RE: Bear backup...
Tote a Marlin Guide Gun in 45-70. Nothing but a big handgun anyway<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> In all honesty unless you are limited to carrying a handgun I would grab a Marlin 45-70. They and some of the more potent factory ammo were the choice combination for coastal bear defense up there on the Alaskan shore.