ORIGINAL: forlan
Thanks all of you for your good answer.
I do have a lot of practice with that gun, on bottles, pumpkins and at the range. I'm pretty accurate with it at 40 yards without a scope. It's just that I've never used it under stress, like having a bear charging me for example! Ok, but all the advice makes sense. I believe that was a once in a lifetime incident, but better be ready than sorry. I'll keep the gun ready, by some spray and work on a fence while enclosing trash and food properly.
Thanks
Not many have had to try and shoot a bear in that circumstance. I however agree with all the others yes a 30-06 is more than adequate for any bear with a well placed shot; but you are looking for more of a defensive type weapon right? If so the bear spray has been proven to be very effective, mind the wind though you do not want to end up wearing the spray, I carry a shotgun with 00 buck when hunting bears with a bow just in case the bear decides to turn back on me while tracking. As for the bear don't worry too much about it, if you go out and shoot while you are there the report of the rifle will most likely warn a bear that you are in the area and will probably not even come around, but air on the side of caution and pack the spray or shotgun...