My opinion on this is no handgun is suitable for bear defense. Sure you can hunt and kill big bears with a nice broadside shot, but being able to place a nice well aimed shot through the massive, thick chest of a bear that is charging you is totally different. And if the bear isn't charging you, then you have no right to shoot it as far I am concerned. I would be carry some of the bear pepper spray myself, and try to do everything else smartly. People who leave their food out and stuff like that, that is just retarded. The chances of a bear attacking you unprovoked are so slim. If you were dead set on a gun, I would be packing a short barreled 12 guage loaded with some big slugs.