9MM + Bear

I don't think anyone here is ready to recommend a 9mm handgun as first, second or even third choice in this specific role.
But in the end, it's bullet placement & penetration to vitals (CNS) that will save your life, as stated by others here.
A bigger hole is better certainly, if you can manage a rapid fusilade of shots accurately.
 
I've read lots on the internet...

A 9mm could definitely kill a bear, yes. But, it's very likely that the bear will kill/maim you before it expires.

You want that "One Shot Stopping Power" that everyone talks about... a 9mm isn't that.

As mentioned a 12g with some Buck Hammers would make me feel comfortable and safer. If I had to carry a pistol, it definitely would not be a 9mm. 10mm Auto would be absolute minimum and many poo-poo that for bear defense.
 
I could not get an ATC for 9mm. Not sure why so many people are 9mm haters. I can't post it but if you search on google there is a pic showing different calibres penetrating ballistic gel. 9mm is right up beside the "big boy" calibres.
 
Handgun_gel_comparison.jpg


There is no discernable difference in stopping power between 9mm, .40 and .45 with modern ammunition.
 
Impressive graphics, nothing wrong with a 9mm., but ballistic gel is not a bear. :runaway:

Ballistic gel simulates bullet penetration in soft tissue; bears [and quite a few people] have bones that may change the results quite a bit, and I believe that bears' bones are quite solid. Also, the angle a bear presents as a target when charging is all bone -- skull, shoulders, sternum. Is there any test, online or in the real world, that shows ballistic performance against big bony bears -- or any other large game?

Given any choice at all I'd carry a shotgun with slugs for bear. :shotgun:
If all I had was a pistol, I'd choose bigger. :rockOn: But if all I had was a 9mm. as you stated in the op I would choose 147g Black Talon or equivalent. I rely on that at work and I know what it can do. Might work for the purpose and I certainly wouldn't bet on the bear, but I'd also want to make sure my insurance is paid up.
 
As friend of mine who is a bear hunting outfitter, retrieves wounded bears for his clients and recommends to his clients that he does this, for he feels responsble for customer safety. All he has and ever will use is a 12g pump with 00 or 000 buckshot and claims it works excellent when you are very close.
 
Correct me if im wrong but im assuming most people are aware that carrying a 9mm for bear protection is very illegal even if it was good protection??? 12g with slugs is legal and more effective.A no brainer for me in IMO.
 
I recall seeing some photos of the remains of a guy in the States who had emptied his .357 mag into a griz without bringing it down. When the park rangers killed the animal it still had five slugs in the carcas from the .357. When your lucks out you're toast.
 
Plenty of small Black bears you could send straight to hell with a 9mm... then again some sickly dumpster feeding junior black bear from Ontario doesnt have alot in common with say a large Kodiak island Brown bear....
 
Just my two cents, but I had to put down a bear (employment) and after 6 rounds of 40 S&W the bear was severly injured, NOT dead!
9mm, very cruel.
 
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