Bear Defense with Handguns Update, 20 More Cases 98% Effective

AmmoLand ^ | May 8, 2024 | Dean Weingarten

[marktwain]

The use of handguns as a defense against bears has been shown to be effective 98% of the time. In this study, all cases that can be documented, where a handgun was fired in defense against a bear, are included. This is done by design to guard against selection bias.  All cases cite the source for the case information. Unlike other attempts to put a number on how effective handguns, long guns, or bear spray are in defending against bears, every case is described to readers so they can come to their own conclusions.  Readers may disregard any incidents at their discretion. They may evaluate the cases themselves. One of the keys to a convincing inquiry is the availability of the data used. If a researcher will not show you the data, it is a matter of concern. Research cannot be duplicated unless the base data is understood.

Cases where a handgun was not fired are not included. Access problems for defensive weapons, such as handguns, long guns, bear spray, and edged weapons, are very similar.  If the handgun or bear spray is left in a pack, it is much less likely to be used. The result is the same if the victim is unwilling to practice with their defensive tool so they are reasonably proficient. Extreme accuracy and speed with handguns are seldom necessary. Spray that is not sprayed or firearms that are not fired do not reflect on the ability of the device to stop bears.

As the number of documented incidents where pistols were fired as a defense against bears increased, the entire list became awkward.  This is a link to the last full list of 104 incidents, published on June 21, 2021.

[Red Badger]

That is exactly why we, in Florida, are up to our ears in Black Bears.

While we have limited bear hunting now, only so many tags are sold each season, decades of ‘no bear killing at all allowed’, cause the bear population to explode.

At first, the Fish & Game Commission tried relocating nuisance bears, with tracking collars, even up to 500 miles away, but they always came back ‘home’.

Now, ironically, they simply ‘euthanize’ problem bears..................

[marktwain]

Pistol calibers which have been successfully used in defense against grizzly/brown bears:

.22 Long Rifle.

9.3x18 Makarov

.38 revolver (probably .38 S&W Special)

9mm

.357 Magnum

.40 caliber

10mm

.41 Magnum

.44-40

.44 Magnum

.45 acp

.45 Colt

.45 Super

.454 Casull

.460 S&W Magnum

.500 S&W Magnum

[OKSooner]

For we who don't live in bear country this is kinda an interesting academic situation. It's instructive that some of these guys have discovered that the 9mm is effective against grizzlies - probably loaded with +P+ hardcast for maximum penetration, but there it is.

So who figured that out, to begin with? :)

Next we'll be hearing of a successful bear defense using the BB .38special +P "Outdoorsman" load, I believe that's what it's called, with the hardcast bullet.

[Disambiguator]

As the saying goes, “it’s all about shot placement.”

I’m sure the heavier calibers tip the odds more in your favor. I sure wouldn’t head out into Grizzly country with a .38 Special unless I absolutely had no other options.

[marktwain]

Next we'll be hearing of a successful bear defense using the BB .38special +P "Outdoorsman" load, I believe that's what it's called, with the hardcast bullet.

Two documented cases where the .38 Special was successfully used against grizzly bears.

Alaska, 1947.

October 1947 Chickaloon River, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, grizzly bear .38 revolver, 158 gr bullet. Page 95-105, “Narrow Escapes”, Ben East, first published by Outdoor Life, 1960.

Wyoming, 2011.

[OKSooner]

Thank you. :)

[T.B. Yoits]

From the article: If the handgun or bear spray is left in a pack, it is much less likely to be used.

[T.B. Yoits]

From 2020:

[telescope115]

10mm are badass. I wish I hadn’t sold the one I had.

[marktwain]

The map shows the ranges in North America.

Both Polar bears and brown bears have circumpolar ranges.

Brown bears have viable populations in Europe and Asia. Polar bears exist all around the Arctic.

It is difficult to find a good count of polar bears. It appears the "experts" don't want to release the numbers they have.

The famous researcher Susan Crockford shows the idea is simply false.

[43north]

I found the 1982 receipt from my original purchase of a Ruger ,44 mag Redhawk with a 7.5” barrel. $292. Ah, the good old days.

[Disambiguator]

I hope you still have it!

[Mean Daddy]

Even in Iowa we get the occasional black bear sighting from Minnesota or Missouri but no established population.

[Tijeras_Slim]

The Glock 20 (pictured) holds 15 rounds, which is a good argument for it. I’m a big revolver fan, having Smiths in both .44 and .41 magnum. I think a plastic fantastic in 10mm would be a better woods gun, and you wouldn’t care as much if it got beat up.

[Tijeras_Slim]

As a buddy of mine says…”Shot placement is King, adequate penetration is Queen, and everything else is angels dancing on the head of a pin.”

[Diana in Wisconsin]

I’m pretty sure I could still outrun you. But, SURE! ;) LOL!

[Disambiguator]

I like to joke that the concussion from the muzzle blast of a .454 Casull will give the bear pause even if you miss.

[Tijeras_Slim]

At an indoor range I had a guy with a 4” S&W 500 touch off a round next to me. My nuts about fell into my socks.

[Redcitizen]

I think Springfield has a 10mm pistol for a decent price if you want to get another 10mm pistol.

[telescope115]

Thanks, I know they do. Just can’t afford one right now. It took them a lot of years to get another one out there.