The bear always eats the slowest person.
Actually, unless I was hunting the bear, I would carry something like a .44 Mag Carbine. I would never go in an area where I could surprise a bear with a bolt action rifle. You are only going to get one shot. The best thing of all to have with you would be a large dog. While the bear and dog were going at it, you would have more time. Plus the dog would normally smell the bear. That would be your best of all insurance.
If I was bear hunting, I would not use anything less than some type of .34 Mag rifle. I would never go alone and at least one person would always have a automatic rifle such as the .44 Mag I just mentioned.
Exactly. You never go into bear country without a repeater of some kind. Bolt action and other single shot action types does not cut it.
This would definately depend on the dog! Not too many Irish Setters or Black Labs are going to tackle a big bear. They don't have the temperment for that and are more likely to lead a bear back to you with its tail between its legs looking for you to protect it! If I have to take snap shots at a bear, I don't want to do it with Fido trying to cower between my legs.
On the other hand, a pair of Rodesian Ridgebacks would be handy to have around in a tight situation with mama bear grizzley!
Good choice, the.44mag out of an 18 inch barrel has excellent knockdown.