I’m out in the woods a good deal in the NE. NH & ME. I’d say for woods defensive purposes, a .357 in 4” like a 686+ is gonna be plenty 99.9% of the time. I carry a 44 mag in 6.5” because sometimes I want to be the predator.

PS) any of the mountain guns in 357 or up would probably be ideal if you can find one. Real nice looking and carrying guns that were tailor made for the task. Pride of ownership, too. Something you could have your whole life and pass down. If you’re more a fisher than hunter or gun guy and don’t plan on buying a bunch of guns, i’d personally go the ‘top-shelf’ approach ang get something like this as it could wear many ‘hats’ too - bedside or home defense, potential CC, range fun, etc.

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Oui Chef!