I never have, and I hunt an area where there are lots of bear and cougars. I mean ya they could attack, but the chances go along with the territory, I mean there could be a flash flood, earth quake, lightning strike, you know what i'm trying to say, I have had several encounters with bears. I have walked into sows with cubs only twice, and yes it was scary but thats part of bowhunting, and if I think if one did try to charge I really don't think you would have time to pull the pistol and react fast enough to stop a bear. I have shot 2 nice black bears with my bow, fair chase and both went down fast, I am amazed how one arrow can kill bear so quick, I have confidence in my bow! But if it gives you that extra comfort knowing you have a pistol then by all means carry it, but I say the bow will do what the pistol can do and maybe even better, if you can get the shot off in time, but thats part of hunting, it does involve some risk.