Best sidearm for bow/muzz hunting?

[Huntbear]

My carry in the woods sidearm is my Ruger Redhawk .44 mag. in a cross draw holster.  Would not want anything less than a .357.

[Dansk]

Thanks all- good stuff.  To clarify- I'm worried about the nut jobs you find out there.  Im not worried about cougars, and carry spray when i'm in Montana griz country.

A buddies brother had to knife a guy in self defense durring muz. deer a few years ago- kept coming at him like a zombie- the wierdest thing...i'm sure it was drug related.  Since then I've been itchin' to carry, take a few handgun courses, and get my CWP.

Consensus seems to be around stainless revolvers .357+  in a 4-6" barrel.

[WDFW-SUX]

If its just for people gun Id get a cheep glock in 40S&W

[bobcat]

The 357 is nice as you can also shoot the cheaper 38 Specials out of it with a lot less recoil/noise, which makes it very versatile.

[RailRob]

easy answer!!!

[remington300mag]

Go with the S&W .500.....At least then you know you'll never be out gunned!

[Dansk]

Hmm.. the mac10 is tempting... but then I'd have to buy two and learn to shoot from the hip.

"John.... John... I'l be waiting, John..."

[RailRob]

ok ok..what about this?

[Ricochet]

I carry a Colt Python .357 in a shoulder holster.  Very comfortable and easy to get to.  I paid $295 for mine but that was back in '78.

[RailRob]

ok im totally kidding on my posts...I usually carry a my glock, or my ruger .45...but know i carry my .taurus .357

[Huntbear]

Just remember, you will be carrying this in less than ideal conditions ie... wet, brush, etc.. and so on.

Revolvers go bang every time you pull the trigger(they are considered idiot proof)  Autos can jam, and unless you are real good at clearing feed jams, it may be a slight problem, when a meth head is coming at you at close range.  Just my 

[HawkenBob]

  Since then I've been itchin' to carry, take a few handgun courses, and get my CWP.

Consensus seems to be around stainless revolvers .357+  in a 4-6" barrel.

In the woods, while hunting, fishing or camping, going to or from, as well going to or from range. It is legal in this state to carry concealed without a permit.

You may already know that but many are surprised by this law. Just thought id throw it out to get the word out more.

[woodswalker]

I have a S&W airlite 329 PD 44mag.........It weighs 26oz sucks to shoot but is a pleasure to carry

If you shop around you can something for your price range.  The most dangerous thing in the woods around here is other people. I have never carried a sidearm in washington for fear of critters

We have been having troubles with feral dogs running in the woods.  They run deer and will gang up on most anything alive.  I've had a few run-ins with them and killed a few...and taken a few at distance when spotting them running deer. NO mercy there.

I've been treed by a pack of 11 dogs....that changed what i carried...was out grouse hunting and had only the .410 and a .22 revolver.  Now i carry the .410, the Ruger .45 (or .44) and a pocket full of ammo. some of those dogs were wearing collars with recent, valid tags.  the sheriff took the collars back to the owner and explained that the dogs had been shot after treeing a bird hunter....some of them were PISSED...but one dog was over 5 MILES from home.

[Slider]

I carry a Colt Python .357 in a shoulder holster.  Very comfortable and easy to get to.  I paid $295 for mine but that was back in '78.

I'll give ya $295.00 for it? 

[addicted]

Taurus Judge with a 3 inch barrel.