I've only...ever...had one bad encounter with bears. Seen lot of black bears, hunting in Florida...just no problems...except when I strolled out onto a dried-up round pond and entered the clearing...Smack...Dab...between a black bear cub on my right....and mama-sow on the port side.
I saw my first and only bear charge and am not excited of a second one. I was carrying my 257 Roberts, an RMK Model #23, Gamemaster and this little number below. It's S&W #29..."CLASSIC" with a 5 inch (under-lugged) barrel, wide target hammer & trigger, red ramp/white outline sights and an incredible trigger. both single and double. I've shot a good deal of hot ones through it and am more-than-confident with it.
Long story short. I pulled it out of My Sam Andrews, suede-lined, cross-draw holster and fired one round over the sow's head, above her ears. and she hits the brakes, although did not run off. I backed outta' that clearing and all 3 of us went one about our usual business..."but"...one of us had to stop-n-pee shortly after!
Stay Sharp...& "PRACTICE",
Capt. Chris
PS: This handgun will be the last one preyed...if you know what I mean...CCS