buffybr i agree most people cant shoot a pistol ,but how many know how to use bear spray ? I think the forest and park service should give classes on proper use.Maybe a short film of a charging grizz at 20ft,when to spray, how to spray and how to carry for quick acess.Myself being hard headed ill carry my 44 and if i feel the chances of encounter are good ill bring my 450 marlin with 405 grn hardcast.Its funny but every time ive seen the park boys walk in to duck creek or cougar creek they are always packing rifles,must be a do as i say thing!Any way not being in the habit of carring big rocks around and due to the price of ammo,illnot be fireing warning shots.At 20 ft ill be between my 4th and 5th shot,if hes stil on his feet number 6 decides if im bear crap.Its worked so far.I guess why im so hard headed about guns is in my 66 years guns guns have saved my butt several times i feel safe when i have one.Not being the bravest man nor the smartest ill stick with what i know and feel safe with.