I see no need for a handgun for the hunter..When I do pack one its a small 22 S&W kit gun for shooting grouse for camp meat....

I used to pack a handgun while rifle hunting, but it just seems like more bother than it's worth. I do bring a 4 5/8"SSBH in .45colt for walking around w/o the rifle, like when I have to pack meet or just along for the walk when my tag is filled. It's light, powerfull & versatile (light loads, 300gr for bear & shotshells for grouse).

The use of a handgun in a stand or sitting situation has merit. If one is unable to turn with a rifle for fear of spooking the game, it can be very handy. I like a .44 mag double action Smith.

I have several handguns and I see know need for one while hunting.I already hunt with a rifle that is way better than the numerous pistols for protection.Now for camp meat like grouse etc I would choose my .22 pistol but I don't carry it because when hunting I don't shoot Grouse.I like my 20 guage Double for grouse after the hunt around camp.

Jayco.

When I bow, predator or turkey hunt I carry a Blackhawk in 41 Rem Mag with a stiff load of H110 an 210 Hornady XTP's. It is my pepper spray for bears and big kitties. I have carried it deer, and elk hunting with a rifle but have never had to used it. We hunt some very brushy country and it is comforting having a pistol when crawling down a black bear trail or turkey calling in big cat country. I couldn't imagin hunting close cover in grizzly or brown bear country.

C-Roy, alot will depend on the use and area hunting. A 22 mag revolver would be a great packing gun that could also be used for some small game. If hunting an area with alot of bear or bear encounters, I would opt for something in the 44 mag range.

I used to carry a Super Blackhawk with 300 grn Softpoints during Idaho blackpowder elk hunts because we were in grizzly country.
I also used it as a second gun off deer stands with 240 grn Hornady HP's for whitetail in South Carolina.

C-ROY,

I pack a S+W Model 586 357 Mag. w/ a 6" barrel. I don't carry it all of the time and when I do, it is just in case I get a close shot opportunity.

I have taken several hogs w/ my Smith. The biggest one (Russian) tipped the scales at 350# and was sporting 4" cutters. Some say the 357 mag doesn't pack enough punch but, I have the pictures to prove it.

The Smith is my pick because of its accuracy, w/ open sights and sandbags, I get 2" groups at 40 yards and 3" groups at 50. I feel confident to take any deer sized game out to 50 yards.

My load consist of 15 grns of H. Lil' Gun pushing a 158 grn. JHP. for around +/- 1400 fps. I have not tried the 180s but, I imagine that accuracy woould be astounding.

Good Luck w/ your choice.

Reloader

Listen to what Ray Atkinson says.

But if you gotta have a sidearm for something besides knocking over a partridge, listen to what Leanwolf says.

C-ROY, given you said "... personal protection..." I'll assume you meant protection from two legged predators. If so, then given you also said you have shot handguns, but don't own one, I'll assume you haven't practiced enough -- yet -- to become too proficient with one.

Therefore, I suggest you try a few different 4" barreled revolvers in .357 Magnum, and find which feels best to you. I've found that for me -- and my wife -- our S&W 19, Ruger Security Six, or Colt's Trooper, in .357 Mag., all with 4" barrels, make easy totin' pieces out in the field. If need be, they are fine for a "finishing shot," or, if some two legged predator decided we were easy prey, would be all that's necessary to dissuade that predator and convince him to take up a differrent profession.

Being proficient with a handgun requires much practice, and by shooting a lot of .38 Specials, then moving up to the .357 Mag cartridges, you'll become quite competent. I strongly advise you NOT to buy one of the "lightweight" .357s because they are in no way, shape, or form, fun to use in practice!

A good holster is a must. You want that piece out of the way of your rifle. I like a good shoulder holster, but a sturdy crossdraw also keeps your strong side free for rifle use.

Just my suggestions. L.W.