For bear? Sounds like we need BradMT's feed back for this one. I will say this though. I was brought up with guns and even now My dad keeps a shotgun with bear slugs loaded at his place just for bear. A rifle is better. But the best is accurate shot placement for stopping power. So, whatever you take with you, you should be practice with it. And if you don't mind the kick, get a Marlin .45 lever action. There is no point in having to put your weapon together if you need it in a hurry.

Ps. I use bear mace myself. My dad takes his Glock, but he practices with the thing usually once a week.