I live in British Columbia, am a former guide, and have encountered literally hundreds of black bears and several dozen grizzlies. I have only been charged once.

My opinion is that unless you are an expert with a "sidearm"...leave it at home. Bring along some pepper spray instead. It works and avoids the complications of a wounded bear runnung round or the tradgedy of orphaned cubs.

Unless you can consistantly hit a tennis ball bouncing down a hill towards you with your pistol, it will cause you more problems than it will solve.