>>592155I don't think spray is "more" effective. I believe people are ineffective with guns due to poor skillz and that spray fags are more "trigger happy" due to non lethality.
I don't think a bear has a good chance of surviving an encounter with a large caliber pistol and well disciplined individual. I know 2 guys that have pulled said pistol just in case while backing away and a few posts up a guy relates a similar story -gun. I know my freinds talk about it around the campfire but is was never reported as a prevented "attack". All it really did was level the playing feild enough to alow both guys to keep cool while slowly backing away with full knowledge they could kill the animal if charged. Both times I believe a spray fag or my friends would have used less than lethal force if available and it would have been recorded as 2 points to Griffindor. Doesn't mean the spray is more effective than a gun. simply backing away while discouraging the animal was all that was needed.
That said op is a puss and should carry spray. As should anyone not actually well disciplined with a gun.
I chose the gun as I like guns and even if not for protection I always have one while out to plink and keep my skills up. I fully anticipate needing it against a bipedal predator long before a bear. If you keep food sealed and up a tree and make enough noise so as to not sneak up on a bear you won't likely have a problem. Both of my freinds that had encounters now make it a point to have shit hanging on their pack that clanks and rattles(previously didn't) and haven't had an issue since. I've always* had something that makes some level of noise for this reason.
*I did have an encounter on a small trail loop off the parking lot at the Hoh rainforest with a elk when me and another buddy decided to enjoy the trail no gear as we where just driving by and the stretch seemed like a good break. Some calming noise and prompt retreat prevented any incident.
