This topic can go on forever.One will say "man up,and take your girlie panties off" another will say,"lightweights are hard for recovery shots", on and on.
Well, it seems to me that this is a personal choice between jocky shorts or boxers. Whatever fits you the best.
Several posters sighted comfort of carry, comfort of recoil etc. etc. etc.
I know one thing is for certain and that is comfort ,at the end of the day,is NOT being the victim.
So, if limited to a handgun in dangerous territory,I would carry the hardest hitting caliber in the size and weight I could handle the best. Other than that the weight of the gun is not important.
If your hunting style and tactics require you to be HOPING what you carry is going to be sufficient maybe you need to re-think your hunting style.Gunning down a bear charging at you is an extremely difficult task,confidence in your choice and ability is paramont. Nick