stoeger 9mm auto or taurus 357 magnum

[MCgunner]

I'm not saying the Cougar or Taurus are bad guns at all. Just saying that buying used can be an alternative to new inexpensive guns, and can sometimes get you a better value.

Sometimes...sometimes not.

 

[golden]

COUGAR is self defense is most likely

No question, go with the COUGAR. I used to own one and it worked fine. The only reason I sold it was I had several BERETTA 92's and prefered the 92 Compact, as it had a shorter grip, which is easier to conceal.

For a bear gun, I think the COUGAR in .45ACP would be a better all around choice than the .357, unless bears are your primary worry. Use the COR BON DPX round. It will expand, but penetrate deeply.

Jim