What I don't get is, isn't this testimony to the marginal effectiveness of the 9mm on bears? In the previous account about this encounter it was mentioned that one of the guys unfortunately got hurt... let's say not as bad as he could have been. Would more gun (10mm etc) have prevented the injury, it's not for me to say but I can't help but ask the question. <>(Yes, I'm just a keyboard rambo here and I admit it...) But let me ask - If the 9mm is a good choice, why not a .38 revolver loaded with +P's? Why not a .380 or a Makarov? No, on both counts? So we've established then that the 9mm meets only minimal specs for bear defense, notwithstanding the legend about the young native American lady who killed a bear with a single shot from a .22.
And who figured this choice out? Are there known cases of people trying to defend themselves from bears with .38's, 380's, etc, who weren't successful?
Again, my comments are from the safety of my office, but if I'm given a pop quiz, right now... (Congratulations! You're going salmon fishing, TOMORROW!!, or something like that) I'm taking my SP101 loaded with the baddest 180 grain hardcast loads I can get, before any 9mm and praying earnestly for no bear trouble. I would figure in any case I'm not getting more than five shots at him/her.
Now, if it's not a pop quiz (as in, "go right now, with only the stuff you have right now"), my own choice would come down to either a Redhawk in .45 colt (kinda heavy, isn't it?) or a 10mm.
I suppose a 9mm would be better than nothing... analogous to carrying a .22 in the city...
Just my POV...
I carry a Blackhawk in 41 Mag with hard cast.
That’s No “Legend!”
Bella Twin
Was Her Name.
Even the largest caliber conventional handguns are generally inadequate for stopping threatening critters, two or four legged.
Carrying something is better than nothing. The bows and arrows are much more effective at killing, but the carry 9s are accessible and useful....
I built a 450 Bushmaster AR 10.5 inch pistol. 14 rounds of 300 grn 45s at 1400fps ought to be about right.
https://www.ammoland.com/2019/08/handgun-or-pistol-defense-against-bear-attack-73-cases-96-effective/
Data on calibers from .22 to .460 S&W magnum.