I say check out the Ruger SR9 however I'm not sure I'd ever want to carry a 9mm for black bear. It would be good for target shooting though.

I'm also a fan of Rugers P90 .45. My uncle has one and it's one of my favorite hand guns I've shot. Not sure why but I'm a Ruger fan when it comes to hand guns. I've liked all of them I've shot.