In this section we discuss the use of handguns as a means of defense in the wild. In North America this would include animals like bears, mountain lions, wolves and in many cases smaller animals infected with diseases like rabies which pose a threat.

Some of these predators in the North West, Canada and Alaska can be quite large. The large bears of this region have been known to reach 1600 pounds in weight. Even black bears in the lower states can reach over 600 pounds. The cats like mountain lions, and cougars are much smaller reaching perhaps 200 pounds and wolves are typically in the 100-150 pound range. Because of this great discrepancy in size the choice of a handgun for defense in the wild depends on where in the wild you are.

When there is danger from the great bears or any large predator a rifle is always going to be the best choice for a weapon. However, a rifle is not always a convenient thing to have with you. In circumstances like these a properly chosen handgun with the right ammunition can get the job done.

If the potential threat is primarily from the large predators like the great bears than acceptable cartridges start at the 44 magnum and go up from there. Commonly available cartridges that are appropriate are the .44 magnum, .454 Casull, .480 Ruger and the very large .500 S&W. There are other cartridges in this power range like custom loadings of the old .45 Long Colt and the 475 Linebaugh. While fine loadings they are not available in typical over the counter commerce. So it makes sense to buy one of the previously mentioned cartridges which are just as or more powerful and enjoy factory made guns and loadings of their ammunition.

Bullet selection for these large beasts is especially critical. Layers of fur, fat, muscle and heavy bone require bullets that will penetrate deeply. The typical JHP deer hunting or self defense bullet is not the best choice in these circumstances. Bullets with heavy jackets or hard cast lead solid bullets are the choice. There are several manufacturers of these bullets and loaded cartridges specifically designed for this purpose. They are listed on the right.

These cartridges are chambered in large frame revolvers with either 5 or 6 shots. They come in double action or single action styles. As these are being considered as defensive weapons in this discussion the better choice is the double action revolver due to its ease of reloading and the ability to fire by just pulling the trigger. The .500 S&W is such a large weapon that it may be just as much of a hindrance to carry as a rifle. Probably the ideal choice among these options is the Smith and Wesson 629 .44 magnum revolver. Relatively light and with 6 shots it carries easily in the 4 inch barrel configuration.

All of these heavy revolver cartridges produce large amounts of recoil. Follow up shots are slow due to this. However, typically you are only fighting one large animal at a time. This is not the case in a situation where the attack is from a pack of wolves. In this case the huge energy of these cartridges is not needed. What is needed is the ability to hit multiple targets. This is mentioned here because both wolves and bears live in the same habitat. One must be aware that even though the perceived threat may be a grizzly bear the actual encounter could be much different. Packing the largest and most powerful handgun which without extensive practice cannot be shot quickly and accurately may not be the best overall choice.

Probably the best all around choice for a woods gun is the Glock 20. It is chambered for the 10mm automatic cartridge. It carries 16 rounds of ammunition and reloading is as simple as replacing the magazine. The heavy magnum revolvers above are at most 6 shots.

In heavy loadings such as those produced by Double Tap, Buffalo Bore and Cor-Bon it can push a 200 grain hard lead bullets to 1300 feet per second. This is equivalent to about 750 foot pounds of energy. However, energy figures are not everything. The 200 grain solid bullet will penetrate very deeply. The fact that you have 16 rounds from a much easier to handle weapon at your disposal allows you to inflict multiple wounds with quick follow up shots.. Even with a full grown grizzly, while not the ideal situation, the gun has the firepower to end the conflict in the proper hands. The advantage is that it will also protect you well against a pack of wolves or anything else in North America including 2 legged predators.

The Glock 20 is not the ideal weapon for defense against large bears. At best it is a huge compromise. One that must be weighed against the odds of running into a large bear versus many other smaller predators. However, for carrying in the woods everywhere else it is probably the best overall choice in terms of power, capacity size and weight. If you are traveling in Alaska in areas with a lot of brown or grizzly bear any of the large magnums listed above would be a superior choice. Even better would be a rifle of at least .338 magnum potency or a shotgun with slugs. However, most people don't go hiking and fishing carrying large heavy rifles which is why we have discussed the best options for an easier to carry handgun.

Other options outside of the Northwest, Canada and Alaska include the .357 magnum revolver, the .45 ACP pistol and in areas where the danger is mostly from smaller animals the 9mm and .40S&W. The advantage of these smaller calibers is that they come in compact guns which are easy to carry and don’t weigh you down. These are essentially the same guns you would own for home defense and can do double duty as woods guns in areas where the risk is low and the animals small.