Originally Posted by
Chris W.
A Personally, I believe one can get off more accurate shots under stressfull situations using a compact rifle over a handgun. When you're dealing with 900+ pounds of pi$$ed off teeth and claws, you want every shot to count.
The ONLY reason to rationally substitute ANY handgun for a long gun when bears are concerned is when the weight or size of a long gun precludes it from being carried, or when the handgun is stowed so that is a more quickly-accessible backup than a long gun which you may not get into play as quickly. PERIOD.
I've carried a 40S&W in bear country, but only because it was available at in some situations I MAY not have access to the rifle and I'd rather have an underpowered handgun than my fingernails.