Food for thought

[Dino82520]

Being equipped for any eventuality.

https://www.ammoland.com/2025/09/homeowner-uses-ar-15-to-defend-against-black-bear-in-home/

[224KING]

Nosler makes a 64gr defense bullet I like.Appears that Hornady has a good one too.

[Grouchy]

I have always thought the threat here would be a bad guy. Almost any round would do. With the number of bears rapidly growing here, I may have to rethink that.  Manuvering a long gun in my narrow hallway would present a problem.

[Catdaddy]

A man in my state was killed by a black bear a couple of weeks ago. He was working on his tractor when a 70 -80 lb black bear attacked him. His son was nearby and chased the bear away but sadly he died in a hospital from his injuries.

[Dino82520]

I have always thought the threat here would be a bad guy. Almost any round would do. With the number of bears rapidly growing here, I may have to rethink that.  Manuvering a long gun in my narrow hallway would present a problem.

You might want to consider an IMI Tavor.

[zoniezonie]

for many years our local State and Tribal G&F carried 357 handguns and they got the job done,  they have all switched to semi-autos.  I was talking with one of the Tribal G&F when they switched over to 40 cal's and he wasn't to impressed. most of them carry longs guns of some type  AR -15's  a few AR-10's,   we do have some very large Black bears roaming around and there have been attacks with fatalities thru the years .  most of the Bear & Mtn Lion  guides I know or talk with carry 357's  sometimes larger, and their clients usually it's a rifle of some type & cartridge.  If you had to use an AR no doubt it will do the job hopefully using heavier good bullets.  if I'm out in the sticks just goofing off I carry a very hot loaded 10 mm auto with very hard cast 180's , 200,  or 220 gr.  it's not like you are hunting with it it's strictly an oh sxit gun,  out hunting it's a rifle or shotgun.