Hand Gun choice for Vac in Alaska

Wife and I are making our 2nd visit to Alaska in Sept. Last time we went commando and there were 6 bear attacks in and around the general areas we visited within a week or 2 of when we were there. This time I am taking a weapon for SD [not hunting] while visiting in the wilds of Alaska. Just want something that offers a better chance than rolling up in a ball and hoping for the best. I've seen several fishing videos [someone in your party should be armed] where 2 or 3 rounds from a 45 will generally convince a pesky grizz to wander off. The recommended Handgun for Alaska is a 44mag, but I don't own one and I don't see myself wandering down the trail from the motor home with a 44 on my hip. I have several options, but have pretty much selected my Glock 40. It has a 15 round mag and some pretty serious punch with a 180 grain load. Also have a 357mag colt [6shot] and a 45 LC [5shot]. The 357 might be preferred but with a 6" barrel, its not an easy carry. The short barrel on the 45 offers a lower muzzel Vel and only 5 shots.

Have been lead to believe that the best ammo for a potential encounter with a big bear is a heavy solid load that offers the best penetration. Does that rule out the 180 gr JHP that is my normal SD load? Is the 180 gr FMJ that I shoot for target practice a better choice? Is there a better 40 cal round that anyone would suggest.

Remember this is a "precautionary" not a hunting situation. I'm not going up there to confront a bear. I know we will see several in the wild and have the very real probability of one or more closer than any tourist would prefer. Just don't want to be a meal for a bear without more than a rock to defend with.

The 45LC is a Tarus Judge 410/45LC. My concern with that gun is its only a 2 inch barrel but has an AND only has 5 shots. Would definitely load it up with the heavy 45s only for this application, but am thinking 15 rounds from the 40 would serve me better.

Will also pick up some good bear spray as well. But want the handgun to make some noise if necessary and shoot for effect as a last resort.

Any 40 cal ammo that offers a better penetration? Are solid wadcutters better than FMJ at 180 grains?

Renting a motorhome in Anchorage and think we will be driving west toward the big Nat'l park near the Canadian border. No backcountry stuff, just day hiking and given the time of year [Sept] we don't anticipate seeing a lot of people. Camping is where ever there is a flat spot for the motorhome and we've had enough for the day. For those who haven't been to Alaska, on our drive from Anchorage to Denali in 08, over 200 miles, we passed maybe 25 cars the whole day. Point is the campgrounds if you stay in one will be remote, and we will likely be the only ones there. The state and national forest services have primitive camping areas all over the place. I could take a 12g with slugs, but it wouldn't be with me all the time like a handgun. Understand it would be better, but wouldn't be as readily available. Saw several fisherman with handguns [44's and 45's mostly]. I've read that you're unlikely to get off more than 2 or 3 shots if you surprise a bear, so maybe the extra rounds in the 40 shouldn't be a factor. I've also been advised to take what I'm most comfortable shooting as rounds on target are better than rounds that miss. I'm pretty comfortable with the Glock.

Ok, I get the point. Will look for an appropriate shotgun and probably take one of the handguns for back up. Appreciate the candid feedback. If you think a 40 is not adequate, you have to keep in mind we went commando in 08. Traveled thru the Kanai [sp] Pen., up to Danale and then east on the Glen highway. We were truely unprepared in 08. That was the year of several spring attacks, even a few in and around Anchorage. That is why I am taking it seriously this time. Don't plan on going to Kodiac [hard to get to in an RV] but maybe on the next visit. This time we're going in the fall. I understand we will see more color and less snow.

We will be armed this time.

Thanks for the info on the Kodiak ferry from Homer. Might have to do it on the next visit. Sounds great.