Here’s the list from the article
Remington 870
Mossberg Scorpion
Winchester Defender SXP
Benelli Nova
.375 H&H
.375 Ruger
Mossberg Patriot
CZ-USA .375 H&H
My personal preference would be the .375 H&H, not only because I’m intimately familiar with it but that African pros also speak very highly of it.
20 years ago it was the minimum legally allowable caliber for elephant in a few countries still carrying on Safari operations.
PLUS, it’s trajectory is nearly Identical with a 180 grain 30-06. Huge Plus. No having to juggle windage and elevation numbers if you’re already an 06 shooter.
Ammo’s widely available and it’s not going to break your bank.
The one I don’t see listed here used to be recommended by Alaskan Bear guides. The Winchester .338 magnum.
Granted, bigger is better in a charge, but at close quarters/self defense distance you may be lucky enough to Get a 2nd shot if you need it.
The .338 is a shorter casing than the .375, so it’s a shorter action.
At social distance with a hostile bear, this makes the tendency to Short Stroke the bolt and pull the trigger on an already fired empty less of a temptation as your knees are shaking and your bowels are letting go.
10 mm Glock, many shots, dead bear, see bush pilot handbook.
FYI that article contains an extremely gruesome photo.
For later.
I don’t entirely understand the “pump shotgun” thing. I have never had my 1187 fail to chamber a second round.
S&W 686 7rd using 200 gr. hardcast
If you can't get back on target for a second shot quickly you're in trouble.
Big bears...Winchester Model 71 in .348 WIN
For a grizzly , my weapon of choice would be the Starship Enterprise with fully charged phasers.
Never underestimate a grizzly.
“ big bear guns”. Didn’t see any mention of what guns big bears carry.
My bear gun is a Ruger SBH loaded with 340gr Buffalo Bore loads.