9mm vs 10mm for Bear defense.

UpNorth89

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jan 12, 2019
Messages
175
After I killed the bear with my 10mm I backed off to 9 and 40. My shot went home and killed him instantly.....but the follow up shots on the 10 are simply slower and in the event of injury the recoil is substantial enough to possibly not allow the gun to cycle correctly.

Whatever you choose.....shoot it a lot.
This. If a bear is on me I want it to go bang when I pull the trigger and not have to worry about limp wristing a 10mm.
 

taskswap

WKR
Joined
Oct 6, 2021
Messages
530
This. If a bear is on me I want it to go bang when I pull the trigger and not have to worry about limp wristing a 10mm.
Honestly, "bears" has to be the one topic where debates over "6 shooter reliability" vs "15 in the mag" actually still have some meaning today. :D

If Mr Bear ever does come for me, you can just call me "spray and pray"...
 

Ak kid

FNG
Joined
Nov 16, 2024
Messages
1
I live, work, and play around both brown and black bears in Southeast Alaska. I've had 100s of bear contacts including being charged and having to shoot nuisance bears. (Former LEO) This is a very informative video and I have considered carrying a 10. Currently I always carry a 44 mag in bear country.
 

Elkhntr08

WKR
Joined
Nov 3, 2016
Messages
1,151
Always enjoy the “what would you carry” threads.
Ballistic gel is not flesh and bone. Bullets react differently depending on where they hit. Carry what you can shoot accurately and then work on speed. I carry a Glock 20 and practice weekly, but if I shot my 9mm or 45acp better, I’d carry that. I’d rather hit a bear 10 times with a 9mm than miss him 15 times with a 10mm.
Thankfully, I’ve never had to put it to the test.
 
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