Pistol vs. Bear Spray: The Ultimate Guide to Bear Protection in Colorado’s Backcountry

Hey there, fellow adventurers! Your pals from Dank Bulls are back. They are ready to swap stories. They want to share some hard-earned wisdom from the wilds of Colorado. If you’ve been keeping up with our escapades, you know we openly embrace our mistakes. We’ve made plenty of mistakes to learn from.

Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s sparked more heated debates around our campfire than whether pineapple belongs on pizza. How can you best protect yourself against black bears in Colorado’s backcountry? Specifically, we’re tackling the great pistol vs. bear spray debate.

Now, before you roll your eyes and think, “Not this argument again,” hear us out. We have hiked for countless hours through high winds at elk-hunting elevations. We also encountered bears that were a bit too close for comfort. We’ve come to a conclusion that’s a bit against the grain. In these specific conditions, it might be better to carry a pistol. It should be loaded with high-powered specialized ammo—like the Woodsman 9mm +P—than bear spray.

Let’s explore why we think so, and we’ll give you a fair look at both sides of the discussion.

High Winds and Close Quarters

First off, let’s set the scene. Up in Colorado’s high country, the terrain is rugged, the air is thin, and the winds can be downright ferocious. One minute it’s calm and serene; the next, you’re chasing your hat down a ravine.

These high winds aren’t just a nuisance—they significantly impact the effectiveness of certain bear deterrents. Visibility can be limited in the dense forests. It can also be restricted over rolling hills. This means you might not spot a bear until it’s pretty darn close.

In these environments, encounters can happen quickly and at short range. Seconds count, and your choice of protection needs to work reliably under these conditions.

Bear Spray: A Windy Dilemma

Bear spray has long been touted as the go-to for deterring aggressive bears. It’s non-lethal, easy to use, and generally effective. But up here, the wind can turn this trusty tool into a liability.

The effective range of bear spray is about 15 to 20 feet. When a bear can cover that distance in a couple of seconds, your window for action is incredibly tight. Unpredictable gusts of wind might prevent that spray from reaching its intended target. Worse, it could blow back into your own face. Trust me, you don’t want to be blinded. You also don’t want to be coughing when a curious bear is deciding if you’re friend or foe.

Bear spray also doesn’t allow for warning shots. Sometimes, making a loud noise is enough to deter a bear from approaching. With bear spray, you either deploy it or you don’t. There’s no in-between.

Pistols and the Woodsman 9mm +P

Now, let’s talk about pistols—specifically carrying one loaded with Woodsman 9mm +P ammunition. Carrying a firearm isn’t about looking for trouble; it’s about being prepared for the unexpected.

The 9mm +P rounds are higher pressure, giving them greater velocity and stopping power. In a situation where a bear is charging, those extra foot-pounds of energy can make a significant difference.

A pistol offers several advantages:

• Range and Precision: You can engage a threat from a greater distance than with bear spray. In a tense situation, having those extra few yards can be vital.
• Wind Resistance: Bullets aren’t affected by wind in the same way as spray. Your deterrent remains effective, even when the weather isn’t cooperating.
• Warning Shots: You have the option to fire a warning shot. Many bears are cautious and will retreat at the sound of a gunshot. This non-lethal tactic isn’t available with bear spray.
• Capacity and Portability: A 9mm pistol is generally lighter and easier to carry than larger caliber revolvers. When you’re already hauling hunting gear, every ounce counts. Plus, higher-capacity magazines mean more chances to stop a threat if it comes to that.

Our Trusted Sidearms

My Ruger Security-9

Let me tell you about my trusty Ruger Security-9. It’s compact, reliable, and packs a punch with the Woodsman 9mm +P ammo. With its 15-round magazine, I have confidence knowing I have multiple opportunities to deter or stop a threat. The ergonomics make it comfortable to carry all day, whether I’m climbing steep ridges or navigating thick brush.

Dank Bulls member’s Glock 43X

Bull, on the other hand, one of the Dank Bulls swears by his Glock 43X. It’s a tried-and-true sidearm that’s known for its reliability in all conditions—a critical factor in the unpredictable weather of the high country. Loaded with the same Woodsman 9mm +P rounds, it offers him peace of mind as we trek through bear territory.

But Let’s Be Fair…

Now, we’re not saying pistols are the perfect solution for everyone. There are valid arguments on both sides, and it’s important to consider them.

Advantages of Bear Spray:

• Ease of Use: Bear spray doesn’t require the same level of training as a firearm. Point and spray—pretty straightforward.
• Effectiveness: Statistics show bear spray is highly effective in deterring bears, with success rates often cited over 90%.
• Non-Lethal: For those concerned about preserving wildlife and avoiding lethal encounters, bear spray offers a way to deter without causing permanent harm.

Challenges with Pistols:

• Training Required: Effectively using a pistol under duress requires practice. Accuracy can suffer when adrenaline is pumping.
• Legal Considerations: Discharging a firearm comes with legal responsibilities. If a bear is wounded or killed, there may be reporting requirements and investigations.
• Risk of Escalation: Wounding a bear without stopping it could make the animal more aggressive.

More Facts and Reasoning

Let’s delve deeper into the data and practical considerations.

Effectiveness in Windy Conditions:

• Bear Spray: Studies supporting bear spray’s effectiveness often don’t account for high-wind environments. In our experience, the wind at higher elevations can significantly reduce the spray’s reach and accuracy.
• Pistols: While wind can affect bullet trajectory at extreme distances, at the short ranges of a bear encounter (usually under 25 yards), wind has a negligible effect.

Warning Shots as a Deterrent:

Bears have sensitive hearing, and a loud, unexpected noise like a gunshot can be an effective deterrent. This option isn’t available with bear spray. A warning shot into the ground or air can sometimes resolve a situation without further incident.

Range and Reaction Time:

• Bear Spray: Limited to its effective range, giving you less time to react if a bear charges from beyond that distance.
• Pistols: Effective at greater distances, extending your reaction window. Even if a bear is 30 or 40 yards away, you have options.

Environmental Impact:

• Bear Spray: Generally considered environmentally friendly and doesn’t harm the bear long-term.
• Firearms: The possibility of lethal outcomes raises ethical considerations. Most of us would prefer not to harm wildlife unless absolutely necessary.

Our Personal Experiences

We’ve had encounters where the wind was so strong. We could barely hear each other talking. Relying on bear spray to reach its target was impossible. In one instance, a bear appeared about 40 yards away, and the wind was whipping straight toward us. Bear spray would have been useless.

With my Ruger Security-9 loaded with Woodsman 9mm +P, I was able to fire a warning shot into the ground. The bear took off, and the situation was resolved without harm to anyone.

Another time, Bull had a similar experience with his Glock 19. A bear was rummaging through some bushes uncomfortably close to our camp. A single warning shot sent it on its way.

When we relied solely on bear spray, we found ourselves in tight spots when the wind shifted suddenly. It’s moments like these that have shaped our thinking on the matter.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

It’s crucial to be aware of the laws regarding firearm use in wildlife encounters. In Colorado, you have the right to defend yourself if you feel threatened by a bear. However, there are protocols to follow.

If you discharge your firearm—especially if it results in killing a bear—you must report the incident to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. There could be investigations to ensure the action was justified.

Ethically, it’s important to use lethal force only as a last resort. Warning shots can be a way to avoid harming the animal while still protecting yourself.

Training and Responsibility

Choosing to carry a pistol means committing to proper training. Regular practice helps ensure you can handle the firearm safely and effectively under stress.

• Practice Makes Perfect: Spend time at the range with the same Woodsman 9mm +P ammo you’ll carry. Get familiar with your pistol’s handling characteristics.
• Understand Bear Behavior: Sometimes, simply standing your ground, making noise, or slowly backing away can defuse a situation without the need for any deterrent.
• Safety First: Always follow firearm safety rules. An accidental discharge can be as dangerous as any wildlife encounter.

Final Thoughts

So, where does this leave us? For our specific circumstances—hunting at high elevations with unpredictable winds and thick terrain—we’ve found that carrying a pistol with high-powered specialized ammo like the Woodsman 9mm +P offers reliability and versatility that bear spray doesn’t.

But that doesn’t make bear spray obsolete. It’s a valuable tool that’s proven effective in many situations. The best choice depends on your comfort level, training, and the specific environment you’ll be in.

The most important thing is to be prepared, stay informed, and respect the wildlife. After all, we’re visitors in their home.

Join the Conversation

We know this topic can spark some lively discussions, and we’d love to hear your thoughts. Have you had experiences that made you favor one option over the other? Do you have tips or insights that could help others make an informed choice?

Drop us a line, share your stories, and let’s keep learning together. After all, we’re all part of the same herd out here in the wild.

Stay safe out there, and may your adventures be filled with thrilling tales and safe returns. Until next time, happy hunting!

Got questions about our gear? Curious about the Ruger Security-9, the Woodsman 9mm +P ammo, or the reliable Glock 43X? Don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re always happy to chat about what works for us out in the field.