I've done a fair amount of backpacking in the CA Sierra Nevada and Marble Mountain Wilderness (way up north). On these types of threads, many people recommend larger and heavier guns, and more ammunition, that I would want to carry backpacking. For a backpacker, the extra pound or two of a .44 magnum is VERY significant. That's not to say that it may not be justified under some circumstances, but when you are carrying everything you'll need for a week or so on your back, and you've probably spent hundreds of dollars for an ultra-light tent, pack, clothes, down sleeping bag, etc, you tend to think pretty hard about carrying an extra pound or two of gun that you are VERY unlikely to actually need.
There are no grizzlies in California. Black bear attacks are very rare. Mountain lion problems are probably slightly more likely. People are probably the biggest danger - and that's not likely either. I always carry a gun, and it is comforting, but I've never needed it. Back in the 70's I used to carry a very light (for its day) Charter Arms 4", 5-shot .357. A few years ago I switched to a Kel-Tec P11 9mm (16oz, 11-shot, reliable, but heavy trigger). I also got a P40 for this purpose, but could never get it to work reliably. Recently, I bought a S&W Titanium J-frame .357 (360 Kit Gun - 3 1/8" barrel, 14.5 oz) for this purpose. Recoil with 158gr magnum loads is pretty brutal, but I think it will give me an edge if I ever need to shoot a bear. The nice single-action trigger and good sights will make it easier to hit with. I'm considering getting the Crimson Trace laster grips for it (in the evening/moon light conditions that bear problems often seem to occur, I think being able to put a laser dot on the target might be better than trying to see the sights). Out in the woods, I find I can often see reasonably well at night (well enough to easily distinguish a bear from another camper/log/what have you), but I probably couldn't see my sights against a dark background. I will probably carry aroud 15-20 rounds of ammunition with me.
I must admit that the new S&W Titanium .44 mag interests me, but it is still quite a bit larger and heavier than my .357, and I've read that the recoil is terrible. I actually prefer semi-autos, so if I could get something like my Kel-Tec, but with a single-action capability (for a better trigger), and chambered for a better cartridge (maybe 10mm?), I'd be tempted. I've given very serious thought to a Glock 29 10mm, and may still get one someday, but I really hate the feel of this pistol, and I'm not a big fan of the Glock trigger (makes me nervous - expecially since I often carry in a small fanny pack - across my chest attached to my backpack when on the traiil).
Doug
