There is no way I would consider this as a big bear stopper. I have 9mm, 40 S&Ws, 357 and .44 mags. But my .44 is a S&W 29 with an 8 3/8" bbl which is just too much to carry all day hiking or during archery season. But the Tracker (which I did end up getting) is nice and light and short enough for easy carry in a belt holster. And it would be perfectly legal for turkey or yotes that may be just out of my bow range.