9mm vs. Grizzly: When Preparation Meets Reality...Not impossible but highly improbable

The Story That Defied Conventional Wisdom

Picture this: You're reading a hunting magazine over your morning coffee, and you come across a story so unbelievable it sounds like something you'd hear around a campfire after "half a case in." That's exactly what happened when I first read Jeff "Tank" Hoover's account of Phil Shoemaker's legendary bear encounter. My immediate reaction? "What...no way!"

But here's the thing about legends – sometimes they're backed by cold, hard facts.

August 2016: When Reality Wrote Its Own Script

On a seemingly routine fishing trip in the Alaskan wilderness, veteran outfitter Phil Shoemaker found himself face-to-face with an 850-pound grizzly bear that had decided his clients looked like lunch. What happened next would spark debates that continue to this day across hunting forums, gun shops, and anywhere serious outdoorsmen gather.

The bear charged from 15 feet away through thick brush – close enough to see the fury in its eyes, close enough to smell its breath. In that split second, Phil drew his sidearm and fired six shots. All hits. Four in the heart/lung region. The bear dropped.

The kicker? Phil wasn't carrying his usual .44 Magnum Mountain Gun that day. His daughter had borrowed it. Instead, he was armed with a Smith & Wesson Model 3953 DAO chambered in 9mm, loaded with Buffalo Bore Outdoorsman +P 147-grain hard cast bullets.

The Man Behind the Legend

Phil Shoemaker isn't some weekend warrior who got lucky. This is a man with over 30 years as a professional outdoorsman, an Alaska Master Guide, Army veteran, and competitive shooter. He's the kind of guy who routinely fishes next to bears – it's just another day at the office for him.

When questioned about the incident, Phil noted something crucial: the bear had shown signs of fighting and "probably just had enough for the day." This wasn't a predatory attack – it was a stressed, possibly injured animal that made a bad decision.

The Equipment That Made History

Let's break down the setup that stopped an 850-pound killing machine:

Firearm: Smith & Wesson Model 3953 DAO (Double Action Only)

• Compact, reliable, designed for consistent trigger pull

• 8+1 capacity gave Phil the firepower he needed

Ammunition: Buffalo Bore Outdoorsman +P 9mm, 147-grain hard cast bullets

• Specifically designed for woods defense

• Hard cast construction ensures deep penetration without expansion

• +P loading provides extra velocity and energy (734 ft-lbs at muzzle)

• Flat nose design creates larger wound channels

Why This Setup Actually Worked

The Buffalo Bore hard cast bullets were the real game-changer here. Unlike hollow points designed to expand and dump energy quickly, hard cast bullets are engineered for one thing: penetration. They punch through bone, muscle, and tissue like a freight train, maintaining their shape and momentum.

The 147-grain weight provides excellent sectional density, while the flat nose design creates more tissue damage than a round nose bullet. At +P velocities, these bullets deliver serious stopping power – enough to reach vital organs even on a massive grizzly.

The Lessons Every Gun Owner Should Learn

1. Shot Placement Trumps Caliber

Phil's success wasn't about having the biggest gun – it was about putting bullets where they needed to go under extreme pressure. As Jeff Hoover noted, "Just like W.D.M. Bell killing elephants with a .257 Rigby, shot placement is everything."

2. Training Beats Equipment

Phil's 30+ years of experience and competitive shooting background meant he could deliver accurate fire when it mattered most. No amount of magnum power can compensate for poor marksmanship.

3. The Right Ammunition Matters

Standard 9mm hollow points would have been nearly useless in this scenario. The Buffalo Bore hard cast bullets were specifically chosen for their penetration capabilities – and that choice saved lives.

4. Hunting vs. Self-Defense Are Different Games

As Phil wisely stated, "Hunting and self-defense are two separate things. You need to be able to shoot and hit what you're shooting at." In a defensive situation, rapid, accurate fire matters more than one-shot stopping power.

The Controversy Continues

This incident has generated fierce debate in the firearms community. Critics argue that one successful defensive use doesn't make 9mm suitable for bear country. They're not wrong – 9mm represents the absolute bottom rung of bear defense calibers.

But supporters point out that Phil's success proves that with proper ammunition, training, and shot placement, even a 9mm can get the job done when lives are on the line.

The Real Takeaway

Phil Shoemaker's story isn't an endorsement to head into grizzly country armed only with a 9mm. It's a reminder that in a life-or-death situation, the gun you have with you is infinitely better than the .44 Magnum you left at home.

More importantly, it's proof that training, experience, and the right mindset can overcome seemingly impossible odds. Phil didn't panic. He didn't freeze. He drew, aimed, and fired with the precision that only comes from decades of practice.

For the Modern Gun Owner

Whether you're a hunter, outdoorsman, or simply someone who believes in being prepared, Phil's story offers valuable lessons:

• Train regularly – Your life may depend on muscle memory

• Choose your ammunition carefully – Not all bullets are created equal

• Understand your limitations – Know what your equipment can and cannot do

• Stay calm under pressure – Panic kills more people than bears

The Bottom Line

Is 9mm ideal for bear defense? Absolutely not. Would I recommend it as your first choice for grizzly country? Never. But Phil Shoemaker's experience proves that with the right ammunition, proper training, and a cool head, even the "inadequate" 9mm can save lives when everything goes sideways.

As we say at Blue Coat Arms Company: "No Matter Your Era, We Got Your Six!" Whether you're carrying a musket or the latest polymer pistol, the fundamentals remain the same – training, preparation, and the will to act when it matters most.

Remember: This story represents one exceptional incident by an exceptionally skilled individual. Always choose appropriate calibers for your intended use and environment. When in doubt, go bigger – your life is worth more than the weight of a few extra ounces.

What's your take on the 9mm vs. bear debate? Have you had experiences that changed your perspective on caliber selection? Share your thoughts – the conversation continues in the comments below.