Originally Posted By: Slab Happy
I used to pack a Ruger Blackhawk .357 while fishing some remote areas of Alaska. Glad I never had to use it, as I am a firm believer that if you are going to pack a handgun for bear protection, save the last bullet for yourself.

that makes at least three times you've heard it. just sayin

Yeah, I've got a Dan Wesson .357 that I like very well, but I would consider it a noisemaker and perhaps a (false) security blanket in bear country.

This beast might be handy in bear country but you have to pack the weight and be able to get to it fast for it to matter.
Not to mention being able to control it and fire effectively.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.500_S%26W_Magnum

A shotgun hurling a 1 oz slug at about 1500 FPS would be a good, cheap alternative.
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