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Old 10-10-2009 | 04:54 PM
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bigbulls
Boone & Crockett
 
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IMO there is only one or two revolvers that meets all of your requirements.

What I want would be something as a bear back up

large caliber type cartridge that could also shoot a lower powered cartridge

I'd like to be able to buy snake loads for it

I'd like something smaller and lighter weight as carrying it as a backup would mostly be it's intent.
The Ruger Alaskan in either 454 Casull or 44 Rem mag.
http://ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdResu...&type=Revolver

The S&W 329PD Alaska Back Packer in 44 Rem mag.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...egory_rn=15706

The 500 and 460 are extremely large revolves and are very very heavy so carrying one as a side arm while hunting would be truely cumbersome. For comparison the Ruger Alaskan weights 2.5 - 2.75 pounds with a 2.5" barrel. Certainly not a light weight but not nearly as heavy as the smallest 460 or 500 at 3.5 pounds and 4" barrel.

The S&W Alaskan backpacker weighs in at only 1.85 pounds and would be the easiest to carry but the recoil is going to be considerably stiff with such a light weight revolver.


Either of these two cartridges are sufficient as a back up, or as homers brother puts it...
something to wander off from camp with to take a dump
Which is honestly what it would be used for while hunting because you are going to shoot with the rifle first and the hand gun last 99% of the time.
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