.40 S&W

Question
I recently purchased a .40 cal pistol. I plan to carry it on back packing trips where black bear are common. The pistol is a Taurus millenium which easily packs with my gear. Will it be effective on black bear if needed? There have been four attacks in our region two resulting in death for the victim.

Answer
Hi Stephen,

Being an old bear chaser myself, I can tell you one thing for sure about bears... nothing is for sure !

However, in an honest attempt to answer your question (which is a valid/good one) the .40 S&W has the potential to dispatch a Black Bear. However, at the risk of stating the obvious... Where you hit the bear, what velocity/construction bullet is being used, and at what distance/s? If you do not or are not able to hit the bear in a vital area, it won't much matter what you shoot it with.

At "normal" encounter distances (10 - 20) yards, the .40 with a well constructed bullet properly placed should ruin Mr. Blackie's day. I will state in closing that there are other handgun calibers/loads that I would much prefer to have in an encounter BUT you have what you have and its better than throwing rocks.

If you would like any additional information concerning this topic, just let me know.

Be safe and thanks for the question.
Sid Lark