Originally Posted by DESERT ED

My 2 cents. I do trail clearing 2-5 times a year in the high S. San Juans. I used to take my 4inch 66 on my belt, but with the rumor of more moose in the area I decided to upgrade to my new to me 629 3inch. It rides in a Simply Rugged pancake with the chesty-puller harness. Even though it's a bit heavier than the 66, having it ride on my chest makes it a non-issue.
I try to play the weight game, but with a chainsaw,gas, oil, axe, etc. on my back I always loose. I haven't had any issues with it taking off and putting on my pack.
I've stumbled on lot's of elk over the years, and I've heard some pretty loud critters crashing through the aspens trying to escape my presence. Last year a shepard shot 2 black bears up there messing with his sheep. I feel a little safer with the .44 just in case I stumble upon a momma moose or the ghost grizzly of the San Juans