Can A 9 MM Stop An Angry Bear? Bear Protection 

Do you have a 9MM gun and wondering if it is good enough to stop a grizzly bear?

I usually carry my 9mm for shooting practices, but after a brown bear was killed near my neighborhood, I had to figure it out.

So, can a 9mm kill a bear? Is it powerful to take down a bear? This article covers everything about 9mm protection against bear attacks. 

Can a 9mm kill a bear? 

Yes. A 9mm can stop, kill and severely injure a bear although it’s considered a mid-power gun round by many. It has 350 to 450 ft/lbs of power that’s sufficient to penetrate through the skin, bones, as well as, destroy soft tissues. But you’re advised to go for a larger caliber to protect against large bears. 

Defense against bear with 9mm pistol calibers has a 97% success rate as confirmed by four cases that are fairly easily confirmed. All were successful. 

Next read: Why does your gun recoil when a bullet is fired?

Will a 9mm stop a grizzly bear? 

Yes. A 9mm pistol is capable of injuring a bear before it gets mad and attempts to maul you. It’s probably the best mid-power handgun cartridge that I have to get the job done. 

In my experience, I’d recommend a bigger caliber than 9mm for big bears however. 45acp. Caliber will do. It’s so powerful and accurate.

While a well-placed shot from a high-powered rifle is typically recommended for bear defense, a 9mm pistol is highly lethal under the right circumstances. 

The truth is, it really comes down to shot placement, bullet type, and targeting the vital areas such as the head, neck or spine.  

With the increase in bears and human populations, many people have reported that they killed more grizzly/brown bears with 9mm pistols in defense situations than any other gun over the past years. 

Out of four cases I know a 9mm gun was used to defend against bears. All worked. That means if you use your firearm properly, it won’t disappoint. 

So many exciting stories about killing a bear have gone viral in magazines. Like in 2016, Phil Shoemaker used a 9mm pistol to kill an attacking she-grizzly that’s about to harm his client and himself in Alaska. That’s just one thrilling story among many. 

Factors to consider when shooting a bear with a 9mm caliber

Now that a 9mm can kill a bear, there are a few factors to keep an eye on. They are:

• Bullet placement is key. Shots to a bear’s vital organs or central nervous system are most effective. The skull, neck, and chest are the best targets.
• Multiple shots are needed. A 9mm typically will not create massive tissue damage, so several accurate shots are often required to neutralize an aggressive bear, especially large species like grizzlies.
• Bullet selection matters. Choose a high-velocity expanding bullet designed for self-defense. Non-expanding bullets may penetrate the bear but not cause enough damage.
• Shot placement and multiple hits. These are especially important for black bears, as their skulls and muscular necks provide more protection. Grizzly bears have more vulnerable areas, but also require more hits due to their immense size.
• There are no guarantees. While a 9mm can kill a bear, there are many documented cases of bears surviving multiple handgun hits. The bear may still attack before succumbing to its injuries. Larger calibers are a sure bet for bear protection.

To summarize, a 9mm handgun can kill a bear, but shot placement, multiple hits, and the right ammunition are a must. Remember there’s still a chance an enraged bear may continue attacking even after being fatally wounded. 

For the best odds, choose a more powerful firearm. But in a pinch, a 9mm can do the job—if you can place your shots well.

Is power of a 9mm enough to kill a bear?

A 9mm gun packs a decent punch for its size. Its rounds travel over 1,200 feet per second (velocity), delivering around 350-450 foot-pounds of energy. The 9mm weighs about 115 to 147 grains and has a ballistic coefficient of around 0.15. Meaning it has a lot of drag. Thanks for the diameter of a 9mm bullet, which is .355 in.

For a bear, that may not seem like much. But placed accurately at close range, a 9mm should be effective. The key is using high-performance rounds, like hollow point bullets that can penetrate a bear’s thick hide and bones.

Aim for vital areas like the nose, eyes, neck, spine, heart or lungs. Multiple hits will increase damage and blood loss, improving your odds. 

Still, there are no guarantees. Some bears have survived over 10 rounds from high-powered rifles before going down.

While a 9mm can kill a bear in defense, it should never be used for hunting them. For that, large calibers like .44 Magnum or higher are recommended. For example, .44 Magnum pushes a 240-grain bullet over 1,500 feet per second—much more kinetic energy and stopping power.

But if a bear charges and your 9mm is all you have, aim carefully. Fire repeatedly as well. Your life may depend on it.

Here’s a table outlining the specifications/features of a typical 9mm gun:

Specification/Feature	Description
Caliber	9mm (also known as 9x19mm)
Action	Semi-automatic (some models may have single-shot or full-auto)
Magazine Capacity	Typically ranges from 10 to 17 rounds (may vary by model)
Barrel Length	Varies, commonly between 3 to 5 inches
Overall Length	Varies, commonly between 6 to 8 inches
Weight	Typically between 1 to 2 pounds (unloaded)
Frame Material	Polymer, steel, or alloy construction
Grip Type	Textured polymer or rubber grips
Sights	Fixed or adjustable sights (often with dovetail or Novak style)
Safety Features	Manual safety, trigger safety, firing pin safety
Accessories Rail	Picatinny or M-Lok rail for attaching accessories
Trigger	Single-action or double-action (or a combination, DA/SA)
Slide Finish	Blued, stainless steel, or polymer coating
Recoil Management	Recoil spring system, barrel design, and grip ergonomics
Manufacturer	Various firearm manufacturers produce 9mm handguns

I have actually killed a fair number of bears in Utah. At close the range 9mm will be effective. In Montana, I usually carry it with me when I’m out hiking in the woods.

Believe it or not, 99mm has penetrating power well above many more powerful rounds. 

Is 9mm really enough for a bear?

I have found four instances where a 9mm gun successfully killed a bear. All worked. If you’re an avid hiker, you’re mostly likely to stumble upon many dangerous animals by chance. Most of them are easy to spot – a bear included. 

A bear will confront you for getting too close. That makes you rethink carrying a 9mm pistol in your backpack. But is a 9mm good enough as a bear gun?

By all metrics, a 9mm caliber isn’t a great option for killing a bear. It may not have enough power to stop an aggressive brown bear. Maybe it can be an optimal option for black bears since they’re small. 

Still, the vast majority carry a 9mm gun into bear country. This is no surprise as many shooters can quickly and accurately fire rounds from the mild cartridge. It’s helpful in a life-and-death situation that requires you to use a weapon.

The best bear hunting calibers include the .22 and .308. These are large guns that are heavier and travel much faster. It’s advisable to opt for these standard calibers because they deal with much more force. 

Have people killed grizzly bears with a 9mm? 

In short, yes—but it is extremely dangerous and not recommended. Some hunters and outdoorsmen have reported successfully killing grizzly bears in self-defense using a 9mm handgun. In all cases, at least four shots were required

However, a 9mm handgun should only be used as an absolute last resort in a grizzly bear attack due to the immense size, aggressiveness and power of these animals.

The whole idea behind carrying a 9mm while hiking in bear country is to have a lightweight, easy to carry, and easy to use gun with pretty cheap ammo. Although it powers accurately, the biggest problem is that the 9mm caliber has a low power. 

That’s the main downside of 9mm handguns. If I were you, I’d own a 9mm pistol but also invest in a more powerful gun right now. 

Be mindful that the smaller the gun, the less powerful it is. And the more of a danger you’re putting yourself in. That’s devastating indeed.

Cases where people used 9mm to stop a bear attack

There are a few rare cases where a 9mm handgun was used to defend against bear and save human lives: These include:

• Phil Shoemaker defends fishermen from raging grizzly with 9mm pistol in Alaska

In 2016, a man (Phil) in Alaska used his 9mm pistol to kill a grizzly bear that was mauling his friend during a hunting trip. He shot the bear multiple times in the head at point blank range until it collapsed. His client (a woman) says the charging bear was so close to her face that it could have injured her.

The fishing client explains that she didn’t remember smelling the bear’s breath. The mad bear first erupted from the brush and was just 2 feet off the client before Phil shot it with a 9mm pistol. 

• Brenner stops an attacking grizzly bear at Russian River in Alaska 

This incident happened in August 2002. Brenner fired twice to take down an aggressive bear which was estimated to be 400-450 pounds. The sow was hit at the center of the hulking shape, then three more bullets into her head using a 9mm semi-automatic pistol.

Although 9mm is considered a mid-range caliber, Brenner had loaded the pistol with full-metal (FMJ) type of ammunition that’s enough to penetrate the bear’s vital organs. 

• The Aug. 31 shooting of a bear in Bachelor Gulch

On 31 August 2004, Colorado, the shooting of a black bear still echoes among residents as the Colorado Division of Wildlife continued to investigate the incident. The man in the name John Tiebohl shot and wounded a bear just outside his home.

He says that the bear had tried to get into his home several times, and ambushed him as he was getting into his car one evening. Fortunately, he always carried his 9-mm gun to protect himself from this dangerous wild animal. 

• A black bear killed after killing Harvey Robinson

26 August 2005 Selkirk Manitoba, a black bear attacked and killed Harvey Robinson, 68. Shortly, after his family and RCMP officers were searching for Robinson, a bear suddenly came running towards the officer.

RCMP Sergeant Steve Colwell says the officer fired two shots at her with his revolver (9-mm handgun) and turned the bear away. After an intensive search using a helicopter, they found the dear bear about 45 yards from the scene. 

All these cases involved a 9mm pistol. All were successful against a grizzly, but most of them involved a black bear.  

Will the 9mm penetrate enough to kill a bear?

Yes, with the right ammunition and a good shot angle. Standard 115 or 124-grain FMJ bullets are designed to penetrate deeper, ensuring they reach vital organs of animals like a bear. This will suffice if you have a good shot placement 

That means, the bullets are likely to penetrate to about 18-inches in thick-skinned soft tissue. Hard cast 9mm bullets guarantee sufficient penetration and even perform better than large calibers.

If your shot angle is incorrect, the bullet won’t make a big wound. Hollow point bullets are made to arrest penetration. And this is only good for human-size targets but not enough for dense animals.

You’ll want rounds specifically designed for maximum penetration, like those with solid copper hollow points or hard cast lead bullets. These will penetrate deep through thick hide and muscle.

Strong bullets, such as Buffalo Bore 9MM +P OUTDOORSMAN and Underwood Extreme Penetrator can penetrate soft tissue over 3 feet deep from a 9mm pistol. These deep penetrating bullets go deep because they’re more powerful and stable.

They don’t tumble as a standard FMJ bullet does. They go straight thereby making a better wound. A 9mm round will cause lethal damage to a bear. 

The research shows that 99% of failures in stopping a bear attack are due to misfires. Not firing a gun is another cause. So, it’s important to not only fire your gun but also know exactly what you’re doing. 

In summary, shot placement is also key and the type of ammo you intend to use. For the best chance of stopping a charging bear, aim for the central nervous system – the spine, brain or major blood vessels. 

Multiple shots to the center of mass, like the heart and lungs, can also quickly incapacitate.

Where to aim when killing a bear with 9mm pistol (vital organs)

To kill a confronting bear with a 9mm handgun, you need to aim for vital organs. With the size and adrenaline of these animals, you’re supposed to be careful. 

 The only way a 9mm will stop a bear is if you hit:

• Head or neck. A shot to the skull or spine will damage the animal, while hitting the neck can sever arteries and cut off oxygen to the brain.
• Chest area, specifically the heart or lungs, is also effective. Piercing these organs means the bear won’t get far. Aim just behind the front legs for the biggest target.
• Shoulders or hips. Damaging these joints can immobilize the bear, allowing you to get away to safety. Blow out the bone and be assured the bear won’t be chasing anything.

In a life or death situation, a well-placed 9mm bullet in one of these critical zones may be enough to deter an aggressive bear. 

But whenever possible, avoid confrontation. Your best defense is not provoking an attack in the first place.

How to kill a bear with a 9mm

To stop a bear with a 9mm gun, you’ll need to aim precisely. Follow these steps:

• Aim for vital organs. Hit vital organs like the heart, lungs, spine, or brain. Target the bear’s chest or head.
• Get close. You’ll need to be within 30 feet of the bear for a 9mm to be effective. Any farther and the bullet may not have enough power to penetrate deep enough into vital organs.
• Use Full-Metal Jacket (FMJ) points. These bullets are powerful, causing maximum damage.
• Shoot multiple times. Keep firing until the bear goes down. One shot may not do the job, so be prepared to empty your entire magazine if needed.
• Play dead if it charges. If the bear charges before you can fire, drop into a fetal position, cover the back of your neck, and play dead. The bear may lose interest if it believes the threat has been eliminated.

Following these tips won’t guarantee success, but will improve your odds of surviving a bear attack with only a 9mm handgun

When is a 9mm a good choice for bears?

When it’s what you have at that time. Your 9mm caliber isn’t the best bear gun, but it stands out among other large calibers. 

If a bear charges at close range (within 25 feet), a 9mm pistol will save your life. Place multiple shots into the bear’s vital areas as mentioned.

The energy from hard case bullets penetrate a bear’s thick skin. So multiple impacts may deter an aggressive bear. At very close range, any gun is better than nothing when facing down an angry grizzly. 

Frankly speaking, the increase of popularity in concealed carry is the reason why most people go into the woods carrying their compact 9mm pistol on their waist. 

That’s a plus, because most of us would never have carried a pistol before. A 9mm has got a lot of other merits including accuracy. 

What would be a good bear gun?

A good bear gun is the one that’s reliable, regardless of the caliber. And again, a firearm you’re comfortable with when it comes to its characteristics. A powerful gun will do the job well. 

In regions with large, potentially dangerous bears like brown bears, a high-powered firearm is highly recommended. The most commonly recommended firearms for bear defense rifles chambered in powerful calibers.

The widely used bear handgun is a 44 magnum revolver. In fact, I found 12 cases where .44 magnum revolvers were used to kill bears. None of them failed. 

.44 Magnum is a versatile revolver cartridge known for its power and effectiveness against big animals. Firearms chambered in .44 Magnum like Smith & Wesson Model 629, ticks all the boxes as bear guns.

454 Casull is gaining traction in recent years: Similar to the .44 Magnum, the .454 Casull is a powerful revolver cartridge that provides excellent stopping power. Firearms like the Smith & Wesson Model 460 or Ruger Super Redhawk chambered in .454 Casull are suitable to use. 

Another gun you should check out is 10mm Auto: Although typically associated with semi-automatic handguns, the 10mm Auto cartridge, when loaded with FMJ ammunition, can be an effective choice. Firearms like the Glock 20 are a popular option.

12 Gauge Shotgun is another underrated caliber: When loaded with slugs or large shot, 12 gauge Shotgun can be effective for bear defense. Popular models include the Remington 870 or Mossberg 500.

My favorite bear load is the Buffalo Bore +p Heavy outdoorsmen. This gun is by far the best for bear protection in a 9mm caliber. If you have big hands, a Glock 20 pistol in 10 mm will shine. 

The Glock 20 has a large barrel length. Remember that muzzle velocity is dependent on barrel length. The point is, a larger gun has a longer barrel length. This gives a bullet more velocity. The end result is greater penetration. 

A larger gun also features a large magazine capacity. This makes a lot of sense because you need to fire more than bullets to stop a bear. You’ll be lucky to kill a brown bear with one bullet. 

These larger rounds have more stopping power and are more likely to deter an aggressive bear.

What are non-firearm bear defense alternatives?

Rather than firearms for bear defense, there are other safer alternatives. These include:

• Bear spray is highly effective at challenging charging bears. The pepper extract irritates the bear’s nose and eyes, causing it to back off. Make sure you buy EPA-approved bear spray. Know how to properly use it before visiting a bear country
• Wearing little bells while hiking in bear territory. The jingling sounds alert bears to your presence so you don’t startle them. Give any bears plenty of space by not approaching them.
• Be cautious if you notice bear droppings on the trail. Being cautious is the best defense. Bears mark their territory to warn off other bears, so you may be hiking close to an active bear area. 
• Be bear aware. Learn about bear behavior, especially how to properly respond in case of an attack. Don’t corner or crowd them. With the right deterrents, you’ll be able to avoid dangerous confrontations with bears.

Apart from bear, other dangerous animals you might kill with a 9mm 

Aside from bears, there are many dangerous animals you might run into when hiking. They include:

• Mountain lions. They’re powerful predators that typically avoid contact with humans. However, if one does attack, a 9mm may not deter an aggressive cougar, especially if it’s protecting cubs or feeding on a kill.
• Wolves. Wolves tend to shy away from people as well, but as populations rebound in some areas, confrontations are becoming more common. A pack of wolves could easily overpower a single handgun.
• Moose. While not predatory, can be very dangerous if they feel threatened. An angry bull moose can weigh up to 1,500 pounds and may charge at up to 35 miles per hour.
• Venomous snakes. Snakes like rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths may strike defensively if they feel provoked. A 9mm handgun could kill a snake.

As you can see, there are quite a few threats in the wild. Your 9mm is an absolute line of defense in these situations if used correctly. 

The limitations of handgun rounds against large animals

Handgun rounds, like 9mm, have significant limitations against large animals like bears. The relatively low velocity of most handgun rounds mean they may not penetrate deep enough into a bear’s thick fat, muscle, and bone to reach vital organs.

Frequently asked questions

Can a 9mm hollow point kill black bears?

No. Hollow point bullets lack the necessary stopping power to reliably incapacitate a black bear due to its smaller and limited penetration. This leads to an ineffective defense against such a large animal.

Can a 9 mm kill a bear with a headshot?

Yes. A well-placed headshot from a 9mm handgun might be lethal to a bear. It’s not a recommended method due to the potential of inaccurate shots under duress.

Can a 9 mm kill a brown bear?

It depends. Brown bears are large animals and you’ll only win against them if you fire a lot of bullets and have a good shot angle. The type of ammunition also matters. Full-metal Jacket bullets are the ideal choice.