Have bear hunted POW, now elk/deer hunt in griz country, and a lot of training indicates the EFFECTIVE transition from long gun to handgun is sketchy under pressure.
Have to agree with MOST of the posts here. If you don't kill it with the long gun, chances are it will be eating you before you can do anything other than die.
HOWEVER...I do know a young man that saved his own bacon last spring while shed hunting up East Fork. Had a .(borrowed) 357 mag, was attacked in creek bottom by sow griz, she was happily chewing away when he managed to put a couple 357 mag rounds into her, one of which took took her out. I know the young man that was with him, the G&F Officer that was first on scene, and saw the photos of his extensive injuries. He is one lucky guy.
So, take from that what you will. I always consider the handgun a last resort, just like that young man.
