All my years hunting all over the place for all kinds of stuff, I've only had to defend myself once from a bear. No handgun was involved so can't comment on that, but what I will comment on is that shrapnel is right, it happens very fast! And you can sit here saying you'd do this or you'd do that, but until it does happen to you, you have no idea how you'll react, no matter what you think you can do. It worked out in my favor my one time, but could have easily gone in the bears favor too. Just incredible how fast they are!
Best to you and your friend in your search, lots of good info here. But also remember, practice doesn't make perfect, only correct practice makes perfect...
It isn't what happens to you that defines you, it's what you DO about what happens to you that defines you!
