Just came back from Haines Alaska. Chilkoot river 10-20 brown bears seen every eve feeding in spawning salmon. One would have to see how quickly such a large animal can move in person to believe it. Any hand gun, forget it! you might have a very small chance with a .35 cal rifle or a 12 guage slug if it is at your shoulder at the point of attack. even then i'd bet on the bruin. The size and power of these bears is amazing and their speed covering rough ground ,rocks, dead fall timber,steep hillsides, cold rivers etc is out of this world.
Sw