>>1996628>this thread againIts fun to argue with anons about this, but there really isn't a correct answer. Different situations require different guns, so I'll just put in my 2 cents as an Alaskan who encounters bears frequently and lives in a very bear dense area (each of my "neighbors" shoots a bear in defense of property about every 2 years)
Realistically, when a bear charges from medium range, you are shooting a target going 30 mph towards you with its head bouncing up and down about a foot with every bound. I gauge off of my experiences with seeing bears run, I could fire two or three shots before the bear is on me, including time to react and draw the weapon from a chest holster. I doubt anyone could reliably hit the bear in the head during a charge so I have to assume the shits will be going through the chest. If you pissed the bear off enough that your life is in danger, you need to hit something important to put them down instantly. This requires your bullet to do significant damage past a foot of penetration on a big bear, but much less on a smaller one. In addition, most people will not make perfect shots on a target that moves like this, so you really need one bullet to be able to cripple it.
So, I carry a large caliber revolver or rifle for these reasons
>I will only get a few shots off, so I don't need much capacity>I will be aiming center of mass since the head will be bouncing violently>I need to do maximum damage with a lot of penetration with what shots I can make BEFORE my face is ripped offMy decision is validated by all the people who live near me and carry 44 mag minimum, without exception. People in Alaska often carry 10mm, but remember that all the guides and hunters who carry it already have a big rifle in their hands. The rest who carry 10mm do it because it is light and they already take steps to avoid bear encounters or they are not expecting brown bears. In any case, 10mm is a lot better than nothing.
