handgun for bowhunter

[KillBilly]

My 2 cents, the .357 is too light for hunting bear or for bear protection.  I would recommend .41 mag as a min, just an opinion though.

My .357 Supermag puts a .41 to shame....

[Bowcop]

If I could only own 1 hand gun it would be the Glock 23....If you load up with the 180 grain GoldDots or the Golden Sabres you have a formidable round for ANY thing you would come accross in the woods, 4 legs or two. This is the only gun I carry in the woods....

The 23 is perfect for light weight and ease of carrying. Plus the .40 has every bit as much energy as a .357 without the recoil.

The FBI has determined that the .40 has more "One shot stops" on people than any other round for the last 10+ years. If it's good enough for that, its good enough for Black bears, cougars and wolves. I would want something a bit bigger if I were to venture into Grizzly country..... I would not hesitate to shoot a Grizz with a 10mm.

Plus in the Glock 23, when I carry it in the woods I have it loaded with a mag from a Glock 22 giving me 16 rounds before I have to reload, plus as the others have stated shot placement is paramount.

[h2ofowlr]

Taurus Judge in the Titanium Frame.  .45 / .410  Just load .410 buck shot / slug combo.

[Bowcop]

The only issue I have with .410 buckshot is that beyond 15 feet it is pretty much useless........the .45LC though is a great round.

[wikid10]

I carry a Sig Sauer P229 .40 S&W.  It will do the trick for protection.  I wouldn't use it as your primary weapon for hunting, but throw a couple of hollow points in there and you will make your point!

[colockumelk]

I think a good weapon is the Tracker line of revolvers by Taurus.  I especially like the .44mag.  It has a five round cylinder so its a little thinner and is fairly light.  4"inch barrell makes it really nice for packing. 

[kantill]

I'll stick with my 8 3/8 ported barrel 44mag, yeah its a big gun but it has very little kick so I can be back on target much faster. Loaded with some 300 grain rounds and I'll feel nice and safe no matter what or who comes out of the bush.