RE: 357 for deer (bear?)
 

I was talking to a friend last weekend about a "back-up" gun to be carried when Ihunt deer.The back-up is to be use to take a bear (as protection only, I am not a bear hunter) during black powder season. I told him I carried a.40 S&W. He suggests"upgrading" to a 357. Is this a good reason for me to buy a newgun? Thoughts?

RE: 357 for deer (bear?)
 

Well I think it is a good reason to buy a new piece!

I am really partial to Ruger single actions in a hunting or back pack scenario. They don't weigh a ton and the curved grip serves as a recoil reducer. If all I was concerned about was black bear or cougar (which is enough worry!) I would feel fine with a .357 with a heavy bullet. I would also probably go with something like a 180 grain hardcast. Also with a .357 you could shoot .38 wadcutters during the offseason just to hone skills for not much money. The bigger the bullet, the bigger the $$$ The other thing is to check your state regs. Some don't allow carrying other arms while in a blackpowder, shotgun or bow season.