An all around handgun

[case]

Ruger SP101 in .357 Mag.
Carry a Speed strip loaded with .38s and one loaded with .357s.
-Less than $500, sometimes in the $200-$300 range used (look for police trade ins).
-Small enought to be comfortably carried.
-Shoot .38 or .357 out of it.
-RELIABLE

You can add a good front post nitesite or CrimsonTrace lasergrips.

[Wyowanderer]

In general, most people will not practice enough with a bear-caliber handgun to be very proficient. Its just too brutal for most people.

If your worried about bears, and that is your 90% motivation for a handgun, I would buy a rifle instead, or pair it with a more useful sidearm.

My choice for said 'bear' rifle would be a straight stock lever action in .44 mag ( or 45-70 if your willing to shoot it ), shorten the barrel to 16-18", rugged ghost ring sights, big loop lever, and a mag tube to the end of the barrel.

I'll agree with the above excepting the last paragraph. If you shorten the barrel of a rifle to less than 18", you're in violation of federal law. Rossi's new Ranch Hand (useless, IMHO) gets by the rule by being classified as a pistol.

The rest of your advice is first class.

[Metcalf]

16" is legal on a rifle without a stamp.
18" minimum barrel length is for a shotgun.

[computeruser]

Just a thought: An all-steel 1911 can do double-duty with .45 Super as well as .45 ACP with minimal additional investment...

[john101477]

Another handgun thread huh? I believe this was all talked about in the do you feel the need to carry a firearm thread.

I do want to point out that the taurus Judge is not the first 45/410 revolver out there. also the gun has been proven to drop a man with out problem.
Is it a bear gun? no
There is a reason that you see a lot of LEO's with 12ga in the car. it is not for show.
would I feel comfortable stopping a grizzly with my 12ga even with slugs? no
I use a rifle and not one in 44 cal either.
Do not cut your barrels down - thats just a waist of a good rifle.
want a light rifle buy one from a company that uses light weight solid materials. Makers such as christiansen arms. titanium blocks, carbon fiber barrels, reinforced stocks. they can get them down to some reasonable weights and lengths.

[Fireman78]

Speaking of pistols/rifles/bears, ect.. I'll always remember a saying I learned in the NM State Police Academy.
"Use your handgun to fight your way to your long gun." They trained us to be gunfighters, plain and simple, and to think about tactical advantages always.

Very good advice.