[kms61]

How many people in a high stress situation can take a "properly positioned" shot on a charging bear. I'd wager not even many experts. You're probably going to only get one shot. Better use something that will make it count. Wounding a bear is worse than not doing anything at all. If you're not a REALLY good shot, you might be better off not carrying a weapon....or staying out of the woods altogether.

[old school]

Like the man said, practice, practice, practice! Or, don't go into the woods.

[decimon]

How many people in a high stress situation can take a "properly positioned" shot on a charging bear. I'd wager not even many experts. You're probably going to only get one shot. Better use something that will make it count. Wounding a bear is worse than not doing anything at all. If you're not a REALLY good shot, you might be better off not carrying a weapon....or staying out of the woods altogether.

It's been noted that police officers will more often than not miss a less challenging human target in a high stress situation. Safety in numbers might work. If the bear is going for you then you can at least hope that I'm shooting at it and not making an exit. :-)