9mm vs. Black Bear...what would you choose?

[locosway]

A pot and a pan, for noise-making, would actually be better.

i know there have been incidents, but really, you're not going to have to shoot a black bear. I've encountered them many times, in camps and on hikes, and sometimes with cubs, and never come close to trouble. Common sense is key - don't grab a cub and run, for example. I understand wanting to have your weapon, but don't go looking to shoot one of these. It would only be necessary if you encountered a Zombie Bear. I think Hornady makes ammo for that.

are you guys serious? Have you ever seen a black bear? Its not as dangerous as you may think. I've encountered many bears in and around mono hot springs and it only takes yelling or banging something loudly to send them scrambling away. In the unlikely event you should see a bear in winter while they are all hibernating, just yell and chances are your problem will be solved. Also a few 9mm rounds will cut one up if you absolutely have to hurt one

No one said they were extremely dangerous and were going to eat people for looking at them wrong. The question was, what 9mm rounds in case of a bear attack. I think this is a valid concern for anyone who is in bear country, even though I would be more worried about lions.

Prepare for the worse, and hopefully nothing happens. If all I took was a pot and a pan and they didn't work, I'd sure wish I at least had my 9mm.

[tonelar]

If you had nothing but a 9mm, load up some steel core bullets.

You're better off with a 12g

[locosway]

THANK YOU!!!

From what I heard and have seen...black bears are lil p***ies!.

I being 6'3" and 250+ lbs would fight a black bear.

A grizzly would turn me into a lil panzy!

I'd guarantee you'd lose.

I'm 6'4" and 275lbs, and I wouldn't fight a black bear unless I absolutely had to.

[DavidR310]

I'd guarantee you'd lose.

I'm 6'4" and 275lbs, and I wouldn't fight a black bear unless I absolutely had to.

Let's just say they wouldn't get my adrenaline going. With black bears, I am more worried about other members in my group including little kids.

[erichuff7]

I didn't mean to come off as a jerk. Its just that brown bears are the really dangerous ones and theres few or none left in california cuz people shot em all. Black bears are more of a nuisance and reletivily harmless, so there's no reason to shoot them unnecessarelly

[daybreak]

I know you asked for the best 9MM choice, but seriously just buy a can of bear mace.

[WolfSamurai]

only hope is for a lucky hit to bone in legs or eyes. Otherwise, you might get to be bear food. Only shoot as a last resort.

[locosway]

I didn't mean to come off as a jerk. Its just that brown bears are the really dangerous ones and theres few or none left in california cuz people shot em all. Black bears are more of a nuisance and reletivily harmless, so there's no reason to shoot them unnecessarelly

I don't advocate, nor did I see anyone else the killing of animals for any reason in this thread. Carrying a firearm for defensive purposes is always recommended, even when out in bear country with timid black bears. I've come across black bears in the wild, and we've had them in our camp while we were in tents. They're more like a large raccoon than anything.

[drunktank]

As stated, a fmj for better penetration. However I personally prefer carrying fmj's in a 9mm when camping. I'm more concerned about 2 legged critters than 4. If anything the sound of the gun going off should deter more than anything. Wounding it may even activate it more. There's been instances of both but i don't have any stats.

[ParanoidCivilian]

Please do not go on this trip. I've seen what a bear will do to a man when it is fired upon with a 9mm.

[r3dn3ck]

Bring the 9mm but you only need 1 bullet. Keep it for yourself. Shooting the bear won't help but I'm sure you can attenuate the crushing ripping bleeding agony with it.

A black bear is not a concern. I was surrounded by them in an orchard one night. I'm sure they scented me but couldn't see me. When I stood up they didn't growl or anything, they straight arse grabbed their hats and left in a hurry. I would feel safe saying I surprised them and they bailed out.

Apart from that it's winter. They're liable to be really really really sleepy and taking advantage of their accepted month long nappy nap time. Don't bring a 9mm for bear. Bring it for 2-legged. If you want a gun to defend against critter attack, then I'd pick up the original and pick up the .357 or better. A 12ga with slugs is nice.

For those thinking a 200lbs black bear is a sissy... first, they're much stronger per lbs body weight than humans. A bear will happily rip its back muscles in half to rip you in half if it thinks it necessary. You won't have the same dedication or ability. Apart from that, bears come with VERY strong and longish claws and arm strength that makes them into flying scythes, they have them on all 4 paws and then there's the massive jaw full of pointy things. Do not think you're up to it... you'll be wrong.

[Patermagnus]

Chances are you won't need a weapon at all. I've been backpacking all over the western half of the US for around (yikes) thirty years, come across dozens of bears and never had any problems. As long as you avoid the cubs, don't feed the bears, and store your food and scented products appropriately, you should be fine.

Your best defense? Your brain. If you come across a bear, stay calm and try and slowly back out of the situation. If they're digging through your stuff, don't shoot it, just make lots of noise and they'll likely run away.

[Echidin]

I was up in Sequoia National Park doing some backpacking over the Summer near Eagle lake. We only encountered one bear on the way up, but it seemed uninterested in us. You would likely have better luck fending off a bear with bear spray vs. a 9mm. Good luck with your trip, its beautiful up there.

[BluNorthern]

FMJ, as powerful as you can find. Even those will likely glance off it's skull if shot at any kind of angle. No need for 2 mags, you'd be lucky to get off 2 shots, and the second won't be aimed if he's bent on getting you at close range. Don't waste your time with a shot to the body. There just isn't enough penetration in a 9mm for bear defense.

[repo4sale]

I agree, 9mm would really not stop a 200+pound bear charging or in your tent! JUST GO GET 2 CANS OF THE 12-16OZ BEAR SPRAY. Spend the $50 or so and then keep that in your car or home after the HIKE....