Need Advice on which Existing Hangun would make the Best "Trail Gun"

[Tom_R]

Some background:

I live near Hartford, CT, and we are now starting to see Black Bears appear from time to time. Typically not bigger than 250 pounds from what I have read. Sighting are infrequent, yet increasing. There are also "Whispers" of Cougars in some parts of CT, but the State will not publicly admit it for various reasons.

So anyway, I have a few different handguns and I wanted to see what would be a good consensus for my best option.

Lets eliminate weight as a potential factor, as I think each gun fully loaded would be 'Somewhat' comparable:

First up - Sig Sauer P226 9mm
Capacity: 10+1 in CT
My thoughts - Even with hot 9mm rounds, this is not a good choice for a Trail Gun. So this one is probably bottom of the list.

Second:
Kimber 1911, 5" Full Size
Capacity 7+1 or 8+1
My thoughts: A great fighting Caliber, but probably not fast enough to work well for penetration on even a black bear.

Third:
Sig Sauer P229
Capacity 10+1 in CT
My thoughts: Might be a good option with a heavy and fast Round from someone like Buffalo Bore ammunition.

I also may get a .357SIG conversion barrel and look at some options with that Caliber

Fourth and Final:
Smith and Wesson 28-2 4" Highway Patrolman
Capacity: 6 rounds
Thoughts: I think this is a good option as I can Load 180 Grain (1300fps) standard pressure .357 Magnum Buffalo Bore ammunition. Capacity is the lowest, but this probably the best round of the 4 (9mm, .45acp, .40 caliber & .357 Magnum).

I'd love to hear some options and thoughts. For sake of discussion purposes, a Rifle, Shotgun, or different caliber handgun is not really an option, as I need something for nature hikes and/or camping.

Thanks!

 

[yukonb]

The model 28-2 is a good choice, However I would recommend a can of bear spray as the first means of defense. Shooting at a bear on the trail should be the absolute last resort. IMHO

 

[Comrad]

I hope you have a carry permit.

 

[Dump1567]

I'm a fan of the 28. I use a 7 shot 386NG sometimes as a trail gun. No bear though.

 

[Tom_R]

I hope you have a carry permit.

Of Course I do. For 18 years now - man I feel Old!

 

[Comrad]

Of Course I do. For 18 years now - man I feel Old!

Glad to hear that and surprised in NJ they frown on handguns in the woods. Come to think of it they frown on pretty much everything in NJ. Not to mention shooting a bear out of season.

 

[Cpo1944]

I hope for the bears sake & yours, you never need to shoot him, but I`d go for the revolver every time.

 

[2ndAmendmentNut]

From the options listed the 28-2 is going to be your best bet from a ballistic point of view. 11 rounds of hot fmj ammo in a 357sig wouldn't be bad either, but you would be better putting the money towards a 41, 10mm or 44.

 

[RonS]

I'd go with the 28 from that list. My choice would be a Glock 29 10mm.

 

[Squarebutt]

We have black bears all over the place here in western MA, including our back yard. I worry more about the big Eastern coyotes. But if you're worried about hitting the woods, do what I do - hike with a fat friend.

 

[kamloops67]

the 357 mag. will work ,but id want more, id go with a 44 mag and heavier 240gr+ hardcast bullets.

 

[Jessie]

Definatley the .357 out of those. The .357 sig is too light of a bullet and the .45, too slow. Forget the 9mm for bears.
Like you mentioned, heavy bullets would be best, especially heavy hard cast solids.
For the cat, any of the above would work if you're accurate enough.

 

[canoeguy]

The most common attack on hikers and outdoors persons comes not from bears and cougars, but from persons with bad intentions. For both two legged and four legged predators, I prefer a 4" Model 66 in .357, carried in a Bianchi #5 thumb break holster. Revolver stoked with 158 grain JHP, two speed loaders on my belt with .38 special cast lead rounds in case I need to shoot small game.

Here in Virginia, the only times I have seen bear (black bear) they were running as fast as they could away from me.

 

[Rebel Soul]

Of those choices I'd pick the 28 highway patrolman 7 ways to Sunday. It's the most appropriate for your stated needs and is in my opinion - the class of that list.

 

[finesse_r]

Nice 4 inch 625 would be my choice for a trail gun. My second choice would be a nice 696.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I think that any gun is better than no gun! The 357 158 JSP or JHP ammo would be more than all you will need. Shot placement is important. Here in Ohio, in October 2011 a private zoo owner, released all his animals then killed himself. The first Deputy on the seen, walked around a corner and encountered a grizzly bear. He destroyed the bear with a Glock 40 S&W. Your gun is up for the challenge, the question is are you up for it? Make noise while you are out, and you will most likely never see a bear. Ivan

 

[Abbotson]

329 PD. Its light. Its .44 Magnum or special. Pretty fair choice.

 

[jimmyj]

Of the choices-S&W Model 28 .357

*** If a bear attacks, save the last .357 round for yourself.

 

[M3Stuart]

Of those you list, the 28 is the only possible option. The Sigs have a funny name and the Kimber is overpriced.

 

[Tom_R]

We have black bears all over the place here in western MA, including our back yard. I worry more about the big Eastern coyotes. But if you're worried about hitting the woods, do what I do - hike with a fat friend.

LoL that was classic!