[tlm225]

I'm unlikely to encounter a bear in the areas I roam. The largest potential problem (aside from people) are feral dogs, rabid skunks/racoons, and snakes. I've carried a variety of handguns when I've been woods bummin' in years past from .22s - .44s & .45s. My choice for the past several years has been a 3" barrel S&W model 60-15. At 23 oz. it's light enough to be virtually unnoticed. With two shotshells up front followed by three magnum rounds it's sufficient for what I may meet up with.