Yep I'm asking it....

[Westside88]

Defense from?  From what you've described I'd say .357 mag 6" barrel. There's plenty of good semi auto's in various calibers that would be good too. I just like the simplicity and power a medium to large bore revolver offers.

Predators, bears, cats, ect...

Like I said before, many valid opinions. The Glock in 10mm is something I would like to own also. The main reasons I like revolvers not only the power available in the longer cartridge, but also the various types of bullets. Hollow points aren't necessarily the best for shooting an animal. There are more hunting type bonded bullets for revolvers.  I personally carry a .44 mag, but a .357 mag is a pretty darn good all around pistol. Decent range and power while pretty easy to shoot well. The 7 shot mentioned earlier is pretty interesting. I'm a huge fan of the simplicity of point shoot repeat as necessary. No worry of dumping a magazine or having to clear a jam in a during a stressful situation. Availability of ammo should be considered as well. Absolutely most important is to find one that fits you and practice so you can shoot it well. A well placed 9mm is way better than a .44 mag that doesn't hit the target

[Bigshooter]

Both will work fine for any of the things you want to use them for.  Personally I would buy what ever feels most comfortable in your hand.  I keep one of each next to my bed and depending on the day will pack either one while out hunting.  I don't think there is a wrong choice unless you want almost 100% reliability.  Then I would choose a revolver.

[Bofire]

  Smith and Wesson Model 686 .357 magnum in 4 inch. Most versitile handgun around. 38 special light loads to 180 grain hardball. perfect trigger, good sights, MANY loads.
Carl

[jdb]

Ruger Blackhawk 4 5/8" barrel .45 colt. 36 oz. loaded correctly nothing it can't handle

[JJB11B]

As a defensive firearm while hunting I would go with a .357 with a 3-4 inch barrel. Personally I prefer Ruger or Smith and Wesson. Would not buy any other brand of standard revolvers. Home Defense gun, Springfields and Glocks are great weapons. I prefer a Glock 9mm. I carry a Glock 26 with 15rnd Mags and it is accurate. Yesterday I shot a two inch group at 45 Ft. all 15 rounds. Not bad for a compact 9mm and an out of practice shooter

[jasnt]

I carry a Ruger SR9. Feels great in my hand shoots very well, holds 17+1. And somedays I get a wild hair and pack the ruger super Blackhawk in 44mag. It is way more accurate and plenty of power. But extra heavy with the 10.5" barrel.

[lokidog]

No comments regarding type of gun...

just a suggestion on the Concealed Permit.  Get it now.  Why wait?  You don't need to show your shooting ability or anything.  Who knows how long the processing will take, if you apply for it now, you will have it when you are ready and want it.   

[Hoyt Head Hunter]

No comments regarding type of gun...

just a suggestion on the Concealed Permit.  Get it now.  Why wait?  You don't need to show your shooting ability or anything.  Who knows how long the processing will take, if you apply for it now, you will have it when you are ready and want it.   

The main reason is that im only 19
I am extremely safe with guns and have shot many handguns but carrying is a big responsibility and i want to be more than comfortable with my weapon before i take on that responsibility. The main reason i want a hangun now vs when im 21 is because i do a lot of hunting by myself (i always have someone close but im a bowhunter and the extra protection never hurts, especially with some of the areas i hunt)

[lokidog]

No comments regarding type of gun...

just a suggestion on the Concealed Permit.  Get it now.  Why wait?  You don't need to show your shooting ability or anything.  Who knows how long the processing will take, if you apply for it now, you will have it when you are ready and want it.   

The main reason is that im only 19
I am extremely safe with guns and have shot many handguns but carrying is a big responsibility and i want to be more than comfortable with my weapon before i take on that responsibility. The main reason i want a hangun now vs when im 21 is because i do a lot of hunting by myself (i always have someone close but im a bowhunter and the extra protection never hurts, especially with some of the areas i hunt)

Ahhh, that makes sense then.  Good luck to you.   

[Alchase]

Are you hunting an area where brown bears frequent?
If so there is a reason most in Alaska carry .44 mag or bigger.
In Washington, not so much need. I suggest you go to a range that rents hand guns. We all can tell you what we carry, but that does not help you if they don't feel good in your hand or you can't shoot that caliber proficiently. Some people do not like the angle of the grip on glocks Some do not like a double stack (thicker grip). Some thin .40 is to "sharp of a kick" others think a .45 or 10 mm is to powerful for follow up shots. Which is better, carrying a .460 you can't hit the broad side of a barn with, or a .45 you are deadly with?
I quit carrying a revolver 30 years ago. Since the  I have carried 10 mm, .45, 9 mm, now I carry a XD .40 4in. Daily and in the field.
If  I was going to Alaska, I would have a big bore .44 mag or better in a chest holster.
I took a lot of words to say, find a caliber that fits your needs, then find a gun in that caliber that your hand likes and you can shoot proficiently.
Most important have fun and shoot a lot .

[Hoyt Head Hunter]

Are you hunting an area where brown bears frequent?
If so there is a reason most in Alaska carry .44 mag or bigger.
In Washington, not so much need. I suggest you go to a range that rents hang guns. We all can tell you what we carry, but that does not help you if they don't feel good in your hand or you can't shoot that caliber proficiently. Some people do not like the angle of the grip on flocks. Some do not like a double stack (thicker grip). Some thin .40 is to "sharp of a kick" others think a .45 or 10 mm is to powerful for follow up shots.
I quit carrying a revolver 30 years ago. Since the  I have carried 10 mm, .45, 9 mm, now I carry a XD .40 4in. Daily and in the field.
If  I was going to Alaska, I would have a big bore .44 mag or better in a chest holster.
I took a lot of words to say, find a caliber that fits your needs, then find a gun in that caliber that your hand likes and you can shoot proficiently.
Most important have fun and shoot a lot .

Yep my next step is to rent some guns! Thanks!

[cletus]

Glock 20 with 200 grain with  hard cast bullets, I would rather carry this with 15 shots vs. 6 and the glock loaded will still weigh less than a revolver.

[HawkCreek]

A 10mm is hotter than a .357 unless your hand loading for a Contender/Encore or a Freedom Arms weight revolver. I retired my .357 S&W in favor of a Glock 20. More than twice the ammo carried in the gun read to go, the only thing my .357 could do that my 10mm can't is fire CCI shotshells.

[BiggLuke]

I love my Ruger GP100...   it's not that heavy, and packs a wallop. Very fine looking and super accurate. Plus, being Ruger... you can get tons of after market parts for it.

 .357 Magnum will handle anything you run into.