I have a Marlin Guide Gun in 45/70 as well, I used to carry a Ruger 44 as an always-on me gun but I'm going to try out a 10mm in the same platform that I have carried for the past 26 years. I figure if I have to use a handgun it's because things have gone terribly wrong and I may as well use what I'm familiar with. I'm using some hot underwood ammo for both. I have some Brenneke Black Magic slugs for 12 gauge as well but that will be an alternative to the others.

I haven't had many issues with Grizzlies. I tend to leave them alone and watch them from a reasonable distance. Except for a few cases where we just happened to be close but both of us knew the other was there and uninterested in the other. I picked up some bear spray as well. I figured it couldn't hurt. It's nice to have options. Especially since I plan on spending a whole lot of time fishing and bow hunting in that area.