Firearms are purchased for two reasons; a researched system that will deliver specific performance somewhere between 6" and 600 meters past the muzzle, and/ or an assembly of cultural and emotional features- 'wowee that's cool.' My first 'bear rifle' while at Kodiak was a Mauser 98 with 220 grain Hornadays, a common carry of many guides. When I worked 6 months in Kenai with the Park Service doing specific bear research we carried .375 H&H model 70s. My current universal surival rifle is a smelly .303 with a supply of service hardball and australian Rhino 215 grain handloads. I learned early on to let the bears do their thing and I mine. With a little common sense by both parties we have avoided any misunderstandings. I do reserve that SMLE for charging Soccer Moms in their SUVs. I figure the same tactics for bears is appropo; a breaking shot to a front tyre to stop the charge followed up by a killing shot into the engine block.