handgun characteristics ??? against big bears...

I'd personally carry either my .45-70 or a slugged 12 gauge.

For handguns, a Casull is definitely good bear medicine. The really hot loads come within 200 fps of the .45-70 at the same bullet weight, that's some serious firepower. The recoil takes some getting used to, and with arthritic hands, is probably not doable, unless adrenaline is factored in.

Having said all that, I would also have a bunch of bear spray...
 
The dog is definitely a good idea. A pit bull would be one of the best in this situation. This dog is breed to fight animals and not harm humans. It is also breed with the will to please (or save if need be) its owner ingrained in its mind. I have experence with many pure breed pit bulls and they will fight to the death to protect their owners. A pit bull will not generally back down to a bear (or anything) if its owner is standing behind it. These dogs are purpose built to serve their owner, definitely the ultimate work dog. If you haven’t owned one you should. Remember all dogs require training. Any typos here or should I post ballistics for the dogs too?
 
I lived in AK for almost 7 years and only saw one bear while I was there- and when he headed to my side of the river I left (of course, there were tons of them on the drive back home through Canada). Voodoo, it sounds like you don't have the wrists for a large caliber handgun, so I'd also have to suggest a 12 gauge. I know it feels out of place if you're not used to carrying it but if you're going to be out in the woods alone you really can't beat it, and it won't beat you up as bad as a .44. However, knowing where your going, the bear activity in the area, and traveling with others (read:making some noise!) should keep you out of trouble. If you're around Anchorage and sticking to the main areas there is usually enough human traffic to keep the bears away, and if you're out in the boonies alone, nothing tells the two legged predators to stay away quite like a shotgun! Really, if you are outside of the popular areas noone is going to blink an eye if you're carrying a rifle or shotgun-it's just good sense up there. As an aside, I've seen a moose calf shot between the eyes w/ a .223 and just shrug it off and walk away, so no way would I bother carrying a 9mm or .45 for a bear attack unless you plan on holding it sideways and hoping he chokes on it.

YMMV
Walter
 
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