[ZULU]

I think if you waited until the bear got close enough and then opened up with the automatic and shot at his head, you might do him in.

Don't they recommend a shoulder shot when the critter is standing sideways? Don't know what to aim for at a head on shot.

Amazing they were able to do them in with .54 caliber hawkin rifles. I read they used double charges and two balls. I have a .54 caliber Hawkin I built and it shoots dead on. Proofed the barrel with about 140 grains of FF (its a flintlock). The breech is 1 1/8 " acroos the flats and tapers to 1" at the muzzle. Wanted to put as much steel around the breech as possible for heavy charges.

[U S Army EOD]

OK you get to go first. I will go for help. Almost all of your survival stories of the old west and the mountain men were written by someone who had been mauled by a bear. The ones who did survive were the ones who could run fast. Actually for real, if you are on the side of a hill, the best way to run is around the hill instead of up or down. For some reason a bear has a hard time running like that.

Also the main trick in shooting a bear is just don't let them get close. The base of the skull from behind is probably the best place to shoot one. Also it is good to shoot him before he is mad at you. You know, like in the back when he doesn't see you.

[U S Army EOD]

On second thought try this little experiment. Get out in a field with a weapon. Set up a bear size target about 20 yards away. Off to the side have someone in a car or truck start driving at 40 mph toward a marker. When the vehicle gets 20 yards from the marker, fire your first round and see how many more you can get off before the vehicle gets to the marker.

Note: Don't shoot at the vehicle!!!

[LTCJ]

Don't know what to aim for at a head on shot.

With a pistol and charging bear, I beleve the most effective placement would be the spot slightly above the line between your eye and ear on your dominant side.