Action : Bolt
BBL : 19 in
OAL: 36 in
CAL: 45 ACP
Capacity: 8 round
Stock / Hand Guard: Walnut Wood
Finish: Parkerizing
Weight: 9.5 LBS
Comes with 1 8rd mag, owner’s manual, and box
OUCH !!!!!!!!! Price – $7000 plus tax !!!
https://usarmamentmfg.com/delisle-commando-carbine-rifle-silencer/
The end of spring is approaching. There are a few turkeys still gobbling, the morels are popping, mosquitos are multiplying and, around the forest, black bears have grudgingly rolled out of their sporadic winter snooze.
Spring bear hunting is a grand adventure, and there’s still some time left to chase them. But, as with pursuing any predator, there is (or should be) an extra layer preparedness. Come with me as we look at some fun and effective sidearm options for your spring bear forays and summer scouting expeditions.
First off, the scope of this little exercise is limited to black bear. Grizzly/brown bear regions require different levels of stopping power due to size, strength, etc., and not all of these selections hit that metric. We are going to look at caliber, platform, bullet and carry method options for the odyssey known as spring black bear hunting.
The four calibers we are going to focus on are 9mm, .357 Magnum, 10mm and .44 Magnum with a nod of respect to a few others.
The 9mm—An Unexpected Companion
For many, the thought of carrying a 9mm as a potential black bear backup mitigator would be cause to clutch pearls and gasp in disbelief. And, they wouldn’t be entirely wrong, historically speaking. In years past, the 9mm hasn’t been offered with a bullet that would perform in that capacity. Thanks to several ammo manufactures, there are currently some great “bear-stopping” options on the market.
The 9mm Luger—also known as the 9mm Parabellum or 9×19—is an immensely popular and (thanks to modern ammunition innovations) versatile chambering. Bullets range from lightweight 90-115-grain target offerings to 150-grain critter stoppers—two or four legged.
In their Backcountry Defense line, Hornady offers a 138-grain DGH 9mm +P round with a protected point projectile for maximum penetration and energy delivery. In a 4-inch test barrel, this particular round delivers a muzzle velocity of 1150 fps and 405 ft.-lbs. of energy. At 50 yards, velocity drops to 1068 fps and energy to 350 ft.-lbs..
As most self-defense encounters happen much closer to the muzzle than 50 yards, the 9mm with appropriate ammunition is still a viable option for black bears.
Petite Power—The .357 Magnum
The .357 Magnum is another one that might spark some debate as a bear option. But, for the small or recoil sensitive, the .357 is a great revolver-based choice. Remember, it doesn’t make any difference how much stopping power you have in hand if you can’t hit what you’re aiming at …
Like the 9mm, bullet selection has broadened significantly. There are lots of bear (un)friendly options from which to choose. Hornady currently makes a 165-grain DGH (Dangerous Game Handgun) load in the Backcountry Defense series. With a muzzle velocity of 1510 fps and 835 ft.-lbs. of energy, it is a great middle-ground option.
Next up is the 10mm. This is a delightful little powerhouse that is chambered in a semi-auto platform. The 10mm is a bit of a niche and enjoys a small but dedicated following as a cartridge.
The 10mm is available in bullet weights from 135-220 grains. With muzzle velocities from the low 1000s fps to 1400 fps, it can deliver great energy to the target. There are currently some good “defense” loads on the market for this chambering. A few worth mentioning are made by Buffalo Bore and Underwood. Ideal bullet construction is flat nosed or protected end to deliver maximum penetration and deposit energy.
Additionally, Hornady has a great DGH 10mm 200-grain load. Muzzle velocity is 1160 fps with 598 ft.-lbs. of energy. At 50 yards, this 200-grain projectile is traveling at 1077 fps and is still delivering 515 ft.-lbs. of energy. All Hornady data is from a 5-inch test barrel.
Size, Weight and Recoil—The .44 Magnum
Switching gears a bit, the pearl clutchers can relax as we dig more into familiar bear sidearm territory—the eminent .44 Remington Magnum. The .44 Magnum, once revered as the most powerful handgun caliber, has enjoyed immense popularity and recognition as “the choice” for a bear sidearm. And they’re not wrong. Ballistically, the .44 Mag is both exceptional and effective. But there’s a downside.
Most .44 Mag. revolvers are chunky, girthy and a handful. From snub-nose hand cannons to long-barreled behemoths, the .44 Mag. delivers a lot of energy effectively in many forms. This is a positive when facing down a large, toothy critter. However, they do so with a lot of recoil and muzzle blast.
The basic ballistic profile of the .44 Mag. involves a projectile from 180-300 grains with velocities from 1000 to over 1600 fps. There are tons of options for .44 Mag. ammunition with many geared toward dangerous-game critters and defense.
Continuing with Hornady products, there is a 240-grain DGH (Dangerous Game Handgun) load with muzzle velocity of 1620 fps. The energy at the muzzle is 1398 fps and drops to 1147 fps at 50 yards (as tested with an 8-inch barrel). The capability of this round as a bear-stopper is vast.
Platforms, etc.
Calibers aside, platform and carry method are a symbiotic relationship all their own. From petite CC options to longer slide, full-frame concepts, there are lots of platforms from which to choose. Picking the one that fits your needs involves an evaluation of desired carry method.
Chest holster? Leg holster? Belt carry? Picking the carry method that’s comfortable (and effective) for you is critical. If it’s not comfy, you most likely won’t carry it consistently. In the same vein, if you don’t shoot it confidently, it won’t be overly effective under stressful circumstances.
A few things to consider when evaluating holsters:
Will you be carrying a pack with a hip belt? If yes, belt carry might be a little uncomfortable. Second, do you carry a bino chest harness? If yes, then make sure that if you’re interested in chest carry, the harness is compatible. Accessibility is important. Third, if hauling bait buckets, make sure that your carry method doesn’t impact range of motion with lifting/carrying.
Finding the right holster is key. It not only needs to be comfortable to wear and seamlessly integrated into your hunting gear/activities, it needs to keep your gun firmly retained and secure. Trigger protection is paramount—especially in some of the non-revolver options.
Honorable Mentions
The .45 ACP—A Timeless Staple
My first center firehandgun was a 1911 in .45 ACP. As a result, I’m a bit partial to it. While many prefer other options, I know what I’m comfortable shooting and have confidence in. When I chased black bears a few years back in my home state of Michigan, my 1911 was firmly strapped to my chest throughout my time in the woods.
.327 Federal—An Unexpected Alternative
The .327 Federal Magnum is typically not the first to spring to mind when it comes to black-bear defense. Ballistically, it has lots of interesting characteristics—akin to a .357 Magnum, but not as spicy. Practically, there is typically one more in the cylinder, which can be a benefit in a defensive situation.
.41 Remington Magnum—For Those That Go Against the Grain …
The .41 Remington Mag is a very strong bear-defense option, ballistically speaking. While the .44 Magnum is the popular go-to for many (with good reason), the .41 Mag has a devout and niche fan base. Ammo availability is a lot less than the heavily popularized .44 Mag., but it’s a very effective option nonetheless.
With spring bear hunting in full swing, it’s time to get out there. From holster selection and carry method to caliber and bullet design, there are decisions aplenty. However, buying a gun is always a good idea. Whether duplicating an existing caliber in a new format, dabbling in something new, or checking out some new bullets, there’s no time like the present to get bear(ly) armed.
Happy Hunting!
Andi
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Sorry but I hold that anything below the awesome 30-06 is just asking for trouble. When it comes to dealing with Yogi or Bobo! Grumpy
When Elmer Keith had his famous #5 built, he started a tradition among sixgunners like no other. Much like today, the most frugal of men happily send money for a custom sixgun to be made to their specifications. Many simply imitate Keith’s famous #5 sixgun with a grip-frame swap, like those manufactured by grip guru Ronnie Wells. While never on social media, Elmer was the original influencer for sixgunners, and all before the days of cell phones, iPads, and computers!
A few “counterfeits” #5’s by top, Alan Harton, Hamilton Bowen, and Bobby Tyler, for a group picture.
All having roots directly related to Elmer.
To understand the full story, we must start with Elmer inviting Harold Croft to Durkee, Oregon, for a month’s visit back in 1927. Intrigued, Croft accepts, wanting to witness Elmer shoot the long-range distances he wrote about in American Rifleman magazine.
Croft brought a “suitcase full of guns,” as Elmer described. Upon arrival, Elmer nailed some boards together, making a 4’x4′ target and set it out a measured 700 yards away. Using his sitting “Keith” position, hands locked between his knees, head resting on his saddle, Elmer starts shooting, hitting the target with every gun Croft brought. Keith even hit the board with a 2″ slip-gun. Croft became a true believer. Elmer was the real deal!
Croft invested much time and money improving standard Colt SAAs, looking to develop lightweight weapons for self-defense. He designed four different featherweight models from SA Army and Bisley Colts, calling them #1 through #4.
Some customs from the Tyler Gun Works shop all showing some Elmer influence.
Elmer regarded Croft’s #3 grip as perfect, considering it “the finest ever put on a sixgun.” It consisted of a Bisley backstrap mated with an SAA guard and front strap, the Bisley back strap was bent to the same angle as the SAA front strap and guard.
Excited, Elmer sent a Colt back with Croft, “to be worked over,” explaining the features he wanted from Croft’s guns, along with a few of his own ideas. Elmer wanted the #3 grip frame, along with target front and rear sights. He also wants the gun to be left full weight, not reduced, for better balance.
The most distinguishing characteristic of Keith’s #5 is the grip frame itself, which blends a Colt Bisley backstrap with the front strap/trigger guard of a Colt SAA. Sedgley, a master gunsmith from Philadelphia, welds up the frame into a flat top, extending it over the hammer top, to maximize sight radius. Sedgley then welds the #3 grip design for Elmer’s gun and makes a new “V” mainspring, designed by him and Croft, fitting it perfectly.
This spring is less prone to breakage and faster and more sensitive than standard flat springs. The hammer was previously made by J.D. O’Meara, who fitted a Bisley hammer top/spur to the lower of an SAA hammer, then dovetailing and brazing them together.
Besides the grip frame from Croft’s #3 gun, the Base Pin Locking Latch is the second most recognizable feature on the #5. Gunsmith R.F. Sedgley designs the mechanism, which positively locks the base pin in place, making it impossible to “jump” from recoil. A swinging latch mounted on the frame fits into a square groove of the base pin.
Elmer also wanted an oversized base pin head for easy removal in the field, the third most recognizable part of the #5, the large hourglass-shaped base pin head. He also demanded adjustable target sights for this sixgun, allowing him to dial in handloads for distant targets. His specifications made the gun more user-friendly for daily tasks while working as a cowpuncher.
In a nutshell, Elmer desired an accurate, reliable sixgun capable of shooting heavy handloads accurately — the #5 fitting the bill perfectly. Keith talks of the finished product in his article “The Last Word” describing the gun and its merits in the April 1929 issue of American Rifleman. Elmer set the stage for sixgunners to build custom guns to their own specifications.
Get your hands on a #5 grip-frame before committing to one. Things I noticed from examining Elmer’s #5 is that having a gun with a comfortable grip frame is very relevant. For my hand, it should have been a tad longer so my pinky could also grip the frame, providing more comfort and control.
Having adjustable, sturdy sights is also a must if you demand top-notch accuracy. Also, being well-balanced makes its weight appear lighter. Elmer’s #5 was deceptively light when first picking it up. It was a natural pointer, too, with sights automatically lining up when aiming. These are the traits to strive for with a custom build. As has been said, Elmer’s influence was merely getting the conversation started for custom builds.
We can see the #5’s influence in several factory-made sixguns, too. Luckily, we have more resources than ever before to have our dream guns built today, thanks to the influence of Elmer’s #5. He had his gun engraved, not to be fancy, but rather to cover up, or conceal, the numerous scuffs and scrapes it endured from daily use.
Elmer stated, “I killed 59 magpies, around two dozen crows and hawks, six horned owls, and a bobcat, to say nothing of over a hundred blacktail jack rabbits and a few woodchucks. It does excellent work at long range.”
Speaking of accuracy, Elmer states, “using a charge of five grains of Bullseye and a 250-grain cast bullet, sized to 0.431″, I put five shots under a silver dollar at 15 yards. Such accuracy is good for me and will get meat when I need it.”
From top, a factory Ruger Bisley, Magnum Research BFR custom shop Bisley, and a Linebaugh custom,
all with Bisley grip frames.
The famous Bisley Matches date back to the 19th century and are associated with the Victorian-era clubhouse first built in 1865, then moving to its current location, Bisley, England in 1895.
The matches challenged shooters to wring the most out of their guns and shooting skills. Colt released its Target Model in 1894. It had a flat top, complete with drift-adjustable rear sights and a removable blade front sight. The Target Model also had a funny-shaped grip …
The Target Colt proved itself at the Bisley Matches and later became commonly known as the Colt Bisley after further refinements were made to the grip-frame and hammer.
A few samples of Ronnie Wells grip-frames.
Magnum Research added their rendition of the Bisley grip frame as an option to their BFR line around 2015. A few years ago, I tested their version of Elmer Keith’s #5 in .500 Linebaugh. Their version of the Bisley grip makes shooting the heavy big bores much more comfortable and manageable. It’s nice seeing other manufacturers follow suit with this style of grip frame.
Magnum Research also offers a locking base-pin latch from their custom shop, just like Elmer’s on his original #5. It is a very snazzy offering not seen or even offered by many builders.
Tyler Gun Works
Bobby Tyler of Tyler Gun Works utilizes brass grip frames from Ronnie Wells on his #5 builds. The brass grip frames accent the blued frames beautifully on the guns. Adding engraving really makes things “pop” on his custom builds. While not copying true #5’s per se, you can see the influence on Bobby’s guns. His use of engraving, metal finishes and the blending of brass to blued steel adds style and grace to his custom builds.
Bill Ruger brought out his rendition of the Bisley in 1984. Although not a true copy, it has a fuller grip than Colt’s, having less radius on the inner strap. I got my first Ruger Bisley after years of shooting “Ruger Only” .45 Colt handloads and never looked back. Traditional plow-handle Ruger revolvers are small in my hand, and their shape is not conducive to managing heavy recoil.
More importantly, the grip angle is different. Now, recoil comes straight back into the meaty part of my palm, saving my knuckle in the process. Additionally, the Bisley hammer’s stylish drooping curve accommodates one-handed cocking during target shooting while also adding a stylish look!
The Bisley is my favorite factory grip design among Ruger’s big-bore calibers. It’s no surprise that custom builders like John Linebaugh used the Ruger Bisley model as their platform for their custom builds.
Grip-frame Guru
Ronnie Wells is the grip-frame guru of the sixgunner world. I guarantee he has the perfect grip-frame for you. It will fit your hand while taming recoil when shooting big boomers. Ronnie has over 300 current and future model grip-frames in the making. He can size up most people’s grip-frame needs with a two-minute phone conversation. He uses CNC machines and offers brass and aluminum grip-frames. He told me each grip frame goes through a total of 147+ different cuts while being machined.
#5 Samples
For the #5 grip frame alone, Ronnie has 64 different variants to choose from. First, there’s the old model or the new model style Blackhawk. Next is the thickness of the frame, .500″ or .440″. Then there are Bisley, Dragoon, OM, or NM-shaped trigger guards? Other considerations are the amount of space from the rear of the trigger guard to your knuckle.
Last Word
Elmer Keith’s #5 was certainly not the end-all to custom sixguns. Rather, it was just the beginning. Many choose the #5 pattern for their first custom, and I understand that. Emulating our heroes that way makes us feel more connected to them, but I think Elmer’s influence was simply stating to have your shooter, either sixgun, or rifle, made the way you want for your needs.
