Think about this. You are using this handgun for personal protection against large claw and fang wielding animals. You won't notice the recoil or how heavy the gun is when you are face to face with one of these angry animals. I would not shoot anything any smaller than a 44 magnum. I would cosider a 460 or 500 magnum in a revolver with a relatively short barrel. You need the short barrel for maneuverability and removing the gun from the holster quickly. Forget the 40 SW and the 45 if you are concerned primarily with protecting yourself.