[Billthedrill]

In theory I have a multi-layered defense in that I carry both spray and a firearm. In practice, however, it happens so fast it'll be whatever I can get to first. Average time from encounter to the bear physically on you is said to be around three seconds. If you can spray, drop, draw, present, and fire in that time you're a heckuva lot faster than I am.

The problem is that a bear coming at you presents a very small target to a bullet that will actually drop him. And it's entirely possible you may be under a bit of stress...

[marktwain]

Many bear encounters take many seconds. Often the bear is seen for minutes or hours before it attacks. Three seconds is likely the time you have in a full out charge.

Many predatory black bear encounters involve the bear testing the prey, to see if it is dangerous or not. They often approach closely to see if you will hurt them. Many of these enounters offer ample time to employ either spray or a gun.

[SJackson]

a very small target to a bullet that will actually drop him

moving target