Alaska State Troopers

[Dadtodabone]

Just for jollies check out this video. At about 1:16 in, this the the target you'll have to see, draw, aim, and have that perfect shot placement to even have a chance of survival on land. Bear spray all the way for me. (spray and pray?)

I would have handled the charge differently - I would have shot my leg on the draw and put three rounds in the raft before getting on target.

My response would have been along the same lines with a distinct ammonia like scent in the air as well.

[G26ster]

You'd be out of mind to live, work, travel without being armed.
Preferably with something like this;
http://www.ruger.com/products/superRedh ... odels.html

I assume you mean so that you can finish yourself off when the bear starts eating you?

I would want to have something more along the lines of this in a shoulder holster as back up to a twelve Ga. with 000 buck & slugs.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/maxguns/5251092421/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I'm not really disagreeing with the fact that a high caliber handgun will not take down a brown bear, nor am I a bear expert or bear hunter. My experience is based upon living amongst them in more remote tent camps and sites in Alaska than I can remember, which gives me some experience with how bears interact with humans. Generally they will not bother you except as stated below, and often the slightest noise will send them running. But if a bear is encountered by surprise, and/or it is in the protect or hunting mode, it's a completely different ballgame.

My whole point is that by the time you know you are being attacked in many cases, the time to draw and fire is extremely limited, and there will be no well placed shot, and even if it is, the bear may die shortly after it tears you to shreds, which will be of no consolation to you. The benefit of bear spray, is that there is no need for a well placed shot, as it covers a very large area, and affords the best protection in a situation where you are caught off guard, or accidentally stumble on a grizzly, especially one with cubs in the area, or one that has just come out of hibernation (hungry). Sure a high caliber handgun or shotgun with bear slugs will take down a bear given the time and distance needed for that well placed shot, and the time and distance for multiple shots if needed. And, yes it may even do the job in a surprise attack, although statistics say differently. Trouble is, bear attacks usually are a surprise when accidental encounters happen. And, comparing a mature black bear to a fully mature brown bear is like comparing apples and oranges.

Carry what you wish in Alaska for bear protection. I'm only providing info based on my experience, and my experience is just what it is, "my" experience.

Here's a comparison on black and brown bear claws just for illustration.

http://cruises.about.com/od/cruisewest/ ... t-Ship.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;