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Here in Finland those type of shotguns with rifled barrels were popular from the end of 19th century to first decades to 20th century among some rich people (officers, shopkeepers etc.) who in winter bought sleeping bears from local people i.e. information of place where bear dreams his winter sleep. Then they just went with horse and sled near that place, then walked/skied to bears seat, awoke it up and then shot it. Double shotgun with rifled barrels and slug loads was good weapon for short distances.

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That is exactly the method of hunting bears a young lad (X-change student)from Yakutsk told me they hunted bears in his area of Siberia. The youngest, most inexperienced 'hunter' in the group, with a rope around his waist, would craw into the 'den' and wake the bear up. When he yelled, the others would pull him out, then shoot the bear when it emerged. That is the method they used up until about 8 years ago according to him. That is when I lost contact with him, so they may still 'hunt' bears that way.

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Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V

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