Is Bigger Always Better? The Truth About Bear Defences Handguns
When a bear is charging, your life depends entirely on the decisions you made before that moment—your training, your mindset, and most importantly, whether you chose the right handgun and can actually run it under stress.
My name is Caleb Stillians, and as a professional guide in Alaska, I’ve had more bear encounters than I can count—from curious bears to bluff charges to full-on commitments. Over the years, I’ve seen just about every “bear gun” out there: the 500 S&W Magnum, the 460, the .44 Magnum, the 10mm, and everything in between.
And the question I get asked the most?
“What’s the best handgun for stopping a bear?”
My answer is simple:
Shootability beats size. Every time.
The Problem With the Giant Revolvers
On paper, the big revolvers—like the 500 S&W and 460—look unbeatable. Massive energy. Massive bullets. Massive confidence booster.
In reality, they’re a poor choice for most people in real bear encounters.
Here’s why:
1. They’re heavy—really heavy.
A 500 S&W weighs 3½ pounds loaded.
Strap that to your chest for multiple days and see how long before you shove it in your pack.
And once it’s in your pack?
It’s not a bear gun anymore. It’s just extra weight.
2. Limited capacity kills your options.
Five rounds. Maybe six.
If you fire three warning shots, which I often do to “change a bear’s attitude,” now you’re down to two rounds in a life-or-death event.
Most bears leave after warning shots.
But that 1–2% that don’t?
They are the ones you need to be ready for.
3. Slow follow-up shots can get you killed.
These revolvers kick hard—hard enough that:
The muzzle climbs off target
Follow-up shots take too long
Most shooters miss under stress
A grizzly can hit 35 mph.
If your first shot misses—and many people miss—your chance of getting a second, accurate shot before impact is slim.
The .44 Magnum: Better, But Still Limited
The .44 Magnum is more manageable than a 500 S&W, but it still suffers from the same core problem:
Low capacity.
Five or six shots isn't much when:
You might need warning shots
You might need multiple hits
Things happen fast
I know plenty of good shooters who run a .44 well…
But most hunters, hikers, or fishermen don’t shoot enough revolver rounds to stay proficient.
Why I Choose the 10mm for Bear Defense
For me, the 10mm is the perfect blend of:
Capacity (15–16 rounds)
Shootability
Speed
Manageable recoil
Easy training
Proven performance with hard-cast ammo
I personally run a modified Glock G20, and also recommend platforms like:
Springfield Armory XD-M Elite 10mm
FN 510® Tactical
Why capacity matters so much
With a 10mm:
I can fire 3–5 warning shots without fear
I can put multiple rounds on target fast
I can control recoil under stress
I can keep shooting until the threat stops
A charging bear won’t politely wait for you to cock a revolver hammer or realign your sights after heavy recoil. You need fast, accurate, repeatable fire.
Training: The Most Overlooked Factor
One of the biggest advantages of striker-fired 10mm pistols is how easy they are to train with.
Dry fire practice
Completely safe
Free
Builds muscle memory
Lets you run your draw, presentation, and trigger press
Revolvers?
Excessive dry firing can damage the gun, and the manual of arms is slower to master.
Every hiker, hunter, angler, and backpacker who carries a handgun in bear country should commit to at least basic dry fire reps.
It might save your life.
How I Carry My Bear Pistol
Simple:
Chest carry.
A chest rig keeps your pistol:
Accessible while wearing a pack
Clear of brush and alder
Out of the way of hip belts
Visible and ready for fast deployment
When things go sideways, accessibility beats everything else.
Final Thoughts
Is bigger always better?
Absolutely not.
A bear defense handgun should be:
Lightweight enough to carry every day
Fast enough for repeatable hits
High enough capacity to give options
Paired with proper training
For me, the 10mm checks every box.
