I want to maximize the odds of killing any bear before it can kill me without having to depend on a single shot brain hit. Multiple shot capability within a short duration of time improves my survivability. If you intend to always target the brain, then anything that can penetrate the brain is good enough.
But adopting that bear defense plan doesn't equate to maximum odds of survival. It increases the bears odds of survival IMO, given the fact there are additional options for stopping bears. Options that allow greater latitude and forgiveness on shooting skills and pinpoint bullet placement when one's life is at stake.
I think the point I was trying to make is shutting down the computer is the only guarantee for an instant stop. Failing that plan B must be a means to hammer him hard and deep.
You've obviously done quite a bit of planning/training on the subject, that's outstanding.
When I was training SWAT guys my favorite training mantra was The body can't go where the brain has never been. You've articulated enough experience with bears to understand how things may unfold, what you'll do about it.
When we hire a guide we do quite a bit of training, includes quite a bit of fast shooting on the move, oblique angles, accurate shooting, focusing on taking advantage of your first round disrupting his plan, shooting center mass of the target you get when the sights settle.
If you do brain or spine him with the first round, keep hammering. Violence of Action. You don't want to be standing in the same spot he last saw you. We also train on what to do if the bear gets to one of the clients, we used to have an old blow up doll( long story) we would put under the bear barrel, as if the bear was on top of some one, how would you approach and shoot without hitting the victim, maybe the first shot straight down through the pelvis, something to think about. I also set up a no win kind of scenario, they approach to shoot the bear through the ears but the dolls arm is in the way on the other side, might get hit. She can live w/o her arm. She won't if you don't kill the bear.
Obviously there is no way to dream up every possible scenario but planning on how you'll carry your weapons is easy, but takes some thought. I carry my pistol off center on my chest, get to it with either hand. Bear spray on my belt, our rifles and shotguns slung across our chests. The sling we use can be pulled tight keeping the weapon out of the way, yet tugging the weapon into position releases the sling so you can move freely. The rifle or shotgun never gets left behind, period.
Back to the question slugs or rifle bullets, which one will you be able to use more instinctively, one handed perhaps. Pretty easy to run an 870 one handed. Something to think about.
Playing dead, I keep reading about that technique. There is certainly anecdotal evidence it has worked. Also a bunch of people who were victims and we have no way of knowing if they played dead or not. I've had plenty of time to think about that scenario, as long as I have weapons I choose violence of action.
