what size pistol should i carry for elk hunting?

[bucklucky]

I won't as a general rule, to much weight. I'm not going to go through all the work of cutting ounces and then add a heavy gun that in all probability has a 99.99% chance it won't be used.

 Now the caveat... This year I'm going to be elk hunting (packpack,bivy) in Montana for 14 days in an area where there are grizzly warnings. For the 1st time ever I am considering carrying either my S&W Scandium airweight .357 or bear spray.
 I'm not even sure I'll do either yet.

I got sopme stories for you about montana from my buddy that might make you want to carry a gun Grzz aint scared of people thats for sure!!

[carpsniperg2]

44cal minimum is what I would say. I have hunted big game with handguns. It's a blast! I use either my 454 casull or a t/c contender or my bolt action 7mm-08 cfp which is the best hunting handgun out there. Mine will be hunting lopes with me in wy this year.

[longbow11b1p]

H k socom m 21.  45.     2. Mags.

[C-Money]

I mostly carry my Beretta M9. It is the most comfortable pistol I own to carry for a long day.

[Huntbear]

Ruger revolver in 41 or 44 magnum....  bad medicine for big game and predators alike.

[coachcw]

if weights the issue carry spray , if not it better start with a .44 for griz. or both !

[jackmaster]

sorry i might have missed it, but are you bow huntn? if so, is it even legal to carry a handgun during elk archery season, sorry if i am way off thread..

[Button Nubbs]

Perfectly legal

[lee]

Just like the ole Hot-Rodders say, .... "There's no replacement for displacement".  I carry a 4" bbl Dan Wesson .44mag and 2 speed loaders. It's heavy but, ... I just deal with it.

[njc89]

My Ruger Security Six, 357 mag. should do the trick for black bears, cougars, or now even wolves that might get too close.  It's a lot lighter to carry than the Redhawk 44 mag.  Plus, for me a revolver seems a lot easier to use - just aim and shoot.  In true grizzly country though, I would certainly want more...lots more.  In Alaska the joke used to be that you could shoot the bear 5 times and yourself with the 6th.

[Raul Duke]

i carry a 40 cal glock 22. i carry one extra mag with me when im  hunting bear,elk and deer

I'm carrying the same thing. 

[Nape.257]

Ruger Super RedHawk Alaskan 454 Casull

I sleep good at nite.

[pianoman9701]

What can you afford? Desert Eagle? Colt Anaconda? Don't just piss 'em off with something small (just like the girls). Get something that'll leave an impression on 'em.

[high country]

I carry a smith 329pd. I get 44 mag power at that least weight penalty around. I would carry my 22 pistol and feel safe though, I know how it and I shoot together. take something you are familir with and shoot well......well placed bllets are key.

[Kain]

I always carry my 6.5" S&W 44 Mag in a shoulder holster.  Comfy and out of the way I forget it is there even though it is a very heavy gun.



I bought my wife a Ruger LCR 357 and have often thought about stealing it for a protection gun while hunting.  It is just so light.