Posted by Murdock:
That people continue to accept this old saw as fact stuns me.
I enjoy and collect S&W revolvers in several calibers. But...
Revolvers skip. They can't handle mud, dirt or sand. They go out of time. They develop end shake. Ejector rods unscrew and prevent cylinders from turning or opening. Spent brass gets caught under the extractor star and ties up the gun. Tools are usually required to work on them when they fail.
Revolvers have at least as many problems as semi-autos, and are usually more difficult to make right when they misbehave (Time and $).
If bears are not a concern, carry the 1911 in the back country. The only really dangerous critters out there are the rare, cowardly puma, wild dogs, wild people and the occasional rabid fox, coon or skunk. All perfect targets for the .45ACP, which is lighter and handier than the .44 Magnum.