Don't feel inadequate! I am probably over prepared, but the way I look at it is, after I empty my 30-06 if that doesn't stop the bear (bad bullet placement, bullet fragmentation or failure, gun jamming etc) I can pull out the .357 and get 6 more shots off. Also, the .357 will be good if I am in a tough spot where I can't get my rifle into position, like if the bear is on top of you. If all of that fails I am hoping that a big knife/small sword could cut the bear deep and maybe bleed him out before he killed me LOL. Hey, the way I look at it, I'm a big guy at 6'0 and 265, and a former professional fighter so I am in real solid shape at that weight, so its not going to kill me to carry an extra pound or two into the woods. Plus, if it saves my ass I will be saying that its all worth it!