Everything I have read would suggest that bear pepper-spray - "Counter Assault?"- is the best choice for defense against bears. It would be very difficult for all but the coolest-headed expert to hit a charging bear in a vital area, enough to stop it. A grown bear's brain is maybe the size of a grapefruit - how many folks could hit a target that small while it is charging you with a BAD attitude?!? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> A 12 gauge shotgun loaded with alternating slugs and buckshot would be the firearm of choice for such a close encounter. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />