.380 for my ultra light backpacking/camping trip?

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So, I am going on a long backpacking/camping trip. I am hoping to cover about 35 miles through rugged terrain, so every ounce matters. I was considering bringing my .380 for protection which weighs only 14 oz with a full magazine. My other option would be my 9mm which weighs 30 oz with a full magazine. (more weight than I like) Mind you, I used to take a buck knife as my only protection. I understand that the .380 will not stop a bear or other large animal, but neither will my 9mm. My hope is that a couple of warning shots into the ground will scare a bear off. (likely to only encounter black bears if at all) Because if it comes charging I know the 9mm, .380 and the Buck knife aren't going to stop it. I would also have the gun for protection against any undesirables or crazies (scarier than any animals) that I may encounter. Thoughts?
 
Leave the .380 at home as it will slow you down as you run for your life?

Or you might just want to give it a good thick coat of KY so it won't hurt so much when the bear shoves it where the sun don't shine... [smile]



Or stop worrying about an extra pound or two and bring a .44 Magnum or a 500 Magnum. I'm sure that Eddie Coyle can give you advice on the best load to flash-fry a bear with. [laugh]
 
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The 4-legged creatures won't be the problem in black-bear country. Still, .380 is not the persuader for 2-legged creatures that 9mm is and 9mm is not the persuader that .44 mag is. I'd carry a 9, .40 or .45 and not worry about the bears.

My thoughts only.
 
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