The Annoyed Man wrote:AlaskanInTexas, I've been looking at that exact same Marlin model for a while now. Not exactly something you'd want to sling 100 rounds down range in one sitting with, but if you've absolutely got to stop a charging grizzly NOW, it will do fine. I noticed a few times in Alaska State Trooper episodes that if the trooper had to head into the woods in bear country, the AR stayed in the car, and the Guide Gun came along.
I've had my eyes on it for a while too. I saw one at a shop up in Idaho last year, but it was probably the lowest quality firearm I have ever beheld. The shop was apologetic for even having it for sale. It looks like quality control is getting better. I see a lot of new ones on gunbroker, but haven't pulled the trigger.
I lived in Alaska until I was 25, and never gave a second thought to bears. I hiked all over the place without a care in the world (except for moose!). For some reason now, when I go back to visit my parents, I am paranoid to even go down their long driveway to grab the paper in the morning. I would really like to get two of these and give one to my dad as a present.