t-roy

look into the taurus trackers, you can go with .357, .44mag, or just about any caliber you want. they are light, darn good price, and an overall heck of a gun. my brother just bought a .357, and it was dead on right out of the box

rcw280

Hey dpv I also have a 357 in a S&W 686 and 44 mag in a S&W problem as model 29 but have the opposite problem as you after about thirty rounds with the 357 the palm of my hand is killing me.

Charley

Check the gunshows or other used gun places for a Ruger Security/Speed/Service Six. Slightly smaller than K framed Smiths, and much more durable. I see them go for about $200 to $250 in my area. A good .357 should handle everything except big bears.

Bowshooter48

As long as is a Ruger you will not have a problem, get my drift!!!

MThunter

Well IMO you might as well buy a pistol that is both for protection and hunting. That being said since your in Idaho there is a lot more to protect against than just mnt. lions. If I needed to stop a black bear or even a grizzly bear the .357 just isn't going to cut it.