Keep in mind that a cop with a Model 10 .38 killed a polar bear at the Staten Island zoo in the '80's.

If Massad Ayoob sees this, he has details.

An Alaska guide who writes for, "Rifle" said that he and his daughter rely on Ruger .357's as backup handguns, and he has seen many bears. Obviously, he believes that placement is the key with any handgun bullet.

The Aug., 2009, "Sporting Classics" has an article in which a dentist killed a charging bear with a Ruger .44 Magnum using a 280 grain bullet. He aimed for center of mass. Hit the bear in the chest.

T-Star