The dreaded sidearm question...

[Stefan]

I packed a DW .445 Supermag in Alaska.

 

[Dr Strangelove]

10mm Dan Wesson 1911 in stainless for me. Had both a 20 and 29 but until they just aren’t made for my hands. The don’t call them Blocks for nothin. Mine sits in a chest rig anytime I’m in cougar range. Got stalked two years ago and almost had to use it. No fun.

 

[LaGriz]

Only felt the need to carry in WY,

2008: Purchased the Titanium "Judge" (4" BBL 2 3/4" .410) with the understanding it was a compromise. A .45 Long colt being less desirable than a 44 mag or more pottant cartridge, I believed it to be only a minimum load for Grizz. Once located an older S&W Mt. Pistol in .44 mag at a gun show but the price seemed too high. Wanted the hand gun for any pack out or returning to cashed quarters left over night. Being a gadget guy, versatility and perceived dual purpose helped me justify the expense. Having a 410 load to take a grouse or other small game sold me on it.

In the field use: Bear sign was everywhere on this DIY elk hunt. While hunting with a rifle I did not carry the revolver, opting for the bear spray on my left side. When I do carry, I have in a cross-draw position on my hip belt. Its an Uncle Mikes generic holster that is OK, but could be a better fit. Its not a Smith: The quality of the Taurus Judge fit-n-finish Is not the best. That said, it got much smoother over time. I can hit with it, and a 220 grain Lever-Evolution at over 1000 fps is a formidable load. The bird shot makes a huge pattern at 7-15 yards. Fortunately, grouse can be taken with only a few pellets, but you need to be close. Have shot the 000 buck shot loads (3 pellets) at 7 yards with questionable accuracy. The shot patterns are not exactly repeatable either. However, if one needed to defend himself in the middle of the night from a dead sleep, I would not want to me on the other end.

Personal defense: Once upon a time I spent a nervous night in a grim NW Texas motel. There was a rodeo in town and lodging was hard to find. A loud bunch (12+) of shady individuals had collected in the parking lot near my room. Only then did I realize the door had once been kicked in and repaired with 1/4" plywood and a little spray paint. Ended up loading My .280 Remington and sleeping with it as the drama continued. Only have 4 shots in the bolt action, any round traveling well beyond any target could put a bystander at risk. Not the best choice for close range defense. The judge now fills this niche and can give me piece of mind in such a situation.

LaGriz

 

[BugleMeTimber]

When spike camping I always have my .357 by my side, not in griz country. Purchased a 460V this year with a chest holster which is a lot of fun to shoot just not fun to carry for weight. Would carry the 460V in thick griz country archery hunting as I believe in going out with a bang not spraying like a skunk.