I am a 76 year old outdoorsman with property in Idaho that I am being told the Fish and Game folks are starting to find Grizzly signs. I typically carry a .357 in a chest holster when in the back country but it has been suggested that I consider at least a ,44mag. Since we spend quite a bit of time hiking, stream fishing and riding in the summertime, I am considering moving up to that .44 mag. My .357 has never failed me, so I want to stick with a revolver and S&W. Any advice on a model that this old fart might be able to carry and handle?
Yeah, you need to consider carrying a Glock 20 or G40 over the 357magnum.
A G20 holds 15+1 rounds.
Underwood 200 grain hardcast can be bought local in most places or mail order. It's loaded to 1,300 fps/750 fps. That's over 12,000fpe total kinetic energy if you had to pump round after round into a charging bear. That's also seven and one-half OUNCES of lead poisoning for whatever is headed your way!
The very best ANY 44magnum revolver can do is less than half the total "throw weight" of the 10mm and only about 100fpe more energy per shot than the 10mm, except the 44 revolver only holds SIX, versus SIXTEEN of the G20.
THAT is what my "old hands" would be holding.
Woo hoo! Bear thread!
This guy’s trusty .357 Smith worked for him.
Montana Grizzly Attack Caught on Camera | Field & Stream
I'm thinkin' the best 44mag would be S&W 500
I don't have one, but I have a bunch of 44's so I'm definitely not knockin' 'em...