Originally Posted by
bronko22000
While I agree with just about everything fatheadbob said I do have one thing to say. He does say he would take the Ruger over the Taurus (6 shots vs. 5). I would say that if a bear does decide to come at you there are only two scenieros: 1 you saw him first and you have your handgun drawn. (and hopefully backing away). In this instance, if it does come, you may be able to get off 2 shots. Don't forget you have to recover from the heavy recoil. 2. You don't see the bear until its already coming and you'll be lucky to get off even one shot.
Agreed! This subject is oft-debated and there are no solid, 100%-right-everytime answers. As for me, based on my experience with hogs and my .454, I'd rather use pepper spray because a yard-wide cloud of irritating spray has a better chance of keeping my hide unscathed than relying on a precise, CNS hit on a rapidly approaching bear. (Studies have borne that out, although exceptions are many.)
Of course, if your pistol skills are at the Clint Eastwood/John Wayne/Jerry Miculek level, pack a hogleg.
