i forgot to asked this here when i was looking a while back, i made the decision to go with the cougar because of ammo was available there was no 357 in sight at the time and still isn't, and price of the gun. these were the only ones available at the time in my price range. here is my post, what would have ya'll done? hope i made a good decision, the cougar really shoots great. THE POST:i am looking to get me a gun to wear for self defense, i will use it in public as well as in the woods. right now i can only afford one gun so my choices at my shop are the 40 or 357 mag. the 357 is $100 more than the 40 so thats something to consider. the guns are a taurus 357 model 66 at $475 and a stoeger couger in 40 for $375 both are new. i will be using them open carry as i need a hiking gun, here where i live my biggest threat will be man then a rabid coyote there is a slim chance i may run up on a feral dog or hog too. thanks which would ya'll choose having only one choice?, i live in kentucky. thanks