A few years ago I built a cabin in the middle of British Columbia bear country (both kinds) and I asked the same question. I was pointed toward an Alaska study that, for purely self defense, recommended 12 gauge shotgun. The large rifle calibers were deemed inappropriate unless the person had a lot of experience handling the gun. I carry a Mossberg 500 Mariner with slugs, buckshot, and even rubber buckshot as options. 1st load is always a slug. In 13 years I've never had to use it. Closest incident was actually with a rutting bull moose that was seriously eying me over as a mate! (with drool and snot)

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Dennis
SWCA #2409, SWHF #353