Minimum weapon for this situation would be a .44 Magnum, this combined with some training to hit critical points should the bear become threatening.
I've heard that the 4" .44 mag is popular with those who travel in Kodiak country but it think its purpose is for blowing your own brains out if the Kodiak gets you before you get to your rifle.
114 posted on 10/07/2003 12:32:24 PM PDT by SBprone