9mm vs. bear

[sd_shooter]

by the 9mm after many years as a paramedic.
In a nutshell: not impressive.
It's certainly better to show up to a gun fight with a 9mm instead of your favorite knife but I see no reason why anyone would buy one if they were in the market for a gun.
In regards to bears, better than nothing but I if you had the choice a 44 mag would be on my list.

Be sure to chime in on the weekly 9mm vs 40 vs 45 thread, you're about the only one with any kind of real life experience to speak against the 9mm. It's not politically correct to do so...

Perhaps the gelatin tests are all just clever marketing to make everyone buy more ammo no matter what the caliber is. EG if the the FBI says they want a round that penetrates 12" of gel, then all the manufacturer has to do is tailor the bullet to make it past 12" and they're done.

Even a 22 magnum will penetrate 12" of gel:

[jeffrice6]

Years ago there was an article about a cat in AK who had nothin but his "9" when a brown attacked.... Story goes that a "lucky" round caught the griz in the shoulder blade and ended the attack..... Take it for what it cost ya... But for the lower 48 I want my .44, up north I want big medicine

[Interloper]

Any gun you feel comfortable with will be fine. You are not going to be attacked by a bear in CA unless you are really, really asking for it. I would be more worried about mountain lions and meth cookers/dope growers.

[nikonuser]

Bear experts suggest to create some noise when walking in bear country so they will hear you coming and not get surprised. A small bell to announce your presence is highly suggested in the woods.