I am thinking about carrying a gun after this...

I carry when I feel the need, which is not too often. The week I took the picture on the right, I cut a wolf track. He was not alone, unlike me.

I have a variety of pistols, but I like my 44 mag Ruger Redhawk in a shoulder holster best.

I load 'em hot, 230 grainers at 1700 fps.

I've shot deer with that gun over the years (statute of limitations having run out), and I'd hate to go lighter on a bear; "bearing" in mind what Stephen said; "A pistol is what you use to fight your way to the rifle you should have had in the first place."

That's about right; even the 44 mag is a light on a bear - it should be a 30-06 or more. One look at both shells tells the story.

If you do shoot - keep shooting.