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45acp semi-auto (personal protection) for black bear, cougar and wolf country while solo hiking-your thoughts? Or 44 mag or 45 Long Colt better? Also, brand and stores in WA state for purchase?

Thanks

Smith & Wesson XVR 460 Magnum. You can shoot the 460, 454 Casull, or the 45 long colt. Great gun, and perfect for your circumstance as described.

weight for back packing is a primary issue. No big revolver will suffice.

Bear pepper spray is a good idea and that S&W 460 does come in a survival model. I think it may have a 2 3/4 inch barrel.

I would consider two, the Ruger SP101 with a 3 inch barrel in 357 magnum. It weighs in at 27 oz unloaded. The second is the Glock 29 in 10mm which weighs under 25oz unloaded. The little Ruger is a 5 shot revolver and the G29 is a semi- auto that has a magazine capacity of 10 with an option of 15. Both the 357 and 10 mm cartridges are capable of handling anything up to the grizzly/ Brown bear where they would be hard pressed.

I wear my Kimber Ultra Carry on my horse, out on the trails, when weather here allows me to conceal it. Otherwise I pocket a Kahr PM9 but that won't suit your needs. Whatever you choose to carry....put your time in at the range and make sure it shoots where you point it which is much more important than caliber!

I think your 45acp would be just fine for Black Bear and Cougars and Wolves. If you are gonna be hiking weight is an issue. I big heavy big bore magnum revolver is going to be uncomfortable. I would suggest pepper spray and a nice modern semi-auto pistol like the XDs or the Glocks. 45acp, 40 s&w or even the hard hitting .357 Sig.

I would feel warm an fuzzy carrying a 45acp in those circumstances. Before I would consider carrying a big bore magnum revolver, I would look at the long gun. A simple 30-30 Winchester delivers more muzzle velocity that a 460 revolver and it's more accurate by far.

My Kimber Ultra Carry weighs in at around 24 or 25 ounces before ammo. Not a burden to be sure and a pretty compact profile on the hip or IWB when concealment is an issue.

trail gun revolver,revolver,revolver can,t.. break fail...357.41.44 or bigger if your in gris or brown bear country.look what guides carry in handguns in back country it an,t semiautos,sorry white altho 10mm is ulgy..as for rifles 30-30,35,45-70,444.450 lever action carbines nice......

I understand what you're saying about the chance of a failure but I kinda like those extra rounds in the semi-auto. Guess that's why they make both huh? I'm thinkin' you're kinda screwed either way with a big one!