if i were to go with a semi-auto handgun for a camp gun, what caliber do you all think? 45 acp has a nice size, but slow bullet. 40 cal is obviously faster but smaller. i'm thinking it needs to be a credible threat to anything black-bear sized or smaller. got a chance at a good buy on a 45 or a 40 (within my wife's price range), and need help from the experts.

i would say 40 but then i dont have the problem of bear down here in texas. 1911 springfield in a 45 would be nice also. I have kimber in .45, glocks in 40. I carry my glock everywhere i go.

I'd go with a Glock 21, 13 rounds is hard to argue with - even if they are "slow" . Used ones aren't expensive.

I don't carry a semi, but carry a RRH .44mag.
If I did, it would be a Springfield .45.....

I wouldn't carry a semi auto either for a defensive weapon against an angry black bear. Who cares if it has a hundred rounds in the clip you aint going to get off but two or three, if you're lucky, if the bear charges you. And if that's the case then a 40 or 45acp aint gonna do squat to him.

A revolver in 44 magnum or larger would definetly be my choice. Even a 357 will be a heck of a lot better than a semi auto. Barrel length would be 3 or 4 inches and no longer.

I would definetly look around for a revolver that fits nicely withing your (I mean your wifes) budget.

Something along the lines of this 629 stainless with a 3 inch barrel.

I agree with Bigbulls on this issue. However I would be more inclined to go with 6" barrel on a 629. Or a 4" S&W model 57 Mountain Gun .41 Mag would fit the bill nicely.

I also agree with BB's, my sidearm during hunting season is a Ruger GP100 357 4" barrel. I found some nice 180 gr loads that just sing, I dread the day I have the shoot that gun without hearing protection on. I think the 44 mag is a better all around choice. Remember revolvers don't jam.

i also agrree with bb, my side arm gun is my ruger 45colt with a 7.5inch barrel and 300grain bullet,now thats one bullet i hate to shoot out of my gun with now ear protection , an like thndr... said Remember revolvers don't jam.

But the only way i have that gun on my sides is with that 300gr bullet @1100fps(@the muzzle) and if you do the math that is roughly around 806flbs of nrg at the muzzle. And that is about the same as a 357mag or a little better if i am correct

Camp Guns....... Hmmm

** In my sleeping bag at the main camp, Ruger Redhawk in 44 mag - Stainless; whether the zipper on the bag is stuckor not I'm ready.

** In the kitchen of our wall tent, Ithaca Riot Gun loaded with slugs.

** In reserve for hunting, as a back up rifle for elk, 30-06 min, preferrably a .338WinMag and up.

When out hunting or in spike camp, I do NOT carry a side arm.If I was concerned, then I'd carry bear pepper spray for night time outings and around spike camp as the 44 loses the weight, bulk, inconvenience trade off.

EKM