“Actually, there are legions of people who have been badly mauled after using a handgun on a bear. Even some of the vaunted magnums.”
OK, give us a few examples. As you claim “legions”, it should not be too hard.
I’ve never been attacked by grizzly but I was at cut bank entrance to Glacier park hiking when a bear has killed two young mense women campers up the trail
The old real ranger ...back then they were Cowboys...went in armed with 45-70 and a 10 gauge slug and M29 wheelgun....1976
I have a friend who lived outside Palmer Alaska who kept guns close by like his outhouse and plane hangar etc for beer attack and had shot bear
His advice was chest area or upper shoulder so they can’t run but have to attack upright if u have the time
He kept big buckshot and 44 mag
He owned a 375 bolt he hunter elk etc with
If they are upon you advise anywhere that debilitated you can put lead into
The brains are small and their skulls thicker or as than an angus bull
You watch guys shoot charging lions and they shoot heart area as much or more than head
Again I’ve never shot a bear
I notice this attack is grasslands meet pine covered ridges country
Quite different than glacier or bitteroot or challis
Major gash flap open above right ear on dummy