What is the best hand cannon for me?

[355sigfan]

If the primer on the cartridge (or cartridge itself) is bad and doesn't fire, simply pull back on the slide, eject the dummy, which will make way for the next cartridge in the magazine to be fed
END QUOTE

If the reason for the malfunction was he forgot to load the weapon or he did not seat the magazine properly this will not correct the problem. First tap the magazine hard to make sure its seated. Then rack the slide as you describe. Then engage or evaluate your target.
Pat

 

[MrBigStuff]

480 Ruger Alaskan all day

Best way to go in a very portable package. If you feel the need for anything stronger than a rifle is what you need.

 

[rick_reno]

I live just a bit west of you, on the edge of one of those grizzly bear protection zones. I carry a Ruger Alaskan in .454 - I carried a Ruger Redhawk 5.5 inch for about 10 years before they came out with the Alaskan. The Alaskan is perfect for woods carry, it's small enough that I don't even notice it when huckleberry picking or cutting wood. The 5.5 inch Redhawk was too big for me to carry and not notice. The Alaskan is amazingly accurate too, double action it'll ring the 50 yd steel gong 5 out of 6 times at our local range. I've had mine since last June (when they first came out) and like it. If you get one, pick up a holster from Rob at Simply Rugged in Alaska - about $40 and it really carries the gun nicely.
One word of warning - these can be hard to find. The first run was in .454, then they did some .480's.

 

[Freeze N]

I agree with Rick. This is the perfect gun for what you are looking for. That is also what it was designed for! A short barrel for packing in the back country. You can load it to what ever level you want. Hot Casull rounds, or potent 45LC loads. You can practice with milder 45LC Loads. This gun is dang accurate, and not to bad with the heavier loads either.



With the Milt Sparks PMK



It doesnt get much better than this for what you are looking for.
Ruger just did another run of these in January, so they may be getting easier to find.

 

[Turk]

Dienekes

Your post:
Just get a Ruger Blackhawk in .44 Magnum or .45 Colt and spend the extra money on ammo. In the end they're all just pistols and on the iffy side for the job. Familiarity, skill and caution will get you further than the latest 238 ounce .650 Magnum Guaranteed Bear Exterminator.

Sometimes I think I'm not manly enough for this forum.
__________________

I had to smile when I read your post. Because you're right. My Ruger Bisley in 45 Colt (high pressure loading with a LBT WFN bullet) will do what needs to be done and for a lot less money if a handgun is all I have but as you said iffy so my 9.3x62mm Mauser would be my choice. And your manly enough I had to smile again last summer my brother in law had stopped over and I had just retured from the range testing some of my cast bullets 454 Casull and the 444 Marlin. I had forgotten my shooting glove and my hand was still hurting some. He asked me the question Why do you want to shot something that hurts you?

Turk

Remember to pray for our troops.

 

[Srigs]

A 44 Mag or 500 from S&W would meet your needs very well. Let us know what you purchase.

 

[runninmike]

Duramaximum-
hey! I'm from Great Falls! I don't see too many fellow Montanans on this thread-good to see one.
I live in Socal now, but when I'm back home I like to carry a 4" S&W .41 mag. If I see a bear, they always run like heck if I see them. I can understand running into one along a brushy creek or tight trail in the "BOB" wilderness, and wanting the biggest, baddest handgun available to try to even the odds, but for me, a 4" N frame S&W is as big as I'm going to carry because of comfort. Sometimes I'll carry my 7.5"Super BlackHwk, but it is overly obtrusive on the long hike or fishing holes. I see these new Ruger Alaskan short barreled revolvers, and that would be mine if I felt wanted the super-duperest thumper in an ultimate short carry package with .480 Ruger or .454 Casull caliber. I often just carry a 2-3/4" Ruger Speed-Six in .357 or even one of my autos, but I guess I really never fear the all out bear attack. But we know it happens, so carry what you're comfy with. I usually fear the freaks I've met way out there miles from the vehicle or friendlies. Sometimes the encounter with people is just weird out there, but mostly good. The weirdos sure think they are out of the sight & jurisdiction of the law, but the sight of a sidearm always keeps them on their side of the trail. 4" S&W N frame (perhaps Mountain Gun model) in .41, .44 or even .45 Colt is my suggestion.
Best-MC

 

[Duramaximum]

Runninmike

The crazies are out there too, which also makes an impression on my decision. I have a friend, who is a Marine now, who was out in the "Bob" one time hike/camping. He was staring at the fire with his girlfriend about 2:00 in the morning and out of the woods walks this dude out of the thick of the brush (not the trail mind you.) He said he walked right out of the woods behind the flames of the fire, scared him to death. He said this guy almost got a .45 to the chest, compliments of Kimber. Just some wacko out for a hike in the middle of nowhere expecting to make friends. What is wrong with people?