i'm kinda surprised there wern't more mentions of a 22 handgun. I have a sweet little high standard senitnel with duel 9 shot 22/22mag cylinders that i like to carry when i'm not going too far off the beaten path. it used to be a good 22 like a colt woodsman or charter arms pathfinder was all people felt they needed for a trek in the woods. i guess the bigger guns are just a sign of the times.
i live in az also and as someone said if i was near the border my favorite handgun might be a RPG or 50 barrett
seriously either my hi cap 9mm taurus pt-92 or one of my full sized springer 1911's with extra mags would be on my hip.
when i go hunting with a shotgun or centerfire rifle i do like to take a smaller 22 or 22mag handgun for small game and snakes n such. a little 22/22mag and a box of shells don't weigh much or take up much room and goes a long way