[skyhammer]

The first couple of years I went to Alaska I took a Model 29 S&W. I soon found out that if you have to shoot a Grizzly he will probably be less that 50' away and charging.
Now I take a Marlin 45-70 stainless guide model and a Marlin 500 stainless 12 Gauge pistol grip with slugs. I carry the shotgun in a bow and arrow quiver strapped to my back for easy access while fishing.
I have had more problems with black bears in Alaska than the grizzly. The black bears won't stay away from camp. Running them off does little good. The Grizzly seem much more wary, unless you surprise them. The best fishing is in grizzly country, so there are few black bears.