Small, yes, but properly employed, very effective.
My personal favorite bear defense gun has always been my Beretta Jetfire in .22 short!
I've found over the years when hiking in bear country I never leave home without it.
While other hikers haul around heavy large caliber hand guns or rifles I don’t even notice it in my pocket.
Of course we all know the first rule when hiking in the wilderness is to use the "Buddy System".
For those of you who may be unfamiliar with this it means you NEVER hike alone, you bring a friend or companion, even an in-law.
That way if something happens there is someone to go get help.
I remember one time hiking with my brother-in-law in northern British Columbia.
Out of nowhere came this huge brown bear and boy was she MAD!
We must have been near one of her cubs.
Anyway, if I had not had my little Jetfire with me I'm sure I wouldn’t be here today.
That's right, one shot to my brother-in-law's knee cap and I was able to escape by just walking away at a brisk pace.
It’s one of the best pistols ever in my opinion!