I think the Marlin guide gun sounds like a great idea, then you should get your dad to let you go shoot his pistols and see what you think. I enjoy handguns greatly, but it takes a lot of practice to become a really good pistol shot, it is much more difficult than shooting a rifle the same distance. If you are set on one of the blackhawks get the 44, practice with 44 specials, and work your way up to full-house cor-bon loads.

Gordon

44 mag all the way. The 357 is ok for deer at close ranges but the 44 is more versital and effective.

brian

a 45-70 is good.

My dad killed a bear with thi year with his Ruger SuperRedhawk 44mag.So I definetley wold go with BigDan which is the 44mag

Dont play with toys my friend, savage has a striker series that can end all pistols I recomend the .308 for bear and deer.