As My Brother says: It is better to have and not need, than to need and not have.
I agree theese two guys screwed themselves in multiple ways.
hell of a learning experience...
Went along on more hunts for brown bear with friends that had a tag than I did as a hunter, just along for the experience and extra gun when stationed in Alaska. First few times we were all from the lower 48 and legally residents by just being stationed there ..... zip experience with brown bears. Not now or have I ever been a trophy hunter.
.. My experience with ANY bear threat was Cinnamon / Black Bears around Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico as a kid and Elk or Mule Deer Hunting in Colorado.
My “noob weapons” of primary choice in Alaska was a SW Mod 29 and a Ruger No 1 Tropical that left the factory as a 458 Win Mag and had been re-chambered in 460 Weatherby Mag before I bought it from a local shop. Still have the Ruger No 1.
My “truck gun” every day carry was a Remington 870 with a slug barrel. This was back when Uncle Sugars Wind Force didn’t have a hissy fit if you were armed on or off base.
This was pretty much before the Glock era, especially the 10mm era of glocks.
... Over time and a few trips TDY back and forth to bases in Alaska I carried a custom Bowen 500 Linebaugh . Still have that and and carry it or a Bowen custom “Alpine” Redhawk when hunting / wheeling or Fly fishing the Rockies.
All this aside I observed many locals carrying carrying a double barrel 12 ga , short as legal or not loaded with 00 Buck and a Slug that was slung on they’re shoulder, muzzle down as they walked the trails to and from. When I asked em about it they said if a bear busted out of the brush they would have little time to get one or maybe two shots if any at all. Slug or Buck.
Best recipe over my years of hunting in Bear / Big Cat Country is one hunter dresses out the game and another stands watch with long gun in hand ..... minimum. Third hunter best plan and to load out the meat harvest .
Over time and in bear country I determined that short double barrel 12ga and a dog , preferably trained and a 44mag revolver on my hip is best for me in general.