If you live where I do or own a farm where I do they are a real good idea. Black bears rarely attack but then again so do people. I want to be prepared for either. In the woods around my house or on my farm I'll have the 629 hanging on my shoulder. It pulls quickly from a tanker holster. It should give me time to react to a charging bear should that ever happen. I've been threatened by bears more than once in my own yard. They especially like it when I cook out on the grill but I generally keep a 12 ga. handy for that. But walking in the woods or working there something easier to carry is called for. For me it's a .44 magnum loaded with dangerous game rounds. Yes they are expensive but I don't use them for target practice. They are strictly for protection.