44 mag bear protection pistol that I can also hunt with?

[azredhawk44]

I got to say "hi" to a black bear back in august at about 25 yards.

I had a 4" redhawk on my hip that came to hand very quickly. I was lying on the ground, glassing out a long meadow for elk, my rifle out in front of me. Bear came up behind me. No shooting was needed, but it was a comfort.

I also have a 5.5" redhawk, and it was my first redhawk. Were I to hunt with only a handgun, this larger one has gold bead sights that are much finer and more precise. It's still fairly nimble in hand, but the length of the barrel is a pain in the butt when sitting or kneeling in the woods. The 4" is a better hiking partner.

 

[batmann]

I vote is for a 629 Mountain gun in .44M---This what I have and it is both portable, accurate and being stainless, maintainence is easier.
If you are taking Deer under 50 yrds, the MG may be your solution. My only reccomendation is to order X-frame grips from S&W, they will cushion heavy loads better than the standard Houge grips.

 

[Shawnee]

Hi Mattole...

FWIW - the first thing I think you should do is choose to have two guns - each of which is excellent at what you'll use it for instead of having one gun that is mediocre at everything you want to do.

With that said, I would get the .44 Ruger single-action with/without a RedDot type sight for deer hunting.
Then get, if you really feel you need it, a shorter D/A that you can use as well as you use your index finger.

If your deer hunting is in bear country, I would still get the Ruger deer set-up (because you know you'll be deer hunting) and prepare myself to navigate bear country withOUT the likelihood of having to slap leather to save myself or the local Damsel.

Local opinions may vary, of course.

 

[pinkymingeo]

According to the tales I've read, the front sight is much more important than which particular handgun it's mounted on. Best is none at all. Otherwise, the smaller the better. Makes it easier to grind off. It's a matter of simple self-interest, they tell me. If you shoot a large bear with a handgun, he's going to take it from you and shove it where the sun don't shine. Should you survive the attack and the EMTs arrive, it'll be much simpler for them to get it out, and less painful for you. That's my understanding, anyway.

 

[Mattole]

Thanks everyone..

I've received some thoughtful, informative and even humorous responses.. I appreciate your input.

 

[O.S.O.K.]

easy

I'll just add another Ruger BH endorsement:

Ruger Stainless Super Blackhawk 4 5/8" 44 Mag or 45 Colt.

Can be fitted with a nice scope mount if desired but the irons are very good and it packs great. All kinds of leather available for it.

Choose 300 grain hard cast bullets at 1200 fps or so for bear. Same load is an excellent deer load or step down to 240/250 grain loads if desired.

If you are concerned about reloading (which I wouldn't be - the bear will either be dead or biting your head after 6 rounds) the Redhawk is the next choice.

 

[MCgunner]

For protection, you really need a DA sixgun.

DA is worthless in the field. I've never ever fired DA in the field, alway SA even with a DA gun. I'm quicker out of the holster with my Blackhawk than any of my DA guns and I have no problems firing it one handed, cocking, and firing again. I can shoot it about as fast as you can shoot a DA, I'd bet, considering the recoil recovery from a .44.

Me, I like my very accurate 4 5/8" .45 Colt Blackhawk. SAs are lighter on the hip than DAs for a given strength/caliber. Find a nice 6 1/2 Blackhawk or Super Blackhawk in .44 magnum and you're set. It's lighter than a Rednawk and stronger by design, no hinges, lock ups, etc. It's FAR stronger than a 29 Smith. The single action also handles recoil much better and with proper technique you can be back on target with a follow up in a flash.

If you want firepower, get an IMI Desert Eagle.

 

[Brasso]

Notice I said protection, not hunting.

I'm not doubting you, as far as you see the situation. My rational is that when some animal is literally right on top of you, as in having your various body parts for lunch, it's a bit harder to fire a single action than a double action. I'm not saying you can't protect yourself in that situation with a SA, just that a DA would most likely be easier.

 

[Highland Ranger]

How about this bad boy with the crimson trace grips? 60 yards might be a stretch for the laser though . . . . just get closer!

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...selected=tech&isFirearm=Y&parent_category_rn=

Agree with the DA recommendation. I would want the minimum number of things to remember if something furry or otherwise jumped me in the woods.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

IMO the S&W Model 29 Mountain Gun is probably a great bear defense woods gun. I'm not too sure it would make a good hunting gun though. It's going to be hard to find one revolver to fill both needs.

If at all possible get a good woods gun and then worry about finding a hunting gun since your life is a lot more important.

Magnum Research makes a great hunting revolver, the BFR. It comes in various hunting length barrels and many calibers from .22 Magnum to the .500 S&W Magnum and .50AE. (including the .450 Marlin and 30-30 Winchester) Here is the link to their hunting revolvers.

Good luck finding what you are looking for.