is the 38+p a good defense round for what i need it for? i'll be hiking soon here in kentucky. i'll most likely need it for 2 legged critters but may run across 4 legged one at times. around where i live coyoties are the most abundent and i expect them to leave me alone unless rabies hits here as it did some years back. there has been a few reports of bears but they are only reported about once or twice a year are are probably just passing thru. however some new creatures has been confirmed by the dept. of wildlife in my area, a mountain lion was confirmed about 60 miles from where i live this winter. the dept. said it to was pasiing thru as none live here but to be carefull if outside, and a wild hog was killed only 15 miles from where i live during deer season, i have a 357 magnum but i'm recoil sensitive, i can shoot them but would prefer a 38+p if they would work. thanks for any help

Im not sure about hog but everything else you mention the +p should be more than adequate

Its more than enough for anything in ky. I've spent more time in the woods in eastern ky than anywhere else. Usually all I carry there in the off season is one of 3 guns. A ruger mkII 22 a beretta 40 or a s&w 357 and trust me a 22 will detour any critter there so a 38+p will.