Honestly, not enough gun. People relying on mag capacity may be in for a rude surprise too. You can really only count on that first shot. Bears are FAST and can get in really close before you know they are there. (My guide once hit a large brownie on the nose with a stick while swatting bushes along the trail) For years I carried a Smith mdl 29 6" and quite honestly never for one moment decided that the long gun was too much hassle to carry.


I'd like to mention a side note, practice drawing the damn thing. A handgun does you no good when it's in a tight holster wrapped over by fishing gear, rain ponchos and pack straps. On one occasion the guide was the only person out of five that managed to bring a gun to aim. That bear could have had all six of us if he'd have had a mind to.