Posted on 10/26/2025 6:24:28 AM PDT by marktwain
The use of handguns to defend against bear attacks has been shown to be effective 98% of the time. This update details 16 more cases where a handgun was fired in defense against a bear or bears. In this study, all cases where a handgun was fired in defense against a bear are included. This guards against selection bias. Every case is described in detail, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions.
If researchers refuse to disclose the data used to support their papers, it detracts from the validity of the conclusions. Extreme accuracy or speed with handguns does not appear to be required. Fifteen of the additions are handgun-only cases. One is a combination case. The total number of cases has become awkward to publish. Links are included to the last full list, published on June 21, 2021, of 104 incidents, and the updates published since then.
The first update was published on April 11, 2022. Eleven additional cases where handguns were fired in combination with other lethal instruments were published on March 16, 2022. The combination cases are not included in the handgun-only statistics. The second update was published on November 21, 2023. Total cases increased to 170. The third update was published on May 8, 2024. Total cases increased to 190.
In this fourth update, there are now 175 cases involving only handguns. Four of the handgun-only cases were deemed failures. Combination cases, where handguns were fired in combination with other lethal instruments, are included for completeness, but are not used to determine handgun effectiveness. The number of all documented cases where a handgun was fired in defense against a bear or bears now numbers 205. The 16 additional cases are listed below in chronological order.
(Excerpt) Read more at ammoland.com ...
One of the prime reason handguns seem to be effective is one can have them on your person all the time.
Whereas long guns tend to get set down or left behind.
I used to shore-fish rivers on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska. That is where I ALWAYS carried a rifle. Those coastal Brown Bears are BIG critters!
A long gun that is kept as handy as a handgun.
Is a superior choice.
98% of bears could not be reached for comment.
Handguns, long rifles, and a pack of dogs and armed friends is the best solution!
I was stalked by a cougar last week in an area with wolf packs on each of the mountains around me. In addition to the 6 rounds in my deer rifle, I carry a 9mm with 46 rounds in three easily accessed mags.
If the wolves surround me, I think I can take out about half of them. That ought to break off the attack.
I hope.
I carry the .357 with Buffalo Bore for Griz and have received Dean’s stamp of approval (not legally binding!)
One source I read says that combo will drill a 4.5 foot hole through Mr. Griz before stopping. Not quite stem to stern, but just about perfectly side to side.
Separately, I read a story of 9mm Buffalo bore going into the shoulder of a black bear and through his whole body and out his flank, probably over 3 feet.
So I carry .357 for Griz, and 9mm in black bear / wolf / cougar / wild dog / coyote / crazy people territory.
I have a 5” Ruger Blackhawk flattop in .357. Very nice and easy to be accurate with practice.
I hope.
I like your spunk.
.357 are most versatile and my Ruger is most accurate with 38 +P hollow points.
Magnums are controllable.
Love My Ruger!
Beau shoots black bear with what I call his ‘Hand Cannon.’ Some sort of HUGE revolver that I can barely LIFE, let alone fire. ;)
I’d use a 10mm, but I’d much rather have a .375 H&H Magnum rifle. Or the .458 Winchester Magnum. Not many bears here in KS.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.