Whats you preferance?

[boneaddict]

I'd have to agree with pope.  I feel much better in any bear country with a sidearm.  My luck the bear would like salt and "pepper" with his steak dinner

[Remmark]

I never liked the way  the Blackhawk rolled in my hand compared to the Redhawk style for most loads. I carried a .41 Blackhawk in Alaska ( especially when flying). The grip of the Super Redhawk is just like the gp100 and is the best type of material for absorbing recoil that i've found. Phil Schoemaker of Alaska (a guide who writes for the gun rags) says he and his daughter carry .357 mags with a 180gr hard cast bullet and aim for the brain/spine for complete penetration not expansion. Bill Jordon agreed with them saying that a .357 maggie is more controllable than a .44 mag to put multiple shots into the critter (if'n you can). Maybe a good compromise is to carry a Buffaloe Bore heavy .44 special load using a 255 grain hardcast bullet @ 1000 fps. This load is controllable in my 4" Smith 29

[superdown]

Why can't a charge be stopped with a handgun?  I know people aren't accurate under pressure but at 5 feet a .460 or .500 would do some damage...

I guess anything is possible but all the research i have done on the subject has said likely hood is so slim that it is not worth staking your life on. A long arm or pepper spray is a better bet . I do know their are a few cases of people stopping a charge with a handgun. but it is not the best tool for the job .

I feel pretty naked in the woods with just my bear spray... Something about it doesn't give me the confidence I need when my life is on the line.  I would die with more satisfaction knowing I miss the shot(s) in the event of a charge, rather than having a can of spray not work... Maybe I need to see some bear spray in action?

I also carry a side arm for the same reasons wether it be a false sense of security or not.

[gasman]

Well, as lang as things go as planned i am going to trade my Beretta 96 for a Super Blackhawk.
We are going to meet tommorow to make the exchange.


I Whent to Welches gun shop and held a Super Blackhawk and like the way it felt, but my only issue will be i need to replace the original grip a after market grip. (I have fat palms) My pinky finger only fits half way on the grip, (or underneith the gun) but the aftermarket grip fits great and is very comfortable.