I disagree with the revolver being more reliable. I own and carry both. Revolvers are great, but there is a reason the military doesn't issue them. They have many working parts exposed to dirt, and can get goobered up fairly easily. Keep them clean, and they are quite reliable, and don't jam shot to shot.

Autos can have a problem jamming shot to shot, but they don't expose their workings to mud like a revolver does. If you drop a Glock or HK into the mud, you can pick it up and pull the trigger, and it's going to work. The HK is even tested to not have the barrel blow up if it's plugged with mud.

This all said, the best gun is the one you'll practice with and have with you. If you're not willing to put 500 rounds through the gun in parctice, you have no busienss carrying it with you.

A minor point is that a .357 is a bit hotter than a .40 S&W. For a cougar, it isn't going to matter. Hit kitty with one shot of anything, even a .22, and he's going to change his dinner plans.

In the woods, I usually carry a 4 inch .357 because of the power and the accuracy of the particular gun I have. I wouldn't feel bad with my .40, I just like the .357.