RE: Side arm of choice?
I usually rely on a S&W 629 4" 44 Mag. I load it with 240 gr. jacketed hollow points for regular carry, but switch to 300 gr. hard cast bullets when black bear season is open, in case I get a shot at one. Sometimes I'll instead carry my stainless Colt Government Model 45 Auto. That would be loaded with 230 gr. Remington Golden Sabres.