First and foremost, thank you all for the comments and information.
I didn’t lay out why I said autoloader, but basically, I want more than 6 shots. If I ever need to use this tool for my stated situation, It’ll be a moving target. I’d like more opportunities to hit my target than 6. Even if I’m 100%, I suspect I can get 6 off faster in an auto than I can in a DA revolver. Yes, the revolvers offer the potential of a longer BBL length, but that comes at a heavy price; weight, and round count. If I was hunting with a handgun, totally different story.
Corpral Agarn: When it comes to bear spray, at this time, I’m not inclined to try spray, and then if it doesn’t work, while the critter is chewing on my arm, try to reach for a firearm. As my opening post clearly states, I’ll do everything I can to avoid, but if that fails, I’m currently not a believer in gradually increasing force on something that is powerful, mean and moves that fast.
Jmr40: your comment about bbl length is spot on, thank you! I was having a hard time finding the way to describe that concept. Hence the rifle suggestions made by others, and I FULLY understand a rifle would be ideal, but I also have limits I’m willing to work within.
That article that JTQ linked was interesting to read.
Tirod: While your suggestion of a .458 SOCOM out of an AR isn’t within my parameters for this post, I hadn’t thought of it yet. Thank you. I kinda like that idea for return fishing trips to AK. 16” of bbl length, gives for a fair amount of pressure build, to generate some better energy numbers. Worth a careful look!
FWIW: the tiny littl lady game warden up there last time, had a .454 casaul strapped to her hip. I thought she might tip over.
WYO: like you said in your post, for general woods bumming, you’re a generalist. I’m not trying to enter into a place with known bears either mad, feeding or with young, I don’t have a death wish. The point of my selection is something I can strap to my thigh on a leg rig (with my size, I won’t even feel the weight there) and IF we get surprised, I have a decent tool, that won’t interfere with the activity at hand (simply hiking with family, or backup for a bow-hunt)
Malamute: Yes, I agree with you. No matter what platform and ammo I select, I will be sure to run plenty of ammo through it, to make sure it can handle the load. Testing is for the range, when carrying for defense (that’s EXACTLY what this would be classified as) I’m not a believer in something that hasn’t been vetted.
Thompsoncustom: yes, I understand, and agree with your point. Hense my choice of an autoloader. A G20 carries 16 rounds of 10mm. Even with a 30% hit % (moving target, adrenaline, panic), 33% of 16 is 5, 33% of 6 is only 2. I’ll take 5 over 2 any day.
One detail that I keep thinking about when reading the replies, is the difference between actively hunting said critters, vs. defending yourself when doing a different activity. When hunting, you’re on the offensive. You put yourself in a position to have time, patience, and a good shot. In those situations, I’ve always been taught to use as few shots as possible. When in a defensive situation, you use as many as you need, or perhaps all of them. If I have to defend myself against a bear, I may have to stand in front of a judge to explain my actions, but weather I shot it 2 times, or 16, I have serious doubts that detail will sway the judge’s opinion.
At this point, I think I’ll move forward with that Glock 20. I’ll be switching to a G19 for CC, so the format training will transfer nicely.
I wonder if I can put a G40 BBL in a G20 for that extra performance?
Thanks again for all the suggestions and ideas!
PE