We tell then to remove the front sight first. (They look at us quite puzzled.)
We then reply: “That way, it won't hang up on your teeth.”
Deciding to use a Pistol for Bear Protection over a rifle is fool hearty. even the biggest 454 Casul can only kill a bear with a head shot. (Body shots have serious penetration issues) And ever try to hit a grapefruit sized object (Brain) coming at you at over 30 miles per hour, bouncing randomly all over the place?
The heavy caliber rifle is there to break down the front shoulder structure first, to immobilize the animal, followed by a head or neck shot. You are right, that it is not a job for the inexperienced or the ignorant!
I was only going with what I know, and I know more about pistols than rifles.
He asked me about my weapons, and I replied.
I’ve got him convinced to at least think about it -about it being better to head up into known bear country for hikes and camping armed with something, rather than nothing.
Of course, I have the most effective deterrent against being attacked by bears: Don’t go into their habitat.
Works every time it’s tried.