Which Handgun
 

I was wondering what you thought the best handgun would be for a sidearm. I like to bowhunt but i would like a handgun for security.
Iam going touse it for defense against black bear, and cougar.
Tell me what caliber and brand.

Thanks

RE: Which Handgun
 

Springfield XD45 would be a good choice.

RE: Which Handgun
 

If the animal is close and i mean close like 5 yards and charging i would go with a XD45 but the problem is i dont think it had enuff knock down power for that quick kill for me. That is why i like my Ruger SuperBlack hawk .44mag. For and all out blow the biggest hole i can on a charging animal. I have got one hog with it so far that was coming at me. One shot to the head and it was down but that can be said with a 45acp also.

Form a ballistics look the .44 has in some rounds 1,105LB of knock down force and the 45acp only has 476LB so you have more that double the knock down. But if you miss because of the adrenaline you have to make a heavie pull on the tricker with a .44 and with a 45 you can easly empy the mag in 4secs with every round counting.

You cant beat a .44mag but my second chocie is the 45acp and i do have both.

RE: Which Handgun
 

I'd go with a wheel gun. I own (and LOVE!) several semi autos, but for your purposes, I'd rather be assured of a click and a bang when I pull that trigger.

I wouldn't go any lower than a .357 mag, but you're going to have to consider the weight of the sidearm, too. A few extra pounds on your side can become an annoyance if you're trudging for 20 miles a day.

RE: Which Handgun
 

I agree with this post. A revolver is the way to go.When you are in a stressful situation (ieunder attack) I wanta pistol that has a very lowchancefor a malfunction. I am not saying that the automatics are not reliable or don't work, but you have to acknowledge that revolversmalfunction a lot less.Ruger and Smith & Wesson offer small .357 mags and larger .44 mags. If have an old Colt revolver you can load the 45 LC to be comparable to the 44 mag. The old Colts and their clones are single action. I would highly recommend a double action revolver.

PS how legal is thisfor you to carry a handgun while bow hunting?

RE: Which Handgun
 

Definately check the legalities of carrying a handgun while archery hunting in archery only seasons/hunting units.

If it is not legal...bear spray.

If it is...then read on.

I would look at the SW 329 (44mag). Very light weight, great for just in case carry. Won't get too heavy (because if its too heavy, you won't carry it, and if you don't carry it...its a good as useless). Recoil is going to be severe, but, I wound not suspect that it would be any worse than getting mauled by a bear/mountain lion. I have shot the heavier weight/lower caliber .357 version of this gun and highly recommened it.

Here is a link to a picture, hopefully it will connect, couldn't make it post the picture in my reply.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore...3414_large.jpg

RE: Which Handgun
 

If you are considering a semi-autoI would take a look at the Glock 36.
It is a .45acp designed to use a single stack magazine. I have owned one for about three years andlove it. When making your decision I would notallowa wheel gun's relialability tosway you. A modern semi-auto from a respected company like Glock is incredible relialble.I feel the only things a revolver has to offerover a well made semi-auto are larger calibers and better looks.

RE: Which Handgun
 

thanks guys for the info on the handguns, but can you tell me what you think of a 40 cal.

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RE: Which Handgun
 

Taurus Smith and Wesson Total Titanium.

RE: Which Handgun
 

Smith and Wesson 329PD, 44 magnum. Nothing else like it.

As far as the 40 caliber, I consider it the caliber of the month. It is not the first attempt at marketing the 10 mm. It is a fine caliber, but not in the league of the 44 Magnum for bear and such. If you wanted a 10 mm, or 40 S&W, try one of the revolvers. But that Titanium 329PD is the ultimate. Tom.

RE: Which Handgun
 

The .40 S&W is my handgun caliber of choice, particularly for carry. My favorites are the HK P2000 and Steyr M40A1, but there are plenty of other makes and models out there in that chambering. For carry while hunting, I would recommend sticking withgood 180 gr. JHPs.

As for bear, I'm sure a few well placed hits with a .40 S&W would do the job, but I'd feel better having some extra power with a .44 Mag. Ruger sells some really good revolvers at excellent MSRPs. You can also use .44 Specials at the range so you don't wear yourself out with the heavy magnum loads.

RE: Which Handgun
 

Check with your state regs on CCW.Some will let you carry,say a 44mag,others will let you carry a handgun that isnt classified as a legal hunting gun.i.e. I can carry a 9mm.but it wont protect me to much from a bear.Anything over .23 is hunting cal. in my state.

RE: Which Handgun
 

fact of the matter is... personal defense in a CCW situation and that of a wild animal are two completely different things with different aspects and outcomes... size your round accordingly...

in bear or big cat country? like big brown things with big claws and nasty attitudes that sometimes hunt you... forget about weight.... forget about concealability... go for raw power, penetration and KO from a hand cannon... to me that means nothing less than 44 mag or 45 Colt (on a Ruger platform) preferrably maybe even a 460 or 500 if it is purely for self defense from a big critter trying to eat me...

as for CCW... well you shoot until the the threat is no longer a threat... whether that imeans the perp is wounded on the ground, dead or fleeing... when the threat is no longer a threat... you no longer shoot... people (cept maybe that crack head in a drug induced superman state of existence) are much easier to "stop" than 6 or 700 lbs of bear... plus in all honesty you want to avoid full penetration fo the target... so that the neighbor doesn't get a hole in their wall too... for me... i prefer the wheel gun... and yes i've owned a few brass flingers... my preference honestly for carry... S&W 637... i've put a couple of cylinders through an S&W 360 PD Scandium / Titanium... with all out 357 loads... it'll quickly seperate the men from the boys and maybe your thumb from your hand at the same time if you don't know what you're doing... even 38 +p isn't the most pleasant thing in the world from the uberlightweight revolver...

RE: Which Handgun
 

Average person is 165lb and a S&W40 has 400lb of KO power
Average bear is going to be 500-600lbs and a 44mag has 1000LB of KO power.

Yes a 40 sw will bring it down but it is like a 22lr on a deer unless you hit it in the head or spin you better keep firing. If my life is on the line and I am putting small holes in it I might die and that is a risk I am not willing to take and i bet your would not if your life or say your KIDS life was on the line. On a large animal you need to tear up them interal organs as fast and as much as you can.

The exstra 2-5lbs of iron is worth its weight in gold time in and time out.

RE: Which Handgun
 

Id say go with a colt 1911 platform loaded with heavy bullets. you can fire the 45 auto rapidly and controably.

RE: Which Handgun
 

Thanks guys

RE: Which Handgun
 

Think about this. You are using this handgun for personal protection against large claw and fang wielding animals. You won't notice the recoil or how heavy the gun is when you are face to face with one of these angry animals. I would not shoot anything any smaller than a 44 magnum. I would cosider a 460 or 500 magnum in a revolver with a relatively short barrel. You need the short barrel for maneuverability and removing the gun from the holster quickly. Forget the 40 SW and the 45 if you are concerned primarily with protecting yourself.