642 for woods defense?

[jtcarm]

I worry about 2-legged predators much more. I don't rely on 911 in the comfort of my home and sure wouldn't out in the boonies.

A .44 magnum should handle any vermin regardless of how many legs it has.

That's the lower 48.

Facing off with an Alaskan brown bear or polar bear, the only handgun I'd be comfortable carrying is the one that's backup to my .458 rifle.

 

[Squarebutt]

One suggestion not yet mentioned is to buy a cheap police trade-in .40 and swap in a .357 Sig barrel. The Sig round, while only 9 mm., has a lot more oomph, and with the proper construction, would provide good penetration.