I have a Redhawk with 4" barrel in 45LC. When I'm Salmon fishing up north in bear country I carry it in a chest pouch loaded with the Buffalo bore 300 grain jacketed flat nose which barks along at 1450 fps. That is a very heavy load that should stop a bear as well as any hand gun and the 45 LC cowboy loads are pleasant to practice with.
I wouldn't trust my life to either. Neither is known for its reliability when dirty (and the woods is dirty). I will say the most accurate handgun I ever shot was a Mateba ... but its no combat arm.
Since you are undoubtably paying a guide to get you to your fishing spot, pick up the telephone and ask someone who kinows, your guide!!
Jim
As a side note, I was picking up a new gun back in Dec. and there was this real attractive female picking up a new Ruger GP100 4" in 44 mag. When I asked her what she needed it for, she said hiking and backpacking in Alaska. It was a really nice peice, and so was the girl.
You may not "feel" the recoil in a high adrenaline situation, but it doesn't change the physics -- you will EXPERIENCE the recoil, whether you feel it or remember it or not. Which was Dr. Tad's point. Just because you don't think you feel the recoil doesn't change the fact that your arms are indeed above your head after that first shot, while Mr. Bear is now biting your face off. Given 1.7 seconds to react, I'll take two shots from a .44 mag vs. one from a .454 any day.
Staying within the OP's two picks, my personal choice would be whichever cal. was available in a DA revolver.
For several years my huntin' and fishin' buddy carried a 454Casull and I carried a Blackhawk 45Colt. We went to the range almost any weekend not fishing/hunting. The recoil from the two pistols was not really much different, unless using slugs over 300g. The Casull is a bit heavier I think.
I purposely left out the giants (.500 & .460), as those frames typically don't fit my hands, and ergos are important for getting off any shot, let alone 2. So please leave them out of this discussion, except maybe in passing.
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.