What are some of the best pistols (money in mind) for takeing along on hiking or scouting. Also strong enough to take a bear if bear hunting with it.

I like the Glocks, fairly light, easy to shoot, easier to clean. I have a .40 cal. I think they make a .44. As far as pistols and bear hunting, I know a helicopter pilot who did some heli-logging in Alaska. He said that the cable hookers (?) would strap a Thompson 50 cal to their chest in bear country. Maybe a Desert Eagle .44 mag could do the trick, but it is going to be heavy.

If I had to face a bear and could not have a rifle I would want nothing less than a Ruger Super Blackhawk in .44 mag with full throttle loads in it. To me, in that situation, the weight of that revolver would be a comfort.

A .44 Automag would probably work, if you can find one, and if it doesn't jam on you at a very bad time.

IMO the 5 1/2" Super Black Hawlk in 44 mag with hot hard cast ammo "could" do it , small enough to carry and enough punch to hunt with . I would not hunt with it though , I would want more barrel to hunt with or even to move up to 454.

my choice would be a stainless 5 1/2" ruger blackhawk in .45 colt shooting 325g lbt hard cast bullets at max load. if you want an idea of what the good old .45 colt is capable of go check out john linebaugh's site.

loboman7x57

A .44 Rem. Mag. or larger revolver. Good luck.

I'd also go with a 44mag with full power loads. For hiking, I'd stick with a shorter barrel, it comes out quicker and is lighter to pack. A S&W Mountain Gun(4-inch), any Ruger in 5 1/2 inch(Blackhawk or Redhawk) or a Colt Anaconda 4-inch will do fine. For hunting, I like a longer barrel(6in or longer) in 44mag or bigger.

There's a HUGE difference between "what handgun will do it" than "what YOU can do with the handgun"!!!!!!!! What i'm saying is, just because a 4" 44mag with heavy loads will kill a bear, it doesn't mean "you" can or will be able to do it!!!

I've shot deer, moose ect.. with my 44 mags, as i hunted with them all the time, but i shot "at least" 50 rounds a week of full power loads, and most weeks 100 to 150 rounds EVERY week!!!

Are you going to invest that kind of time and $$ for ammo???????????????? I didn't think so, so buy your self a short barreled pump shotgun, and carry it!!!!

Drilling Man

how true. My opinion is to get what you feel comfortable with. I would rather hit a threat with a 9mm 7 out of 14 times then miss once with a pistol that i can't shoot very well. Confidence in hitting your target is more important than the caliber. Just get the biggest caliber you can handle well. Make sure the pistol fits your hand.