I grew up and have lived in Black Bear country most all of my life. Started walkin' in and outta the woods in darkness with nuttin' but a bow since I was 12 years old. Back when I was 12 it was a 35# recurve with wooden arrows. Even then I did not feel threatened by black bear and in the need of a hand cannon to be safe. More times than I can remember, the only thing I saw of a black bear within sight, was it's backside as it was running away. This with nuttin', but the sound of footsteps to scare it away. Black Bear where they are regularly hunted live in fear of humans. Black Bear that are regularly fed by humans and have lost their fear can be dangerous. This is generally close to human habitation and not far out in the woods. IOWs, you are more at risk in your back yard from Black bears than in the woods. Any .38 with loads capable of some penetration on bear size animals is sufficient. While not the first choice for hunting, for defense against them, the sound of the first shot will generally put them running. For a few exceptions and scenarios, the .38 will do all you need it to. With 158 JSPs/hardcast going 750-800 fps, any black bear at point blank range will probably be deterred. Those few that aren't, ain't gonna be stopped with a .44.
|