red I know the feeling. I have a I think more bear than deer where I hunt lately here in PA and have come face to face with a few carrying only 'stick and string'. And until last year you could not carry any firearms during bow season. I now carry a Steyr M40 (40 S&W) and feel a whole lot better. I don't know what your budget is but check out the local gun shops and look at the used handguns. I would suggest a revolver, 357 minimum with 4" barrel or if you're looking for a pistol, the 40 S&W as a minimum.
I know statistically it has been stated that 1 in 100 black bear will come at you. You may never meet that individual bear in your lifetime, or it may be the very first bear you see, and it is best to be prepared. Every bear except one I've ever seen, after detecting me, ran away like a scalded dog. One however was a huge boar and was really defiant. He did a face off with me and my full grown lab (on a leash) pacing back and forth on an old dirt road until me and the dog slowly backed off. For some reason on this hike I was carrying my S&W 29 in 44 mag with full house loads. Believe me, it was unholstered and at the ready. Forrtunately I didn't have to use it.