Thinking about a hand cannon.

[Berserker]

Probably nothing too, too big. Maybe 41 or 44 mag. I don't see 45LC mentioned much. .454 was mentioned.

I read, and didn't know, that single action are lighter and more duarable. You can't reload them as quick as double though. But if I don't stop a bear with 6 shots, I suspect their will not be time to reload.

One person said .357 was good, because it is easier to handle. Said when going for a head shot, you want better control. But I dunno, about head shooting a bear running 30mph, while I am shitting myself.

I have never overly worried about bears, wolves or the very rate cougar. But I have been bringing the dogs in the woods, and that is a different situation. Especially my German Shepherd, who is not coming like she should when called.

Plus with concealed carry, you have less worries about transporting a gun, or having it under a heavy shirt or coat when cold out. Plus I just want to buy a gun.


I am S&W man, but will look at Ruger. I don't overly care for the working of my SP101, and had to get a 2nd one cause the bullets got stuck in the first. I may consider Taurus.

Leaning towards 41 or 44 mag. I did fire .44 mag this year, and the control felt ok. But I was just shooting at a platic jug. It was set up nice for recoil too.


Maybe check out a gun show or used. Looking for a cold peice.

[Berserker]

One article mentioned, that wolves can attack in packs, so your somewhat screwed.

Another interesting thing, hand gun hunters go for heavy bullets. For .357 156-180. But for self defense, I carry .125. They say its better due to speed on people. Kienetic energy is 1/2 X mass X velocity^2, so speed is a factor.

Is this due to heavier hide? The need to do more damage, not just knock a guy down, since an animal may keep coming?

[GSB_77_XL]

Ruger Super Red Hawk .44 MAG

[007]

.44 mag and 45 LC are good. Lots of practice is necessary. If an auto is considered, maybe a .10mm Glock. Close to .41 mag and more capacity. Training, training, training.

[dirtydan]

If a bear is running toward me at 30 mph, I'd want an M60.

[WaBiker]

Ruger Super BlackHawk

Only cuz I already own a super redhawk.

[Rippin]

I own a WITNESS-P 45 acp...it has never let me down.

[TerryMiller]

Originally Posted by Berserker

O

Another interesting thing, hand gun hunters go for heavy bullets. For .357 156-180. But for self defense, I carry .125. They say its better due to speed on people. Kienetic energy is 1/2 X mass X velocity^2, so speed is a factor.

Is this due to heavier hide? The need to do more damage, not just knock a guy down, since an animal may keep coming?

Most animals are thicker than people. You want the bullet to go as deep as possible.

You don't normally want bullets going through one person into the next. The light expanding bullets prevent that.

Originally Posted by 007

.44 mag and 45 LC are good. Lots of practice is necessary. If an auto is considered, maybe a .10mm Glock. Close to .41 mag and more capacity. Training, training, training.

I'd be for the 10 mm as well. It won't be as punishing as a 44. It'll have more capacity than any revolver.

Originally Posted by GSB_77_XL

Ruger Super Red Hawk .44 MAG

Mighty fine revolvers.

[WaBiker]

..Guess it depends on yer definition of "Hand Cannon".
Personally, I dont feel that anything less than a .44 mag really qualifies.

[Berserker]

Originally Posted by WaBiker

..Guess it depends on yer definition of "Hand Cannon".
Personally, I dont feel that anything less than a .44 mag really qualifies.

Doesn't qualify for the task, or the term? I realize I am exagerating a bit on the term.

Hand cannon sounded more fun, then field gun, or gun for walking my dogs in the woods.