[APSurvival]

Originally Posted by phildenton

To the op, what is your budget for this and what state are you in?

Washington and if I can get something for around $500 or less I'd be happy. I'm willing to spend a little more for quality tho.

[RustyShackleford101]

If you can deal with the weight, recoil, and size, the Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan is a great choice. It is just a Super Redhawk with a 2.5 inch barrel. It comes chambered in .44 mag and I think possibly .454. Also a S&W X frame in .460 or .500 magnum with a short barrel would make a bear pretty dead, if you can deal with SAWC and recoil.

[Tackleberry1]

Originally Posted by APSurvival

Basically looking to use it for protection during backpacking trips/ long hikes. Looking for something strong enough to deter larger wildlife. Cougars, Bears, etc... don't necessarily want to drop anything but definitely use as a deterrent.

Neither Cougars or Bears are detered by the caliber of your sidearm. They are detered by bringing there blood pressure to ZERO.

Go with a .44 Mag and be prepared to kill and eat either one. They are certainly prepared to eat you so fair is fair...

Tack

[APSurvival]

Originally Posted by Tackleberry1

Neither Cougars or Bears are detered by the caliber of your sidearm. They are detered by bringing there blood pressure to ZERO.

Go with a .44 Mag and be prepared to kill and eat either one. They are certainly prepared to eat you so fair is fair...

Tack

Sounds like I'm going with a .44 Mag! Thank you guys!

[locutus]

My trail gun is a 6 inch Ruger Security Six, loaded with Federal 125 JHP bullets.

I carry pepper spray for wildlife. (the stuff the National Park Service issues, not the K-Mart blue light special.)

Ther Ruger is for Turkeys!

[gunsmoke11]

A couple of good choices would be the S&W model29 44 mag, or Colt New Service 45LC if you can find one.

[Highhawk8]

A good trail gun would be a revolver with a 3 or 4 inch barrel in .357 mag., 45 colt, 44 special, or 44 mag. depending on what you can handle. I'd get a stainless, with rubber grips. A good leather holster and belt to support it.

[locutus]

Originally Posted by Highhawk8

A good trail gun would be a revolver with a 3 or 4 inch barrel in .357 mag., 45 colt, 44 special, or 44 mag. depending on what you can handle. I'd get a stainless, with rubber grips. A good leather holster and belt to support it.

I prefer a 6 inch barrel, but there's nothing wrong with a 4 incher.

[kalboy26]

I would say the judge is a phenomenal trail gun. 410 rounds or a 45 long colt. That covers most everything I can think of when in a pinch.

[mdauben]

Originally Posted by Highhawk8

A good trail gun would be a revolver with a 3 or 4 inch barrel in .357 mag., 45 colt, 44 special, or 44 mag. depending on what you can handle. I'd get a stainless, with rubber grips. A good leather holster and belt to support it.

I'd have to say this is pretty much my own definition of a trail gun, too.

I will admit to a fondness for smaller .22 revolvers like the S&W 317 "Kit Gun" for casual carry in the relatively tame eastern woods or perhaps as an companion to a heavier long gun although I admit it leaves a lot to be desired if SD against 2 or 4 legged threats is your main consideration.