handgun for defense while hunting
 

All,

I am looking into pistols (difficult but not completely impossible here in Canada) for defense while in the bush... I am looking for something that has some serious stopping power...

I have been looking into the .44 mag due to a lack of short guns available... But i have been reading about the .454 (a variation of the .45??) and getting a little lost, as i can just go to the local shop and get a feel for the sidearm...

What would you guys recommend? Thanks in advance for all your input!


Now i due understand that a pistol is not a great defense for bears... however i hunt on horses a good bit, and so far i have always been lucky with close encounters... but the thought of getting thrown and having no means of defense (other than a good knife) isnt high on my priority list!!

329 PD. But it is a revolver, not a pistol. Tom.

Depends on how much you want to spend. If you are only looking for a sidearm for defense and not much sport shooting, get a S & W .500 or .460 will fill any means that you seek. They are a handfull without question, but very welcome if you need it!!!!!!

This is what I use. It's a S&W 586 7 shot .357 loaded in the field with 180 grain hard cast lead flat points (different ammo in pic). It's enough power for any predator (4 or 2 legged) that I'll encounter. I guess I'd not be super comfortable with it in brown bear territory though.

I think your it tha right ballpark thinking 44magnum there are many great choices my personal favorite is smith&wesson 629 mountaingun. It's a staneless 4" with a thiner barrel... Also the regular 629 or even a 29(blues version) also ruger redhawks are tough to beat and if your a singleaxtion guy a superblackhawk is as good as it gets.. I'd stay away from the 454 460 and 500's of your new to handguns also if you think recoil may be a problem look into a 41 magnum it's almost as good a 44 with less recoil.

454 Casull all the way, just ask this guy:

http://www.takdriver.com//showthread.php?t=723

If you are specifically looking for a pistol and not a revolver, allow me to recommend a Browning 9mm. It's quite accurate and has a very practical safety.Attachment 13204

Koanbread---you might re-read the above and re-consider the caliber you are suggesting-----the members have been talking about stopping bears, possibly cougers, or the wrong kind of person----a 9mm isn't nearly enough--------

I carry a .38 But Im in Florida. I use to live in Wyoming and when I Hunted there, I carried a Smith & Wesson .44 Mag 629 I think. 4" Barrel double action. sweet gun.

Bears were my only fear there. Here in Florida, Aint to much to worry about so I carry my normal carry weapon.

I would go with either the 500 sw or 45-70. I was at a gun show yesterday and saw custom revolvers in both of them for pretty reasonable prices.

My suggestion is also to get some pepper spray. I've been riding all of my life and have been thrown more than a few times. My concern would be being dioriented for a second or two and trying to get that quick shot off.