Bears: pistol beats rifle

[Rocky Raab]

OK, I moved it.

For black bear, any good revolver in a caliber that starts with "4" will be fine.

One might even make a case for the .357 Maggie with heavy-bullet handloads. But such a gun would be a bit on the light side for black bear - especially when so many other choices are better.

Even a small black bear is faster and stronger than we are. Bigger fingernails, too. I'd want a revolver with enough "oomph" to take the steam out of a sudden rush. The one in my safe that meets that criteria is a Blackhawk 45 Colt. I'd push a hard 255 SWC with a full case of 4227, or a stoutish charge of 296/110 or LilGun. Plenty gun.

Oh, and I think I'd carry it in a snug chest holster or a high-ride crossdraw rig. Either one is MUCH easier to get to under a jacket, and also less likely to flop around and bang on stuff in the heavy cover.