Bears are more common in some areas of the country than in others.
If you spend time in one of these regions, it is best to know how to defend yourself.
Carrying a handgun is one of the best ways to defend against dangerous wild animals like bears.
Depending on where you live, you may also have to worry about defending yourself against larger predators that could attack and eat you.
Fortunately, most bears will avoid contact with humans if they can.
However, that does not mean that the occasional bear attack is impossible.
Faced with danger from an aggressive bear, not all handguns are equal.
Bears are powerful animals with thick fur and muscles, which means you need a caliber that will have enough power to penetrate their hide while being large enough to cause damage.
Even with the right caliber weapon, it can still take several rounds to take down or deter a charging bear.
Below are the 9 Best Handguns for Bear Defense For 2023.
Table of Contents
#1. Colt King Cobra Carry .357 Magnum 2” Revolver
- Caliber: .357 Magnum
- Type: Revolver
- Barrel Length: 2”
- Overall Length: 7”
- Weight: 26 oz
- Capacity: 6 Round
The Colt King Cobra Carry .357 Magnum 2” Revolver is an excellent weapon to defend yourself against large predators such as a bear.
Colt constructed it with a heavy-duty stainless steel frame with a reliable double action.
A benefit of this weapon is that it can fire a power round with a 6-round capacity.
Since it is a revolver, it has fewer moving parts, making it more reliable, and you can guarantee that it will fire when you need it the most.
Even though it is powerful, it comes with a compact 7” overall length, which is perfect to open or conceal carry all day long.
If you are looking for a powerful revolver that is perfect for concealed carry or bear defense, the Colt King Cobra Carry .357 Magnum 2” Revolver is a perfect choice.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#2. Glock 20 Gen4 10mm Pistol
- Caliber: 10mm Auto
- Type: Semi-Automatic Pistol
- Barrel Length: 4.6”
- Overall Length: 8.03”
- Weight: 30.71 oz
- Capacity: 15 Round
Another one of the best handguns for bear defense is none other then the Glock 20.
The Glock 20 Gen4 10mm Pistol is an excellent option for people who want a large capacity while still having enough power to take down a bear.
When it comes to semi-automatic polymer pistols, Glock is one of your best options since it has a history of reliability and performance.
With a 15-round capacity, you have enough ammo to take down any target.
It comes with an interchangeable grip that can accommodate any hand size to enhance control and comfort.
It is also perfect for left or right-handed shooters with a reversible magazine catch.
If you want a high-capacity handgun with plenty of power to take down a bear, the Glock 20 Gen4 10mm Pistol is an excellent choice.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#3. Taurus Tracker 627 Medium 4” .357 Mag/.38 SPL +P Revolver
- Caliber: 357 Magnum/38 Special +P
- Type: Revolver
- Barrel Length: 4”
- Overall Length: 8.75”
- Weight: 35 oz
- Capacity: 7 Round
Taurus’ Tracker 627 Medium 4” .357 Mag/.38 SPL +P Revolver is a powerful firearm with all the features you need to take down any target, including bears.
It features a 4” stainless steel factory-tuned ported barrel with a gas expansion chamber to reduce recoil and enhance control to quickly engage your target with follow-on shots.
With a medium-sized stainless steel frame, it is built to take on any environment.
The revolver design provides enhanced reliability, and the single/double action provides consistent shots down range.
It also features a fixed front sight and an adjustable rear sight to get precision aim.
The rubberized grip is perfect for having a firm grip in any weather condition.
If you are looking for a reliable revolver at an excellent price point, the Taurus Tracker 627 Medium 4” .357 Mag/.38 SPL +P Revolver is your go-to revolver.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#4. S&W M&P 2.0 TS 4.6” Optics Ready 10mm Pistol
- Caliber: 10mm Auto
- Type: Semi-Automatic Pistol
- Barrel Length: 4.6”
- Overall Length: 7.9”
- Weight: 29.3 oz
- Capacity: 15 Round
The S&W M&P 2.0 TS 4.6” Optics Ready 10mm Pistol is the perfect bear defense pistol for those who want premium features without paying a premium price.
It has all the features of a custom handgun in a factory package.
For enhanced control and performance, it features an M2.0 crisp flat trigger, an 18-degree ergonomic grip, and four interchangeable palmswell grip inserts to fit any hand size.
It features a 4.6” barrel with a 1:10 twist ratio and a low bore axis to reduce muzzle rise and mitigate recoil.
Another excellent feature is the optics-ready slide with serrations for a better grip.
It also features a 15-round capacity and comes with two magazines to ensure you have enough ammo for any situation.
If you are looking for a 10mm handgun that is optics-ready and comes with several high-performance features, the S&W M&P 2.0 TS 4.6” Optics Ready 10mm Pistol is a top choice.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#5. Glock 29 Gen 4 10mm Pistol
- Caliber: 10mm Auto
- Type: Semi-Automatic Pistol
- Barrel Length: 3.77”
- Overall Length: 6.97”
- Weight: 26.83 oz
- Capacity: 10 Round
The Glock 29 Gen 4 10mm Pistol has a 3.77” barrel with a 6.97” overall length, making it perfect for an all-day carry.
It also comes with a 10-round capacity and comes with three magazines.
The Glock 29 is an excellent option for those who want a scaled-down version of the Glock 20 with reduced dimensions, and it comes with an aggressive grip pattern for enhanced controls.
It also comes with an attachment rail to add a flashlight or laser.
If you are looking for one of the best handguns for bear defense, the Glock 29 Gen 4 10mm Pistol is an excellent choice.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#6. Kimber K6S DASA 3″ .357 Magnum Revolver
- Caliber: .357 Magnum
- Type: Revolver
- Barrel Length: 3”
- Overall Length: 7.62”
- Weight: 25.1 oz
- Capacity: 6 Round
The Kimber K6S DASA 3” .357 Magnum Revolver is a powerful revolver that can take down any target.
Kimber took their already excellent revolver line and added the K6S system, providing the shooter with a double and single-action trigger mechanism.
With its 3” barrel, the K6S will provide a better sight radius than many other compact revolvers, providing you with enhanced accuracy.
The six-round capacity is perfect for taking down a bear.
It is also a beautiful revolver with a brilliantly brushed stainless finish and a walnut grip.
If you want a beautiful revolver that is reliable and can get the job done, the Kimber K6S DASA 3” .357 Magnum Revolver is an excellent choice.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#7. SIG P320 XTEN 5” Optics Ready 10mm Pistol
- Caliber: 10mm Auto
- Type: Semi-Automatic Pistol
- Barrel Length: 5”
- Overall Length: 8.5”
- Weight: 33 oz
- Capacity: 15 Round
The SIG P320 XTEN 5” Optics Ready 10mm Pistol is a beast of a 10mm that has a fifteen-round capacity and comes with two steel magazines.
It has an optics-ready slide and XRAY 3 day/night sights that are perfect for any lighting condition.
With a 5” bull carbon steel barrel and an XSeries polymer grip, it has consistent control and accuracy.
It comes with a Flat XSeries trigger with a 90-degree break for improved finger placement and trigger control.
To customize your loadout, it also comes with a rail on the bottom to add a flashlight or laser.
The XTEN model of the SIG P320 is an excellent choice for any shooter that wants a solid performing 10mm that they can count on.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#8. Ruger GP100 Standard .357 Magnum Revolver 3″ 7rd
- Caliber: .357 Magnum
- Type: Revolver
- Barrel Length: 3”
- Overall Length: 8.5”
- Weight: 36 oz
- Capacity: 7 Round
Ruger GP100 Standard .357 Magnum Revolver 3” 7rd Ruger’s GP100 Standard .357 Magnum Revolver is the perfect choice for those who want a powerful handgun that is easy to use.
The GP100 has a cushioned rubber with a hardwood insert grip that ensures a comfortable hold, and it comes with Tritium front and LoMount Novak rear sights for easy aiming.
The stainless steel frame ensures durability, and the seven-round capacity ensures you will have plenty of ammo.
The single/double action makes it easy to use, and it’s easy to disassemble for cleaning.
Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or just getting started, the Ruger GP100 Standard .357 Magnum Revolver is a great handgun for bear defense.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#9. Rock Island Rock Ultra HC 16rd 10mm Pistol
- Caliber: 10mm Auto
- Type: Semi-Automatic Pistol
- Barrel Length: 5”
- Overall Length: 8.75”
- Weight: 2.9 lbs
- Capacity: 16 Round
If you are looking for a tough, no-nonsense handgun that’ll stand up to whatever you throw its way, then the Rock Island Rock Ultra HC 16rd 10mm Pistol is just what you need.
This legendary 1911 platform packs a serious punch, with a sixteen-round capacity and single action that is perfect for quick and accurate shots.
The fiber optic front and LPA MPS1-Type Adjustable Rear sights make it easy to aim and keep your target in sight, while the steel frame and ambidextrous safety provide a solid foundation.
And with battle-ready G10 tactical grips, you can be sure that this gun will perform under pressure.
Whether you are hitting the range for some target practice or heading out into the field to take down some game, the Rock Island Rock Ultra HC 16rd 10mm Pistol is the perfect companion for bear defense.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
Bear Defense Tips
If you have a firearm, ensure it is in good working order and that there is enough ammunition.
Make sure your holster is secure and properly adjusted, and practice drawing from the holster so that you are comfortable with your weapon when the time comes.
Be sure to keep a clean, clear space around you at all times, especially if you are camping or hiking.
If you encounter a bear, try to stay calm and back away slowly.
If the bear does not leave, shout as loudly as possible and make yourself look big by holding up your arms and shaking your coat.
Keep an eye on the bear at all times, but avoid direct eye contact.
Do not run in an attempt to escape, this will just lead the bear to chase after you.
What Caliber Handgun Do You Need?
If you need to engage a bear, it is essential to have a firearm that can handle the task.
While nearly every ammunition has killed a bear in the past, you need the right weapon to have the best chance of surviving a bear attack.
10mm Auto vs. .357 Magnum
Having the right caliber will ensure you have the best chances in bear defense.
Because bears have thick fur and muscles, you need to have a caliber that has penetration.
You also need a round that will cause some damage.
Some of the best options are 10mm Auto and .357 Magnum for taking down a bear.
10mm Auto Semi-Automatic Pistols
The major benefit of the 10mm Auto is that the pistols can have double the capacity of a .357 magnum.
In an emergency, every shot counts, and with the 10mm Auto, you have more chances to hit your target.
This Youtube video does a great job at explaining which caliber is right for bear defense:
.357 Magnum Revolvers
Revolvers are typically more reliable than semi-automatic pistols because of having fewer moving parts.
If you pull the trigger, you can pretty much guarantee that it will fire.
.357 revolvers can have better penetration than a 10mm based on what ammunition is being used.
Verdict
The .357 Magnum and 10mm Auto have many similarities regarding ballistic performance; both are excellent handguns for bear defense.
If you want a high-capacity weapon, go with the 10mm Auto.
If you want proven reliability, go with a revolver.
It all comes down to your preference as a shooter.
References
10MM Vs. .357: What’s The Difference?
9mm Vs. 10mm: Which Handgun Should You Pick?
See Also
10 Best Concealed Carry Revolvers
He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2004 and has served over 18 years as a communications maintenance technician with three deployments to the Middle East.
He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University and a bachelor’s degree in Information System Security with a concentration in Digital Forensics from American Military University.
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