[marktwain]

123 documented cases where handguns were fired in defense against bears. Three failures. 98% success rate.

[Magnum44]

Seems like this is a repeat article that comes up every few months.

[FreedomPoster]

Was anyone surprised a .22 pistol failed to protect against a polar bear? Man, that’s some really stupid preparation for going into an area known to have polar bears.

[LouAvul]

By this time, all prudent men will know that, when in griz country, carry either a Marlin 45-70 Guide Rifle or a 12 gauge pump loaded with 3 1/2 inch slugs.

[COBOL2Java]

A .22 against a Polar Bear?

[ImJustAnotherOkie]

We’re the bears hit or just scared off?

[Mr Ramsbotham]

About as many bears are killed by bears, each year, for every thousand bears which exist, as have been recorded as killed by people defending themselves with handguns against bears, in the last hundred years.

That bears repeating.

[Red Badger]

[JusPasenThru]

Da…Bears…

[aMorePerfectUnion]

I’d choose a Karelian Bear Dog AND a gun.

[Monterrosa-24]

I am well prepared for polar bears and usually chose one of my magnum revolvers. I have a three-inch S&W model 657 41 magnum, a six-inch S&W model 57 41 magnum, and a 9 and half inch Ruger RedHawk 44 magnum with a 2x Leopold. I guess deterrence works cause I’ve had no polar bears trouble since I’ve lived in Alabama.

[GreenLanternCorps]

Shoot the flare gun at the polar bear?

[Tolerance Sucks Rocks]

I wonder if a .500 Magnum can stop ‘em.

[Myrddin]

We have black bears in the mountains south of Pocatello. Grizzlies have been observed as close as Soda Springs (SE of Pocatello). When I go hiking, I carry a S&W 629 (4" barrel 44mag) with factory 240 gr JHP. Since my last hike, I now have the option of carrying 10mm with 180 gr in magazine sizes from 10 to 15 rds. Thus far, no need to discharge a round. A couple local hunters picked up a mountain lion after one stopped to pee on a tree. The cat tracked them all the way back to the parking lot.

[Quickgun]

Failure to stop a bear attack with a handgun can be traced to marksmanship capability. Most center fire handguns, especially .357 and larger will stop a bear with correct shot placement. Of course, some give more “margin” for error than others. A .22 MIGHT also stop a bear, but it would probably take a direct hit in the eye socket for it to reach the brain, certainly difficult, if not near impossible during a confrontation. Classic target stance and drawing a measured breath and releasing half of it before gently squeezing the trigger on a stationary target just isn’t going to happen...

[Beagle8U]

In my opinion the 44 mag is the best handgun for bears for the simple fact that it is more than up to the job, AND you can find 44 mag ammo everywhere you go.

Your super duper bear pistol won’t do you much good if your ammo gets lost in the airport and they don’t stock them within 500 miles of where you will be hunting/camping/fishing.

Every Hwd and general store in bear country will have 44 mag in 240 gr.

[Big Red Badger]

Looking at Bella Twins shots on the cranium of her
Record setting bear,
Would you elaborate more on
Shot Placement?