looking into purchasing a handgun, looking for suggestions...

[jackelope]

I have a Glock 22(.40s&w) and a Ruger Blackhawk 4 5/8" 357 mag. I suspect either one of these would suffice. I do tend to lean more towards the Glock because I like to be able to pull the trigger and it goes bang every time without having to cock the hammer. The single action Ruger has the cool factor but it goes against my K.I.S.S. (keep it simple stupid!) rules because I have to cock the hammer every time I want it to go bang and in a tense moment where I  might need it, I just might screw something up at a most inopportune time.

[7.62Warbird]

Kimber all the way. If its in your price range you won't be dissipointed.

[mossback91]

How do you screw up something as simple as cocking a hammer and pulling the trigger??

Quickdraw?

[Alchase]

i am looking at buying a handgun sometime in the next couple months to carry with me while i am out hiking/scouting and during bow season this year. just trying to get peoples opinions on which direction i should go. looking to have it for protection against bear/cougar in case i need it mainly.

Tons of choices and opinions about brand of guns, you can narrow that down by deciding a couple quickies,
Do you prefer a revolver or a Semiautomatic
(Will also determine how many rounds you have before reload)?
 
The answer will impact your caliber choices.
Since there are no Grizzlies in Washington   
 
Revolver - .454 Casull, .44 mag, .41 mag, .357 mag.
(personally would not go lower myself)
Semiautomatic - 10mm, .45, .40, .357 sig
(personally  would not go lower myself)
 
Do you also want to carry every day?
If you want to carry, size is a factor:
Revolver - 6 in, 4 in, snubby, lol
Semiautomatic - 5 in, 4 in, compact, subcompact
 
Now, once all that is determined, you will have to sort out all the opinions on here on which brand to go with, which of course is a personnel choice (like Ford or Chevy) after wading through all the wrong answers, you come to the only real and obvious choice......Springfield XD in .40 cal, PDX1 loads, 4 in,  Service...lol
 
Just kidding, many, many good hand guns out there to choose from, and if I could I would have one of each.
I would suggest you hit-up one of the locale ranges and spend the day shooting different types of guns. Anything else is someone else's opinion, which can work out fine, but you won't know what you are missing and believe me, all the brands feel different in your hand.
 

[jackelope]

How do you screw up something as simple as cocking a hammer and pulling the trigger??

Quickdraw?

I guess when a bear is trying to eat my face I'd rather not have to worry about that extra step. It's probably a non-issue, I'm totally comfortable with the gun and the workings of the gun, but it is 1 extra step that could get screwed up by me or anything else partaking in the equation.
And there's the quickdraw aspect of it too. That looks a lot cooler with the wheelgun. I would leave the Glock at home for the quickdraw shooting.

[BurleyDog]

My experience with pistols is limited however I will give you this advice. If you can shoot the gun (or same model) before you buy it that will really help.

This sounds like stupid advice - I'm not trying to be derogatory its just that I bought a pistol once and figured out that I couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with it... some pistols I shoot well others not..
I can't explain it.  But in the end bullet placement is what really matters.

[Arrowhead]

Well I know this post will probably raise a few hairs!  But here goes.
For me there is a BIG difference in what I carry daily for personal protection, and what I will carry out in the field for the "bear" factor.  Being in the military, I have gotten to use quite a few weapons, and my personal usage has varied across many brands and calibers.
But when it comes to hunting and backpacking across the wetside jungle, I dont really want to take my expensive, customized, daily carries with me.  I dont want them to stay wet for 2 weeks, get dirt grime and everything else in them so that they need a parade rest cleaning on a daily basis, and god forbid - I dont want to lose one of them out in the sticks, or crossing a river/stream.  I am very fond of my weapons and try to take good care of them.
So my choice for a pack gun, one that I can throw around in the Jeep, get dirty/scratched/pitted/or worst case scenario LOST is a Hi-point.  A very cheap weapon, that for the price, gets the job done.  And if I lose it, oh well, by another one.  If I break something or screw it up to bad, oh well, send it back to the Factory and get another one.  For a "cheap-throw a way" gun to pack around, I dont think you can beat them.  I personally take the 45 caliber.
A new pistol for less than 200 is a steal.  I still prefer Ruger, Glock and S & W though.

[MikeWalking]

My experience with pistols is limited however I will give you this advice. If you can shoot the gun (or same model) before you buy it that will really help.

This sounds like stupid advice - I'm not trying to be derogatory its just that I bought a pistol once and figured out that I couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with it... some pistols I shoot well others not..
I can't explain it.  But in the end bullet placement is what really matters.

Had that problem too, both Rugers, even from a rest...  Go to a Range and rent whatever you can...or buy lunch and after shoot'em up beers for a guy(s) that have lots to try..

[44 Flattop]

40 years of packing a pistol brought me full circle, starting out with a Ruger Flattop, then on to dozens and dozens of Smiths, 1911's, Colts, Freedom Arms, many that I've forgotten and then back to a Ruger Flattop. 

It is tough, really tough, to go wrong with a .44 Flattop whether an old 3 screw model or the new .44 specials.  My family ate thousands of pounds of deer and elk steaks brought home with my old Flattops.

[300rum]

If I where you I would look for a police trade in Glock.  Call around a few gunshops or pawn shops and see if they have anything.  If you aren't really into pistols you won't go wrong here.  The only thing I would do is change the mag springs.  You should be able to find one for $350 or so.   

Shoot the crap out of it, learn to keep your eyes open, watch the front sight lift, call your shots and don't worry about the caliber.  Myself, it is sometimes a Smith and Wesson 686 4" or maybe the 6" but most of the time a Commander .45 in a Yaqui holster with 8 rounds of ball.

[CAMPMEAT]

This is and easy one
In the field-for me hands down  Glock G20(15 rounds 10mm)
everywhere else- 357 LCR

That's exactly what I was gonna say, but a model 29 compact 10mm. That's what I'm looking at.

[coyotewallace]

I like the 29 but shoot the G20 better, and if I want I can add up to a  6" barrel  for hunting.

[True Sportsman]

40 years of packing a pistol brought me full circle, starting out with a Ruger Flattop, then on to dozens and dozens of Smiths, 1911's, Colts, Freedom Arms, many that I've forgotten and then back to a Ruger Flattop. 

It is tough, really tough, to go wrong with a .44 Flattop whether an old 3 screw model or the new .44 specials.  My family ate thousands of pounds of deer and elk steaks brought home with my old Flattops.

Now that is really cool.

I carry a Glock 20 almost everyday in a guide holster. I have 30 rounds (2 mags) of 200gr Hornandy XTP on me when im in the woods. I love the Glock because the metal is coated and it own't rust. I am not easy on this gun, and it perfect for me. Recoil isn't bad either, but if you had any hesitation go with a .45 or .40. Good luck...

[rtspring]

I carry a 9mm ruger almost every day, whether I am in the field or around town. I have carried this same gun since 1997 and can shoot it really well. This is key, you must be able to shoot whatever pistiol you want to carry...I truly believe that I can atleast stop any animal or human for that matter from attacking me.

Now a year ago I puchased a .500 Smith and Wesson and packed it around elk hunting. Holy chit that thing gets heavy. But the benefit to packing it is if i get in some thick stuff I shoulder the rifle and use the pistol... I'm thinking the 550 grain bullets should be enough for anything........

Shoot alot of pistols and find the one that you can shoot well and be comfortable with.

[zackmioli]

wow thanks a ton for all the info! i really appreciate it. i have been searching the guns suggested to me so far. i will keep everyone updated on which way im leaning as i look more into each one.

i like the ability to pull the trigger and have it go bang each time without cocking like jackelope mentioned, also the option of having more than 6 rounds is appealing. (im sure my mom would appreciate that as well  )

so far i like the looks and reviews ive read on the .357s for a revolver. i just started looking at the 10mm's and .40s as a semiauto.

i dont plan to use it as an everyday carry for protection, only when out hiking/scouting/hunting so i want something fairly light and comfortable to pack. i plan to do a lot more hiking and over night camping alone this year so i figure the smart thing to do is get something i can bring along for protection.

thanks again for all opinions/suggestions so far!