Bear defense around Crossville

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Raging80

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My brother's got a farm near Crossville and we've had a few black bears sniffing around the chicken coop. I'm out there most weekends helping with fencing and trail work and I want something reliable to carry. I've ruled out the Glock 20 and been eyeing the Sig XTen and the Ruger SR1911 in 10mm. Anyone run either in bear country?
 
I haven't personally carried either in bear country, but both are good choices. The XTen gives you higher capacity, while the 1911 has that crisp trigger. What's your experience level with 10mm recoil? That might help narrow it down
 
I bought a 10mm from Springfield
The XDM model . It came with extra back straps. You will appreciate that when shooting the 10mm. It is a handful. Springfield had a special going on called gear up when I made the purchase. It came with extra mags and a carry pouch. I have a chest rig that I carry it in when I’m in the woods. I’m quite satisfied with mine.
 
I’ve been giving the 10mm some thought lately. Do I need one? Probably not. However, when does “need” ever come into play, when buying another firearm?
Black bears are typically not a significant threat, and from what I understand are not that difficult to dispatch with the appropriate bullet. I mostly carry a 45ACP when hunting due to my comfort level with this platform and weight. If I was trying to take out a problem bear and I had time, I would grab a rifle. The appropriate bullet in a handgun is very important.
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gramps said:
When I was working above the Arctic Circle in Alaska, I carried an Ruger Redhawk in .44 magnum. Here in Middle Tn (Short Mtn Area), I carry a Charter Arms Bulldog in .44 Spcl,
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Hard to go wrong with a .44. I carry the 10mm, but I have a S&W 629 Deluxe in 44 mag that I'm very confident with - as I am with my S&W .357. And as Mark said above "Black bears are Typically not a significant threat" but like the hand choke on my Grandpas old Ford pickup - I hardly ever used it, but it was comforting to know it was within my reach.
 
I don't hunt anymore, can't hear good enough, but I do ride 4-wheelers and SxS's in the mountains a lot. I always carry a 10MM, either a Glock 20SF or a Springfield XD-M. Most of the time it's the XD-M as I've got a lot more experience with that one, I really like the Glock but just haven't put as many rounds through it yet. When I go up in the woods I always have the mags filled with Underwood hard cast.

My buddy almost always has his model 23 Glock with him up there, loaded with hard cast, not as strong but it will do the job.
 

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