Its your call as to what you feel comfortable with in the line of protection. If me, it would be a lever gun w/ 16"- 20" barrel shooting 45-70 (a lot of great defensive ammo to choose from); or 45-70/457 Mag lever from WWG. You may be fast with a bolt gun, but you will never outpace a lever gun at close range in a moments notice against a large bruin. Inside of 50 yards the 45-70 loaded correctly with today's excellent bullets (Barnes Buster) is a bone crushing instrument with incredible penetration. If you consider carrying a revolver, the 480 Ruger loaded with 410 HC at 1,200 fps or 475 Linebaugh with 440 HC at 1,300 fps will get the job done giving extreme penetration along with extreme recoil (it take practice to shoot them well under stress). Only one mans opinion. Good Luck.
