Sadly I must agree with nchawkeye. I carry a Ruger "Police Service Six" .357. I wear it so that it is clearly visible to act as a deterrent.

Good luck.

+1, for both 2 & 4 legged predators, I'd agree with this suggestion. A lightweight .357 with 2-4" barrel would work well for both.

You wish!! lol

My Ruger Super Redhawk DA revolver chambered for 454 Casull/45 Colt. I would probably use some high end round in 45 Colt.

I usually carry my Ruger Mark III .22 Handgun,I would reccomend a Buckmark .22 or the Kel-Tec .22 Magnum or a 9mm would be even nicer!You can carry a Handgun during Bow Season also in MO if You a Concealled Carry Permit!I usually carry a handgun while a Coyote Hunting in Case of a fast unexpected close encounter or if I decide to shoot a small game Animal that is In-Season or for protection while Scouting in the Off Season!

I'd rather carry some type of Gun/Rifle and not need it than go out Un-protected and wish I had something?

Ruger Sp-101 .357mag.

Saying a person shouldn't carry a handgun in case of cougar attacks is like saying a person shouldn't wear a helmet on a motorcycle (I'd guess it's a fairly safe bet that cougar attacks have a higher survival rate than highway motorcycle crashes 55mph+, with or without helmets). On the off chance you have a need for it, better to have a slim chance of survival, opposed to none.

I don't even notice the SP-101 hanging on my belt unless my seatbelt catches it getting out of the truck (lefty with a crossdraw). .38spcls are plenty for Missouri.

Hadn't seen that model, pretty dang slick. I have a 60 "Ladysmith" (bit shorter barrel, bobbed grip), had one several years ago, tracked another one down to cure my seller's remorse a couple years back.

But for the money, the SP-101 still has my favor. But then again, when it comes to revolvers, I bleed Ruger red.