I think that with the strength of the Ruger super blackhawk revolvers that guys are now loading 45 long Colt up towards 44 mag velocities, with a much bigger bullet.

 

This thread has been around a while. Here is my opinion based on my experiences.

First I wouldn't use a semi auto as protection against dangerous game. For reliability purposes I would use a revolver which will take more dirt and debris than a semi auto. My preference is also single action revolvers over double action but each person will have their own preference on that.

Next, I suspect the original question was on black bear so with that in mind a .45 Colt with the proper loads would be fine or a .44 Mag. Loads would be a 300 grain bullet at about 1250 fps in the .45 or about 1350 in the .44. This also depends on what size bear frequent the area.

Now if we are talking about grizzly or brown bear I would be uncomfortable with the .44 Mag. preferring to have 454 or 475 instead. I have taken one brown bear in Alaska with a handgun and I found out really quick how irritated they can get. Lets say we had a few seconds of intense negotiations about who would take whose hide home. Basically the first shot can kill them but it takes a while for them to realize they are dead.

 

I am just the opposite. I would rather have a semi-auto when hunting dangerous game. For the simple fact that it eliminates opperator error. If a big brown bear is charging me I can get all 4 of my shots off faster then anyone who is using a bolt-action. In my 16 years of big game hunting I have never had a BAR jam up.

However, I am sure the key here is when you are out hunting something that can kill you, be sure you have with you a gun you can trust and are comfortable with.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

 

For an in the woods sidearm I prefer the revolvers. I own both a Glock 17 and a Sig 228. Both have stovepiped on me with good factory ammo and in both clean and dirty states. It is nice to have 13+ rounds at ones disposal. The stovepipes make me question the reliability that I would need in the woods or for protection at home.

The .44 mag is a great gun to carry in the woods. The Smith 629 cant be beat. For home protection I keep it loaded with .44 Specials in a Silvertip or HydraShok type bullet. In the woods Ive got some devastating hollowpoints in .44 mag.

Catterman, Im with you on the semi autos for rifle hunting dangerous game. As long as you know the gun and its proven to be reliable, the semi auto is awesome. Im thinking about the Benelli R1 in .300 Win Mag or possibly a Browning.

I pity the fool trying to break into my house.

 

i know several cops and the standard weapon is a 9MM but they all chose a 45 becuse it packs so much more of a punch. the 9mm will put a hole in a person just under 1/2 on a good day. the 45 would punch a hole in them over 1/2 inch on a bad day. i would definatly go with the 45. for accuracy i would go with a revolver for self defence i would go with the auto.(becuase you can fire more rounds from it faster) hope it helps

 

Here is the original question.

The 9mm would be fine for the coyotes.

But I would definately go with something bigger for the bears up North.
I would go with at least a .44 or .45 magnum. Even my .41 mag should be ok.
I wouldn't go with the semi-auto though I don't think.
Like mentioned earlier, if you go to small you will just pi$$ the bear off and then you are in trouble.
Learn to shoot quick and accurate, you want the first shot to count, but if not, the second one better.
With a pistol, they will die with a good accurate shot, but as stated earlier, it will take them a minute to figure out they are dead.

Good Luck

 

Save yourself the trouble and buy a Smith and Wesson .500 Magnum. Knock a moose off it's feet if you wanted to[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

i like the .45, but them .40s are nice also, check out the glock website, www.glock.com i have the glock 21

 

wings fan i see, niice.

I shot a desert eagle .50 about a month ago, id hate to be on the other side of that thing man.

 

Me too they really kick ****