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arnie · September 23, 2001, 08:53 PM

The October 2001 issue of Handloader magazine had two articles on this subject. Bottom line was that most bear attacks are unexpected, and from close quarters and the shooter has about 2 seconds or less to react, so a handgun probably won't be effective. But they recommended a heavy cast bullet for penetration for the rare times a handgun can be put in use in time. A .44 magnum, and for that matter virtually any handgun caliber, is marginal, but may be better than nothing. You probably will want to practice with light .44 Special loads. Shooting full-power .44 magnum loads in a light mountain Gun won't be much fun. Pepper spray may be more effective than a handgun.

September 23, 2001, 08:53 PM	#4
arnie Member Join Date: January 9, 2000 Location: mankato, mn usa Posts: 65	The October 2001 issue of Handloader magazine had two articles on this subject. Bottom line was that most bear attacks are unexpected, and from close quarters and the shooter has about 2 seconds or less to react, so a handgun probably won't be effective. But they recommended a heavy cast bullet for penetration for the rare times a handgun can be put in use in time. A .44 magnum, and for that matter virtually any handgun caliber, is marginal, but may be better than nothing. You probably will want to practice with light .44 Special loads. Shooting full-power .44 magnum loads in a light mountain Gun won't be much fun. Pepper spray may be more effective than a handgun.