The Inland may go in "Harm's Way" again.

[ABPOS]

I think whatever you choose will be great. And I'm not really qualified either.

The only thing that makes me a little nervous is the bear thing. I'm not sure I'd want to trust either of those. I might be wanting to tote a .30-30 in that case. Or a Socom might not be too bad. I think it easier to pack than a Garand and I think the recoil impulse isn't too bad.

If your AR was a 1/7, the 75 grain TAP ammo might be a good choice. Or, some Trophy Bonded Bear Claw.

I don't envy your position as to which one to take. But I think if you trust the carbine to work, it will work. I also think that usually things go TU in the most inopportune time. I have always been a little leary of autoloaders of any kind for this reason and find myself thinking a bolt action, lever gun, or double barrel would be the most dead nuts reliable. But obviously follow up shots are in issue with those in comparison to an autoloader.

One more thought. A 4"-6" .357????????? But then again, is the carbine that much more underpowered than one of those? Or the AR? I would imagine not, but I know some people swear by .357. If you have shoulder issues, maybe that might not be a bad idea though. Or a .44 or .45 LC.

Anyways..... You'll make it work. Anything you take, you'll make it work.

[imarangemaster]

My ER Shaw 16" barrel is a 1/9 twist. If it was a 1/7, I would pick up some Black Hills MK262 Mod1 77 grain OTM. I fired some and it is nasty. Right now I am using Israeli M193 55 grain FMJBT bullet. With it, yaw and fragmentation over 2500 fps is the primary wounding effect. Since 150 to 175 pound mountain lion and Mexican drug planters are my main worry, the M193 should do well enough. The bears I see (biggest was about 500 pounds), are more interested in running away from me and my jeep, than sticking around. The mountain lion, on the other hand, just STARE at you and don't move. REALLY creepy. I have a snatch and grab bag with six 30s on the seat and a 20 rounder in the weapon. The 30s are old 70s vintage Parsons with new springs and Magpul gen II anti tilt followers. I have never had a malfunction with them of the IMI (or Lake City/Federal) ammo.

[Sarge1998]

I agree with the 20 rd mag in the rifle, that's how I carried the last few years, less bulky, all reloads were 30's.

[imarangemaster]

Yeo, it is MUCH handier with the 20 in it, especially when dismounting the vehicle and employing the carbine. When I carried an XM177E2 for a trunk gun for a few years as an LEO, I had a 20 in the weapon, and six 30s in an old Gallati Int. 6 pack shoulder bag. In fact I am still using the same Gallati bag and magazines now.

[ABPOS]

Arfcom used to have this guy that would hunt boars with a 16" AR and he ALWAYS used Q3131. And it ALWAYS worked well. Very well. He would post his hunts. His name was AR15KittyKat. I think it'd be hard to beat an AR that runs well with some M193.

He did eventually take a M1A in a newfangled stock and took one. I will say he also seemed very skilled at the double tap. But the Q3131 usually did a number to them boars. They weren't usually all that big, but I think up to a mountain lion it would work. And I'm sure it would not be fun for a bear. But I think I'd always be wanting more. But then again, there is no perfect weapon. You go bigger caliber and you'll get more recoil on your shoulder. And all the hunting weapons won't give you the kind of firepower that your AR or carbine for that matter would. In the words of arfcom, take both. Hehehhehe

[Bill Hollinger]

IRM, your peace officer status exempts you from the BS featureless AR business. That is unless your department has some kind of policy regarding this.

Go with the Inland carbine!

[INLAND44]

I see you've made up your mind to use the Inland. Good luck with it!

[TMB]

I think the 30 carbine would be perfect close range defence except for bear. Maybe carry it & change 9mm for 44 mag.

[imarangemaster]

I think I will alternate for a week or two, and see which one works best.

[imarangemaster]

IRM, your peace officer status exempts you from the BS featureless AR business. That is unless your department has some kind of policy regarding this.

Go with the Inland carbine!

Bill,

Unfortunately, as I am retired, there is no exemption. I am stuck with the restrictions. Some agencies, I understand, give ;letters, etc.