Folks, just trying to get some opinions on pistols that would be the best choice for carrying in the woods when there are mountain cats, black bear and coyotes running around. I know it comes back to the question of how well and quickly you could get off a shot if surprised by one of these animals, but is one cartridge clearly a better choice than others for self defense? Alsio is a wheel gun a bettwer choice than a semi auto and does barrel lethg matter that much? I live in the Sierra Nevada mountains out west and we have all the about animals and alot of them!