- Handguns
- April 22, 2025
Best Handguns for Bear Protection
When venturing into bear country, having a powerful and reliable handgun can mean the difference between life and death. While long guns are often preferred for bear defense, there are situations — like hiking, fishing, or backpacking — where a handgun is more practical.
If you're looking for the best handgun for bear protection, you'll need one that delivers serious stopping power, rugged reliability, and quick accessibility.
Here are the top 5 handguns trusted by outdoorsmen, hunters, and wilderness experts for bear defense.
1. Smith & Wesson Model 629 (44 Magnum)
🔹 Caliber: .44 Magnum
🔹 Capacity: 6 rounds
🔹 Barrel Length: 4"–6.5" options
🔹 Weight: ~44 oz (depending on configuration)
🔹 Capacity: 6 rounds
🔹 Barrel Length: 4"–6.5" options
🔹 Weight: ~44 oz (depending on configuration)
Why It’s Great:
- Proven .44 Magnum stopping power for large predators
- Stainless steel construction for outdoor durability
- Comfortable grips and manageable recoil with proper training
The S&W 629 is one of the most popular revolvers for bear defense — reliable, powerful, and built to handle the elements.
2. Ruger Super Redhawk (454 Casull / .45 Colt)
🔹 Caliber: .454 Casull (also shoots .45 Colt)
🔹 Capacity: 6 rounds
🔹 Barrel Length: 5"–9.5"
🔹 Weight: ~53 oz (varies)
🔹 Capacity: 6 rounds
🔹 Barrel Length: 5"–9.5"
🔹 Weight: ~53 oz (varies)
Why It’s Great:
- Fires the ultra-powerful .454 Casull round
- Tank-like build handles high-pressure loads
- Dual caliber flexibility adds versatility
The Ruger Super Redhawk is a beast — ideal for those who want serious firepower in bear country with the ability to train using softer .45 Colt rounds.
3. Glock 20 Gen 5 (10mm Auto)
🔹 Caliber: 10mm Auto
🔹 Capacity: 15+1
🔹 Barrel Length: 4.6"
🔹 Weight: 30.5 oz (unloaded)
🔹 Capacity: 15+1
🔹 Barrel Length: 4.6"
🔹 Weight: 30.5 oz (unloaded)
Why It’s Great:
- Semi-auto platform with higher capacity
- 10mm is the minimum bear-stopping caliber accepted by many wilderness experts
- Lighter and faster follow-up shots than magnum revolvers
The Glock 20 is a go-to for those who prefer semi-autos. With the right 10mm bear loads (like hard-cast or solid copper), it’s more than capable in most bear encounters.
4. Taurus Raging Hunter (.460 S&W Magnum)
🔹 Caliber: .460 S&W Magnum
🔹 Capacity: 5 rounds
🔹 Barrel Length: 5.1"–8.37"
🔹 Weight: ~55–63 oz
🔹 Capacity: 5 rounds
🔹 Barrel Length: 5.1"–8.37"
🔹 Weight: ~55–63 oz
Why It’s Great:
- Massive stopping power — one of the most powerful handgun rounds in existence
- Sleek, vented barrel system reduces recoil
- Dual caliber capability: also shoots .454 Casull and .45 Colt
The Taurus Raging Hunter in .460 S&W is not for the faint of heart. It’s big, loud, and built to stop the biggest threats in the wild.
5. Magnum Research BFR (.45-70 Government)
🔹 Caliber: .45-70 Gov’t
🔹 Capacity: 5 rounds
🔹 Barrel Length: 5"–10" options
🔹 Weight: ~72 oz (varies)
🔹 Capacity: 5 rounds
🔹 Barrel Length: 5"–10" options
🔹 Weight: ~72 oz (varies)
Why It’s Great:
- Fires a rifle cartridge from a revolver platform
- Absolute stopping power — ideal for grizzlies or Alaskan brown bears
- Built like a tank for extreme wilderness protection
The BFR (Biggest Finest Revolver) is overkill for most, but for those venturing into deep wilderness or coastal brown bear territory, it's unmatched in brute force.
Final Thoughts
Bear protection isn’t about carrying the biggest gun — it’s about carrying a gun you can handle effectively and access quickly under stress. The right handgun for you depends on your experience, location, and bear species you're preparing for.
Whatever you carry, practice regularly, use bear-aware strategies first, and never underestimate nature.
