A LOT of good advice here from people that have “done it”……I haven’t ever faced a charging bear intent on having me for lunch (they would be sorely disappointed) but have carried for years a S&W 696 in .44 Special loaded with 265 grain hardcast bullets at about 900 fps. I wouldn’t have felt better carrying anything else (FWIW). Did have to defuse a 4-500 pound black bear and hunting dog confrontation at my house one time and that is the gun I had available - it worked that time with a shot into a stump beside the bear but he never did run away just turned and slowly walked off (he likely didn’t back down often given his size)…….I was very glad to have had this firearm available!
Good luck making a decision but take heed to the advice given and get you make sure your friend is VERY comfortable with the firearm!
