Bear Spray vs. Bear Gun: What’s More Effective for Bear Defense?

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, guns are something people tend to be passionate about. Whatever your feelings on the topic in general, using one to defend yourself against bears is its own special consideration! Bear defense guns have a specific purpose, one that everyone hopes they’ll never need. 

In this article, we’ll look at what you’d need in a gun to stop an aggressive bear. We’ll discuss how effective they are according to peer-reviewed studies, and whether the law says it’s okay to use them. Finally, we’ll talk about options… because why not explore all of them, right?

Any gun used against a bear could rightly be called a “bear defense gun.” And whichever one you happen to have handy when a grizzly is in a serious charge should be what you use to defend yourself. 

But when people look for something to carry specifically for the purpose of preventing bodily contact during a human-bear conflict, they’re usually looking for 3 things.

Let’s break down where these key ingredients take us.

Portability: Long Gun or Handgun?

Unless you’re out hunting and intend to have it in your hands most of the time, carrying a long gun probably isn’t the best option. Slinging a rifle across your back for a long hike may be comfortable enough, but it’s not exactly easy access. Having it on your shoulder may make it easy to deploy, but it’s not exactly comfortable for long periods of time. 

That leads most to choose a handgun over a long one for bear protection. 

But there are dozens of options to sort through when looking for a handgun. Some are highly packable while others are likely to get left behind… because seriously, who wants to lug an extra 4+ pounds around on their hip?

You’ll also have to shop for a holster for safe carry options. Where you want to carry – whether on the hip, in a shoulder holster, or in the small of your back – will depend largely on what other gear you’ll have to carry and what’s most comfortable for you.

Dependability: Revolvers vs. Pistols

Dependability is a word that means more than “it shoots when I want it to.” You want that, obviously, but plenty of handguns on the market would tick this box. You’ll have to dig a little deeper to decide what you need.

| Here is a well-written article by Daniel Reedy providing a rundown between the two.

Pistols are better at taking abuse (dirt/rain/impact), while revolvers are better at taking neglect. There’s more room for user error with pistols, since poor grip or stance can compromise their long-term function. On the other hand, revolvers have delicate inner workings that can be compromised from a harsh fall or impact.

One of the upsides to a pistol worth mentioning is the extra chances you get. High-capacity magazines can carry 3x what a revolver does—and then some—plus you can carry one in the chamber if that’s your style. That being said, a well-placed bullet from a high-powered revolver might mean you don’t need another try.

Stopping Power: Whart Caliber Works for Bears

There’s a range of options when it comes to caliber and make of handgun you could use for bear defense. It’s important to note, however, that none of them match the power a rifle can offer.

What some may not know about caliber is that the make of the gun also impacts stopping power. Muzzle length makes a difference on accuracy, velocity, and recoil, which is why bigger guns have better stopping power. Even the massive Smith&Wesson 460 XVR can’t compare to your common 30-06 hunting rifle in terms of speed or power. 

Any of these, used proficiently, has the potential to stop a bear attack. The key, of course, is the proficient part of the equation. A wounded bear is a dangerous bear, so making sure your shot hits home is going to be really important in case of a conflict.

In a 2012 study published in the Journal of Wildlife Management, handguns were 84% successful, with “success” defined as stopping a bear’s aggressive behavior. That sounds pretty good, 

The study concluded that variables with the gun itself – type, number of shots fired, etc. – didn’t significantly impact outcomes. Instead, factors like food attractants (e.g., fish or meat) and bear behavior were better predictors of safety or injury.

Let’s say you are proficient. Can you legally carry one?

Sometimes, yes—but discharging it is another matter entirely.

For example:

In short: check the laws for each state, park, and wilderness area. Carrying a bear gun might be legal, but using it could land you in legal trouble.

So, which should you carry: bear spray or a bear gun?

Statistics support the idea that bear spray is more effective at preventing injury and stopping aggressive bear behavior.

A 2010 study in Alaska found bear spray to be:

By contrast, gun users were more likely to be injured—even when they stopped the bear.

Some people choose to carry both, especially if they’re confident firearm users. But for most hikers, backpackers, and thru-hikers, bear spray is the more reliable and user-friendly option.

Whether you choose to carry a bear defense gun, spray, or both, the most important thing is to make sure it’s easily accessible at all times.

A potential downside of carrying bear defense guns is a false sense of security. Just because you have a weapon doesn’t mean you can get careless in bear country.

Ultimately, the best defense is a mix of awareness, good habits, and reliable gear.