I own a .22 rifle as an american.
I would like a handgun, but consider them toys, albeit possibly very high functioning toys.
I can’t afford a $600 toy that I want.
That is ignorance of the law, Americanittis. 
I take great pride in not fearing inanimate objects.
no offense, but waiting until after you “need one” is probably going to be too late.
insert obligatory “Waiting period?!? But I’m angry now!” joke.
Rumor has it that if you were to shoot someone with that, you would just annoy them.
+1
What caliber pistol will stop a bear? The guys who recovered Timothy Treadwell’s remains took out a Grizzly with a pistol and two shotguns.
.454 Casull will do it.
Just to skew the numbers (and fuck with certain people’s heads) how would you count those of us Merkins who own multiple dozens of guns, hand and otherwise?
If you are asking me, I don’t have a problem with that.
Man, I’d much rather face a Grizzly with a shotgun and No. 3 buckshot than one of those.
No shit. When I lived in Alaska, my hiking gun was a Model 95 Marlin in .45-70. I wanted something with some stopping power, and that gun would drop a moose in its tracks, or really give a bear pause to reconsider entering my tent.
But if you’re hiking in the backcountry, would you really carry a shotgun in your hand at all times?
Mine too. 
I won’t name the next fishing boat “Titanic”, that’s for sure.
Apparently that is the best you can do with one firearm.
If I were in Grizzly territory, damn right.
They ATE Treadwell and his girlfriend. Buried the literal remains. Three rangers had to kill two bears with two shotguns and a large caliber automatic pistol.
I don’t fuck around with things like that. It might be a rabbit running through the bushes, but it is going to meet as many #3’s as I can get off.
If that’s not enough, how about the .600 Nitro Express pistol? For only $16,000+ for the gun and $40 a shot it can be yours. Bargain at twice the price, I tell you. Good luck carrying it, though. Your holster will be the size of a backpack.
Come to think of it, I’ve seen slings for 12 Gauges at WalMart.
Then why not slugs instead of pellets?
Quick look at ammo, chosen at random
12 ga. shotgun 1,400 fps-1.25 oz of pellets(600 grains)
Appx 2600 ft-lbs kinetic energy
.460 S&W 360 grain lead flat nose 1,900 fps
Appx 2900 ft-lbs kinetic energy
Seems to be about equal with carrying a pistol being easier while getting better penetration with the pistol and you should be able to fire about as fast. At bear threat range, you won’t get much spread.
Note: I don’t hike or hunt.
The shotguns took out the Treadwell bears, not the handgun.
I’m not going to screw around with a sure thing.
We hunt Black Bear, which are considerably smaller than Grizzlies. My husband and I both carry .45 ACP right now. A buddy carries a .44 and sometimes a .40. That same buddy backed me up on my last bear with my .357. They’ll all do. The larger calibers are just fun.
But like I said, I don’t want to screw around.