If you are looking for protection from black bear, have you considered a revolver? One of the big advantages of a revolver is close quarters self defense. A revovler will not jam like a semi-auto if you are struggling with a bear. You may encouter a one and done with a semi-auto in a bear fight.With a revolver you will havefive to eight rounds (5 to 6 roundsin a 44 Mag or 41 Magand 5 to8 roundsin a 357 Mag - I would prefer a 44Mag with a 4" to 5" barrel).