9mm and .38 are a wast of money, (have been known to bounce off of curved glass) and ushually takes multiple leathal area shots to kill a person. I would go with a revolver cant beat a .357 mag for knock down and penetration. 44 mag would do it too. If you want an auto .45 ACP was made to kill people 230 grain slow moving bulltet that has been proven one shot killer for a hundred years.

The reason I say revolver is it is the most dependable under different conditions and experience levels. Not saying autos arnt also dependable but for someone who dosent shoot all the time the revolver is a simple and dependable way to go.

Too many cougars out there anyways if I saw one and was armed and was within range Id most likely kill it just to save a few deer and elk. I just wouldt say anything about it if I did.