Best handgun for protection against grizzlies

[Naches Sportsman]

If all goes as planned, I'll be working and playing in the heart of grizzly country this summer. I've decided I want to pick up a handgun that will provide a decent line of defense if I get charged by one. What do you all carry out there? Looking to stay under $900 as I want to buy out of state tags with my tax return as well.

[Jonathan_S]

Ruger RedHawk chambered in 454 Casull because America. Might be a smidge over $900 but not by much.

[Jonathan_S]

A 480 Ruger would be harder to find but even stronger medicine.

[Old Dog]

A .22 is all you need.  Just shoot your buddy in the knee, and walk away at a brisk pace.   

[huntnnw]

I bought a Ruger Super RedHawk Alaska model in .44mag this year brand new for $810. I shoot HSM 305 gr Bear loads.. 2 black bears were shot with it this year blowing completely thru the bear with ease and massive holes. Buffalo bore also makes a Bear load in I think 360gr for it

[Houndhunter]

I'd go with the 10mm or 44mag, better range with the 44 but more rounds with the 10mm

[JimmyHoffa]

Rocky mountain grizzlies?  For the weight/size/punch maybe the .454 or .480 revolvers.

[huntnnw]

Id seriously consider bear spray along with a pistol. Spray can deter, if you fire on a bear chances of you dropping a bear in its tracks is low in the moment.. bear could kill you before it died from a fatal shot to the chest. That above pic is a small blackie I shot it right on the eyebrow head on at 7 yards and bullet exited the back of the neck and it didn't kill the bear.. I was shocked! and somewhat disturbed 

[bowhunterforever]

Id seriously consider bear spray along with a pistol. Spray can deter, if you fire on a bear chances of you dropping a bear in its tracks is low in the moment.. bear could kill you before it died from a fatal shot to the chest. That above pic is a small blackie I shot it right on the eyebrow head on at 7 yards and bullet exited the back of the neck and it didn't kill the bear.. I was shocked! and somewhat disturbed 

Was the bear charging you or what?

[huntnnw]

I was following it after I shot it with a arrow.. I walked up on him under a tree and he stood up and I could only see his head and neck

[bowhunterforever]

I was following it after I shot it with a arrow.. I walked up on him under a tree and he stood up and I could only see his head and neck

I bet that woke you up a little at 7 yards

[Jellymon]

I bought a Ruger Super RedHawk Alaska model in .44mag this year brand new for $810. I shoot HSM 305 gr Bear loads.. 2 black bears were shot with it this year blowing completely thru the bear with ease and massive holes. Buffalo bore also makes a Bear load in I think 360gr for it

Washington bears?

[Bean Counter]

I've never shot any bear let alone a grizzly but I've been reading intently on this topic as of late. I like how Buffalo Bore puts it: If I'm going to carry a 5+ pound gun why not just get a small lever gun that can be shoulder mounted, sight a longer radius, and much, much more muzzle velocity?  If that's impractical for the kind of work you do then I'd go with a .44mag or a .454 Casull.
https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=108

I'd pass on a 10mm simply because its a bottom feeder and go with a tried and true wheel gun. 

[headshot5]

I'd shoot the biggest pistol you can shoot accurately, and still it carry without pulling your pants down.  It won't do you a lot of good if you can't hit anything.  For me a stout loaded 44 mag is just about my limit for accuracy.  As such, I have a few 44 mags.  Currently the Smith and Wesson model 69 is my go to.  It's only a 5 shot, but is built on a 357 mag L frame so it's a lot slimmer then other 44's.  She is a sweet shooter though. 

Overall I'd recommend getting a good chest holster too.  It makes them easier to carry, and if you are more comfortable packing a large pistol all day, you'll be more likely to be packing it.           

[jasnt]

I pack a SBH in 44mag when I'm in grizz country with 305gr hard cast frn.  Plus one on the chest holster but if you are wearing a pack the chest rig can get in the way. I modified my holster and belt so it rides on my thigh and the bottom of the holster is strapped to my knee. Kind of like an ol gun slinger but it's fast to draw and stays out oh my way.