully I suspect most of those people are taking the class for the novelty and very few will follow through with actually getting their permit and few of those will actually carry.

On a separate note, there's a guy in Pueblo looking to unload this little hand cannon. The S&W 329 Alaska Backpacker. Only 29.5 ounces (scandium frame/steel cylinder). S&W 329PD Alaska Backpacker

Can be a bitch to shoot the heavy loads out of (especially with those wood grips, which would be the first thing to go), but can't beat the weight. He's dropped the price $200 over the last couple month, so with the 100 rounds of ammo, the price is pretty reasonable, and if I got it and didn't like it, I could sell it for what I paid for it. Just can't decide if I want to spend $250 more for something that is 28.5 oz over something that is 48 oz.

Rockyrat,
I completely agree. I agree that the user should be required to show that they can successfully handle a firearm in a tactical situation. aka. when they have to fire upon someone that they are not going to kill the 15 people standing behind the person they are firing at. I have had my CCW for 6 years now as has my wife. We both actively take classes and shoot at least three times a week. Is this practical for everyone? No and I get that. However I think you should have to prove that you are mature enough to carry and use a firearm should you need to. Just last week I was at the gas station in Elbert where I saw a women pull her wallet out of her purse. When she did this her revolver fell out onto the ground. Instead of reading her the riot act I recommended a class that she could take and asked that she secure her weapon. She read me the riot act and stomped out.

I personally open carry as much as possible. Mostly just out of practicality as when I am on the ranch I might just need it. For some reason I seem to attract mountain lions at an alarming rate. Must need to shower more. While I am at work or in areas where open carry is prohibited I CC.

My two cents at least.

Sure does make finding something to take in the woods with me more compelling!

hiker-photographed-bear-before-it-killed-him

Mike - OH MY GOD - NO! That damn thing will only piss off a bear - it CANNOT generate the kinetic energy needed to STOP it with that short barrel, and follow up shots would be impossible. EVEN .454's NEED AT LEAST A 7.5" BARREL to be effective against bears. Think about it - a standard 30-30 develops almost TWICE the kinetic energy of a typical .44 Mag, but NO ONE has this as their first choice of a bear rifle - it just is not dependable enough, even when the shot placement is perfect.

As a noisemaker, though - it's perfect!

He sold it, so it's no longer in play... might get the 4" in the spring, when I can ride my bike over to Gunnison where the guy is at. Or something else will turn up.

I know I wouldn't carry a long barrel; too bulky and too heavy. So right or wrong, something that I know will be on my hip when I need it is what I'll get. Might take a perfect shot to take a bear down, but I've got a better chance of making a perfect shot with something smaller versus nothing at all.

I did just pick this up yesterday, for when I've got a little more time to get serious lol

Nice!
Is that a Magpul with 18" barrel?
Exactly what a want to wear on my back at the mine.

Mossberg 500, 20" barrel (7+1)

I like it!