whats a good 9mm anti black bear round?

There are actually several that are good. The way to judge is based on three factors.

1) Potency of the spray
2) How long it will spray
3) How far it will spray

There are some that will go 30 feet and over 10 seconds. Many of the top brands look like a toss up between them when I look. I have only bought one canister so far but you need to consider using it more than once as part of the buying factor because a black bear interested in you is notorious for coming back after the first spray according to some of the bear books I have read by James Gary Shelton. He also recommends BOTH spray and gun and not count on only one method of defense.

I am likewise going to get a .44 magnum in Ruger Super Redhawk 7.5 inch because its increased weight helps with recoil. I shoot one handed and want to be able to use the high powered loads. I shot a .454 one handed and it wasn't fun, but manageable. Some of the .44 magnum loads especially from Buffalo Bore get right up there at nearly the .454 range. Certainly not a 30-06 but we have many cases of successful bear defense with such a weapon. If a rifle isn't legal or practical, why not have a good side arm? Isn't it better than nothing at all? Just makes sense to me.
 
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It is not hard to answer a simple question guys.
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Over and over and over and over and over again. What handgun for bear is my least favorite topic on here -- one that has been kicked around, stomped on and beaten absolutely to death.

Like several others here, I've spent a ton of time in the woods, particularly in the mid-Atlantic states and particularly in areas where black bear are extremely common. I've never been chased or eaten alive. I don't know anyone else who has been, either. I've come close to peeing my pants a few times when we've surprised each other, but that was the worst of it.

The most serious encounter I've ever had in the woods was with a fearless spike buck in the middle of the Appalachian Trail in the Shenandoah National Park. He decided he wasn't going to move and wanted to fight. I had to jab him with my trekking poles to get him to go.

The best answer for the which handgun, which caliber question I like to give is that the gun should have the front sight filed off for easier rectal insertion (that's you, not the bear). The best 9mm, should you have to use it in an emergency situation, is the one you use on yourself as you're being eaten alive.

Who knows, though? I've seen giant swamp monster 600 lb black bear when I lived in eastern NC, and in those areas, you really would be an idiot to go around with anything less than a .30-06 or slug gun. In my typical run-ins, these are 150-250-lb bears. Bears are physiologically much different than men, but we think a 9mm can handle a 250 lb man.
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Thanks for proving my point.
 
People tend to DRASTICALLY over exaggerate on bear weights. What most people think is a 400 lbs bear is most likely 190 lbs. A 200 lbs bear is a big bear. A 600 lbs black bear is a very unusual monster. Considering most Rocky mountain Grizzlies average around 400 lbs and most black bear average 200 lbs or so. We just had a 450 lbs old black here that had to be put down and he was a giant. Most of what makes a bear look so big is it's fur. There has only ever been one account of a 900 lbs black bear and he was captive. I can't imagine a blacky ever getting that big in the wild. Coastal Brown Bears average 900 lbs. 900 lbs would be massive for even an inland grizzly. Eastern and florida black bears are the smallest of the breeds, not very often getting larger than 250 lbs or so. The alaskan blacks tend to be the largest. Although the largest wild black bear was taken in NC. People tend to get carried away when it comes to bears.
 
People tend to DRASTICALLY over exaggerate on bear weights. What most people think is a 400 lbs bear is most likely 190 lbs. A 200 lbs bear is a big bear. A 600 lbs black bear is a very unusual monster. Considering most Rocky mountain Grizzlies average around 400 lbs and most black bear average 200 lbs or so. We just had a 450 lbs old black here that had to be put down and he was a giant. Most of what makes a bear look so big is it's fur. There has only ever been one account of a 900 lbs black bear and he was captive. I can't imagine a blacky ever getting that big in the wild. Coastal Brown Bears average 900 lbs. 900 lbs would be massive for even an inland grizzly. Eastern and florida black bears are the smallest of the breeds, not very often getting larger than 250 lbs or so. The alaskan blacks tend to be the largest. Although the largest wild black bear was taken in NC. People tend to get carried away when it comes to bears.
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I spent many years as a physician studying and preparing for many different diseases that I never once saw in my career. Yet, most of my study and the depth of that study was for those rare occassions. Not many people would want to go to a doctor that only knew three of the many conditions a symptom could represent. Likewise, understanding what could be in the woods is the time to prepare for what you would use in defense. In this case, the maximum range of bear weight is quite relevant. Preparing for the average leaves you unprepared for the exceptional. Car safety features are likewise designed on the same over design principle.

So, a wild bear has never been over 900 pounds, but I never made that claim, only nearly 900 pounds with 880 pounds should qualify with in that statement since it is 98% of the 900 pound value. And you are correct, that is the size of a large grizzly. So would I be better off with my little SP101 .357 or with a SRH .44 magnum IF a rifle is not a viable option say on an extended hike or not allowed legally? If I owned a 9mm, I would leave it home. The .357 is the minimum woods gun in my opinion. Preparing for the worst case scenario IS the standard in all industries when it comes to safety. I believe that is how we should likewise approach this issue as well. Dozens of black bears over 700 pounds have been harvested in the last two decades alone. They may be rare, but they are out there. For Alaska, you prepare for the 1200 pound monster which are equally rare but out there. In such a case, a hand gun truly is not the answer and even a 45/70 with hot loads is underpowered. :eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:
 
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Preparing for the worst case scenario may be always the smartest answer it isn't always the most practical. Worst case scenario my house is going to be broken into by Islamic extremists with automatic rifles . . . more likely if i have a break in it's going to be some punk kids or a crack head with a .22. In order to defend myself against a big bear I should be carrying a .450 Alaskan on my hikes but I feel completely comfortable with my much smaller and more manageable .357. Walking around expecting a super bear is a bit paranoid. In school we learned in case studies that most bear attacks come from either females defending their cubs or adolescent insecure males. Both of which aren't the largest in their breed. The huge 500+ lbs males are usually old alpha males that are very secure and aren't as jumpy around people. I know around here i'm much more cautious around a curious young male than an giant in his prime. The problem is the bigger, older bears don't scare as easily. . . although they’re the least likely to get into trouble. My advice though to people in heavy bear country: Just don't go outside :D
 
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Don't worry about the weight, worry about the hide. Some of those bears are awful tough. Get the hottest fmj you can get your hands on.

And, I hate to repeat what anyone else says, but I -- personally -- would not carry anything smaller than a .44 mag for bear-defense purposes. I would, however, get spray to compliment your weapon.

The chances of you getting attacked by a bear are practically negligible, but so are the chances that you're going to get into an accident running five blocks to the grocery -- but you still wear your seatbelt.
 
The chances of you getting attacked by a bear are practically negligible, but so are the chances that you're going to get into an accident running five blocks to the grocery -- but you still wear your seatbelt.
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+1 :D:D:D:D:D:D
 
What 9mm round....?

The one you have in the magazine sounds about right.
I'm really tired of all this bear hysteria, and Black Bears are nowhere near as tough as people think ("over-grown squirrel" is closer to the truth).


I've had more run-ins with black bears, than I'd like to talk about. The most frightening encounter was ended when I threw a big muddy stick at the bear.

I never felt under-gunned carrying a .380 Auto with 85gr Winchester HPs.
 
My word, cajun47! Is there anything more convincing than doughy men attacking stationary objects of questionable relevance with impractical legacy implements?:D

Favorite moment form the video: When he describes a hole in sheet metal as a "wound channel."

I honestly did have more respect for Cold Steel as blade makers than they are earning in this video. (By the way, sahib, "lethalness" isn't a word. It's "lethality.")

Does it come with a tactical cowhide shield?
 
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Watching that fat man in shorts dance around with a giant spear is the funniest thing i've seen in a long time. I guess when the bear is rolling around on the ground laughing it'll give you enough time to get away
 
Shooting a bear is a terrific way to ruin a nice hike or a fun fishing trip.

If you shoot a bear in self defense, you open up a world of unpleasant possibilities.

If you kill the bear outright, in Alaska, you must notify the State, preserve the skull and hide and they become the property of the state. You don't get to keep them.

If you wound the bear (and survive unscathed), you must notify the State and then are morally, if not legally responsible for leaving a wounded bear free where he may injure other people, or die a painful, lingering death from your gunshot or from starvation or infection.

If you wound the bear and he/she goes on to maul you (happens more often to gunners than sprayers, by the way), you have those injuries and still the moral responsibility of leaving a wounded bear.

However, if you spray a bear, you are less likely than a shooter to be injured by the bear and also teach the bear that people are more trouble than they are worth, thereby likely making him/her more shy around people.

Shooting a bear is a terrific way to ruin a nice hike in the woods or a fun fishing trip.

Spray is more effective than any firearm. (Hunting is fine, but defensive shooting has a load of handicaps to a good outcome. You are pressed for time and probably surprised.)

Lost Sheep

P.S. I carry a .454 Casull Ruger Super Redhawk 7.5" as a backup to my primary defense, a 10 Oz bottle of pepper spray when in bear territory. When in lower-risk areas or seasons, spray only. It's lighter.
 
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cajun47

You made a good choice on the .44. I can definitely understand the need to carry less weight while negotiating the muck that is Louisiana. If you are content with your Smith, I would get a chest rig. This will take the weight off of your hips and still allow easy access to your weapon. They're not cheap, but its still less expensive than getting a new gun.

If you do want a light pack gun, the Ruger Alaskan is the way to go.

In Louisiana the spear is really only good for protection from snakes and small game. A simple staff will work just as well. Having grown up there I can tell you that you won't hear or see the cougar if he's hunting you and using the spear on a bear is a bad idea.

Where in LA are you hiking?
 
cajun47

The boar are going to be the most dangerous thing that you will encounter out there. Their fight or flight mechanism almost always goes with fight. I got charged by one when I was deer hunting back in 95. I dropped it with my 30.30, but it scared the hell out of me. After that I always carry my .44 even if its just a walk through the woods. Anything less feels unsafe.
 
Oh man...that fat man with the spear is hilarious. He didn't do a very good job of convincing me of the spear over the 12ga.

"Right through that car hood! Right through that car hood!"

I never knew hunks of meat could be so threatening. What is the rope supposed to represent? A (not so) giant anaconda that's about to swallow you whole?

Thanks for the laughs!
 
James H

HAHA, you're right. That guy's a tool. Someone that fat has no business "playing" with half of the stuff his company sells. Its like watching those dorky kids playing Dungeons & Dragons. His hog hunt on youtube is pretty good though.
 
The best 9mm for bears? Any 9mm. According to recent studies, nothing is more effective than a 9mm on their fleas and ticks and it has fewer side effects than Frontline.

Geesh.
 
Man, most black bear in the south are small. 150 lbs some of them.

A 150 - 300 lb bear is nothing to mess with but come on we are not talking about a tyrannosaurus rex or even a thousand pound grizzly.

Most bears will probably run away from the noise. 15 doubletap FMJ's will definitely kill him just as good as 6 44 mags.

If the bear ambushes ya and you are fighting hand to hand the smaller gun will be easier to grab and fire than the big 44, and ya can miss more often and still have rounds left.

If you see a bear and have time to actually aim and stuff, he will 99% of the time run like hell at the noise of the first round, at least in the real world vs. Hollywood.
 
Also those 500 lb black bears, they got that big by avoiding people. They are going to be stealthy and run away. It the dumb youngster or half starved half dead bear who will attack ya.

Last bear attack I heard of was some city councilman messing with his garbage cans in some town in Washington state. A half dead 150 lb bear tore him up.
 
How many of us will fair well in a fight with a 70 pound pit bull?

A 150 pound half dead bear almost got the better of the 200 pound man in WA state. He lost his left eye and almost lost his life. Nothing I would want to tangle with myself even if it isn't a monster sized black bear over 400 pounds. Still, nothing to sneeze at even the little puny types.
 
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