I would have to go with a S&W 629 44 mag. with as much barrel length, 4” or more, that you can comfortably carry and still do your job. I bought my first S&W N frame Model 29 Nickel plated 44 mag. back in the 70s. It has a 6 ½” barrel and is extremely accurate. I just retired it back into its presentation box and bought a new 629 stainless 6 ½” with hi-vise sights. I would recommend these sights.
It is big and heavy but in the right holster I never felt it was a problem to have with me. Many time I even had it attached on the side of a backpack. If I went to the woods again the new 629 loaded with either 240gr hard cast or jsp bullets would go with me and as previously mentioned in another post in a Kydex holster vs. the leather one I have for the Mod 29.
I’d like to comment on an interesting point that was made previously several times in this thread. I carried this revolver when hunting, 4-wheeling, hiking, etc. all over the Rocky Mountains “just in case” and I never felt threatened by any wildlife. This includes encounters with bears and several close up and personal encounters with mountain lions. In every instance they basically looked at me and departed. I also feel confident if I had come across any situation where I need it this revolver would do the job.
There really are many excellent choices that have been previously mentioned in this thread such as the extremely tough GP 100 Ruger .357 and for an autoloader the 1911 .10mm or the 45acp but for me personally, in the backcountry, the 44 mag. revolver is the one I’d stake my life on.
It is big and heavy but in the right holster I never felt it was a problem to have with me. Many time I even had it attached on the side of a backpack. If I went to the woods again the new 629 loaded with either 240gr hard cast or jsp bullets would go with me and as previously mentioned in another post in a Kydex holster vs. the leather one I have for the Mod 29.
I’d like to comment on an interesting point that was made previously several times in this thread. I carried this revolver when hunting, 4-wheeling, hiking, etc. all over the Rocky Mountains “just in case” and I never felt threatened by any wildlife. This includes encounters with bears and several close up and personal encounters with mountain lions. In every instance they basically looked at me and departed. I also feel confident if I had come across any situation where I need it this revolver would do the job.
There really are many excellent choices that have been previously mentioned in this thread such as the extremely tough GP 100 Ruger .357 and for an autoloader the 1911 .10mm or the 45acp but for me personally, in the backcountry, the 44 mag. revolver is the one I’d stake my life on.