[andy]

and doesn't even REMOTELY approach the momentum, frontal area or energy of a 2 3/4" 20 ga slug. Since NOBODY considers EITHER the 30 Carbine nor the 20 ga a viable stopper of bear charges, the .44 revolver isn't, either. At least the 20 ga auto and 30 C offer FAST repeat tries at the brain, with a LOT more likelihood of success than anyone can claim for a .44 Revolver. The 20 ga also offers utility with buckshot and birdshot. The .44 offers basically nothing of any real value.

 

[Hard Ball]

People in Alaska own very large numbers of .44 Magnums. Why? To shoot charging bears. Very large bears. I think I will follow their example.

 

[TODD 3465]

IIRC, one of the largest bears that charged somone was downed by a fellow using a .44mag.

 

[Hard Rock]

I've shot deer at 150 yards with my .44 6.5 inch barreled revolver... I'd say it's plenty strong enough for bear. Not to mention I've shot bear with it too.

Mike

 

[Magnum88C]

There's more to stopping power than FPe, and he just doesn't understand that.
The heavy .44 magnum rounds penetrate better than 20 ga slugs. For their good penetration, the 12-ga Brenneke slugs are also popular. However, neither the 20 ga, nor (with a few exceptions, which kill the ballistics) the .30 carbine are handgun rounds. Apples to bacon bits. People in Alaska own a lot of .44 magnums, and almost as many .454s, the .475 and .500 Linebaugh are also fairly popular, I'm sure with the .500 S&W coming in 4" trim, it'll probably be becoming more popular.

For long guns, the aforementioned 12 ga is fairly popular. But you know what really gets it? That's right, the .45-70. VERY popular, and pilots love the Wild West Guns co-pilot breakdown leverguns.

 

[Garand]

Melvin really must hate the .30 Carbine

 

[Dorobuta]

Melvin really must hate the .30 Carbine

And he is wrong, again, about pistols stopping bears...