In the world of outdoor survival, few fears match that of a bear attack. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or just enjoying a remote part of the wilderness, having a handgun that can reliably stop a bear could mean the difference between life and death. But which handgun actually works in a real-life bear encounter? The answer isn’t just in theory – it’s in the real stories of people who’ve had to use them. Let’s walk through the calibers and the outcomes to find the best bear-defense handgun for your next trip into the wild.
Yes, Even the .22 LR Has Stopped Bears
Believe it or not, there are at least seven known cases of a .22 caliber pistol being used in bear encounters. Six were successful, but all of those involved black bears – the smallest and least aggressive of the North American species. In one extreme case, a person used two full magazines of .22 LR to drive off a bear, likely using a Ruger Mark II or similar pistol. The one known failure? A polar bear. That’s not exactly a surprise, but it does serve as a harsh reminder: .22s may work, but only against small bears – and only if you’ve got time and ammo.
.380 ACP: A Surprising Performer
The .380 is often dismissed as too underpowered for serious threats, but there’s at least one case where it saved a man’s life. In Tennessee in 2006, a fire department chief used his .380 to put two rounds into a 350-pound black bear that had already mauled someone else. The bear retreated. While it might not be ideal, this compact caliber proved its worth – especially if it’s the gun you’re carrying when you need it most.
9mm: Light Recoil, Serious Defense
Now this one turns heads. There are at least seven documented cases of 9mm handguns stopping bear attacks – and three of those were against grizzlies. From Glocks to compact carry pistols, 9mm has a proven track record that surprised even seasoned shooters. The key here is shot placement, quick follow-ups, and reliability. If you’re carrying a 9mm already, you’re not as underprepared as some might think.
9mm Makarov: The Soviet Underdog
A bit more obscure, the 9mm Makarov has also shown up in bear-defense cases. In one situation, a Russian police officer fended off a brown bear using a Makarov pistol, firing eight or nine rounds until the bear retreated. While not common in the U.S., this caliber shares ballistics similar to .380 ACP, further reinforcing that even small rounds can be enough – sometimes.
.38 Special: Reliable, But Borderline
There are three reported bear encounters involving .38 Special revolvers, and two ended in success. The third, however, is a cautionary tale. A hiker stumbled upon a mother bear with cubs, and after firing all five rounds from a snub-nose revolver while retreating up a tree, the bear eventually left – but only after coming dangerously close. While convenient and lightweight, the .38 is pushing its limits in a bear defense scenario.
.357 Magnum: Power With Proven Results
Moving into serious territory, the .357 Magnum boasts at least eight known uses in bear defense, with seven successes. It’s a favorite among revolver carriers for a reason: it offers more stopping power than the .38 and is widely available in durable, field-ready platforms. The one failure? A grizzly ambushed a hiker who may not have had time to react. This highlights a recurring theme – awareness is just as important as firepower.
.40 S&W: Law Enforcement’s Former Favorite
The .40 caliber round was involved in four successful bear encounters – all against black bears. These were all police-related incidents, most likely involving Glock 22s, which were widely issued to departments before many transitioned to 9mm. While not a popular choice for backwoods adventures today, these real-world successes suggest that .40 still holds its ground in the right hands.
10mm Auto: A Modern Bear-Defense Favorite
Only three cases made the list, but 10mm is quickly becoming the go-to round for hikers in bear country. With more punch than .40 and less weight than a full-size revolver, 10mm balances recoil, capacity, and terminal performance. It has proven effective against both black and grizzly bears, making it one of the best semi-auto options out there – if you can handle the recoil.
.41 Magnum: The Rare But Capable Middle Ground
Four cases involving the .41 Magnum ended in four successes. Though not as popular as its bigger or smaller cousins, the .41 offers a balance between manageable recoil and significant stopping power. It’s just not commonly found in stores or holsters these days, which might explain its low usage.
.44 Magnum: The King of Bear Defense
With 30 documented successes and zero known failures, the .44 Magnum remains the undisputed champion of bear-defense handguns. Nearly half of those cases involved grizzlies. Whether in a 6-inch or 8-inch barrel, this caliber brings serious force to the fight. If you’re okay with carrying the extra weight and dealing with the recoil, it’s arguably the best overall choice.
.45 ACP and .45 Super: Big Bores With a Track Record
There were nine successful defenses using .45 ACP and one with the hotter .45 Super variant. That makes ten wins for the classic 1911 crowd. These guns are a bit heavier and limited in capacity compared to some 9mm pistols, but they make up for it in raw lead mass. They’re not as ideal as 10mm or magnum revolvers, but they get the job done – especially against black bears.
The Big Three: .454 Casull, .460 S&W, and .500 S&W
When you absolutely, positively want to end a bear encounter – these are the hammers. All recorded uses of these massive revolvers ended in success. But carrying one is a commitment. These guns are heavy, slow to deploy, and painful to shoot. If you’re willing to deal with the downsides, they offer unparalleled firepower. Just make sure you practice – and wear a good belt.
What Really Matters: Awareness and Practice
Despite the wide range of calibers and success stories, one thing is clear: the gun you have on you is only part of the equation. Several failures occurred because the shooter was caught by surprise. In some cases, they didn’t get off a single accurate shot. Awareness of your surroundings and having your firearm accessible can be just as important as what caliber you’re carrying.
Pick the Gun You’ll Actually Carry
A 500 S&W may be the ultimate bear killer, but not if it’s locked in your backpack when you need it. Likewise, a .22 LR might not be ideal, but if it’s on your hip and you’ve trained with it, it could save your life. The best bear-defense handgun is the one that balances power, weight, and your personal skill level.
The data shows that handguns across a surprising range of calibers have stopped bears – sometimes by killing them, sometimes just by scaring them off. That doesn’t mean you should go out with a rimfire and a prayer, but it does mean you’ve got more options than you might think. Train hard, carry smart, and stay alert.
Mark grew up in the heart of Texas, where tornadoes and extreme weather were a part of life. His early experiences sparked a fascination with emergency preparedness and homesteading. A father of three, Mark is dedicated to teaching families how to be self-sufficient, with a focus on food storage, DIY projects, and energy independence. His writing empowers everyday people to take small steps toward greater self-reliance without feeling overwhelmed.