it is a companion nonetheless and sure beats a stick. I have carried my handgun(s) for some 34 yrs or so and have never needed to defend myself with it on any bear black or the interior grizz.

I carry in my .44's 325 gr. WLNGC Beartooth bullets for penetration pure and simple.

In my 45 LC Bisley 345 gr.WLNGC Beartooth bullets again for the same reason.

In my Casull that I recently parted out with shooting 345/360 gr. Beartooth bullets

do you see the trend? Bears get big and the bones get denser and if wounded in close will mostly likely be a "fight to the finish" if you can survive and the bullet must be heavy to penetrate to do a seemingly hopeless job.

All big and heavy bullets require alot more control than 250/265/280 or even 300grn bullets. Shooting alot means a chance to survive, you must practice all the time I believe to have a chance when the time ever comes. I make a lifestyle of living in the foothills of the Brooks Range and most times a long gun is most practical and nearly in hand most of the time.

Bears move with incredible speed and with power and also with a fierce drive to overcome and survive.

The best protection is what is between your ears. If you carry a handgun shoot it alot and carry it well.

hope I didn't get carried away on my first post
good day