ORIGINAL: IDRedneckGirl
...purchasing my FIRST hangun.
...know how to handle them.
...pack with me when I'm hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, whatever. I want something that I can carry for bears and cougars. ...
Also, I want a firearm that I can conceal ...
I'm a lady so I've got smaller hands and haven't had too many handguns feel *perfect* in my grip. I'm not a big fan of revolvers either.
...rent a couple here shortly and test them out to see what fits me...
Wow, you don't want much do you. LOL
I think it will be tough satisfying ALL those needs with one gun in that anything big enopugh for bear will probably be either too big to conceal or too small to control the muzzle flip. That said, your doing the perfect thing by going to try some first.
My wife just bought a conealed carry weapon, so I know what your going through, soMANY options.
Consider a Glock in 9mm or .40 cal. I am going through a handgun class right now (wife too) and the well-seasoned instructor mentioned that the Glock 19 (9mm)fit a LOT/most of women well...both hand size and controlled recoil. Pull back on the slide is usually manageable for women and you also don't have to worry about any decockers, manual safeties, etc. Just point and shoot; very desirable when confronted.
If you never have shot a .44 or .45 you'll be in for a surprised. If you you can handle it, go for the biggest caliber you can. But I know of very few women who can.
Don't settle for anything that doesn't fit your hand. So try a lot. My wife looked at DOZENS. She ended up with a Taurus PT-22 (.22LR) which is way too small for your needs but it is a good self-defense weapon for her because it fits her hand and she can shoot it well.
I have a Ruger super Red hawk in .44 magnum. Shoots well, ballistics indicate it will put a black bear down at short yardages, but definitely NOT concealable. Cougars are pretty thin-skinned so just about any caliber will do. Bear is problematic though....a .357 or .40 may deter them but probably nothing less.