In light of a different thread on this forum, what gun would you use to defend your self from wolves/bears, etc.

Whichever one is closest ;)

Welcome to the forum kevin47.

As for your question of defending yourself from bears and wolves. There is a difference between a weapon used in the lower 48 and in Alaska.

I'm gong to leave Canada out because of the gun laws there leave not much choice except a long gun.

When I lived in Alaska I used to carry a 44 magnum Smith revolver when fishing. When hunting big game I used an 8mm Rem magnum. After being involved in a bear attack and being lucky enough not to be the one being chewed on I started carrying a short 12 gauge with slugs when fishing. Not that the 44 didn't do the job, just that it only carries the same energy as a 30-30 and I just didn't feel that was enough power.

Down here in Idaho I used to carry a Rossi six shot 22 lr, but after our wolf population increased to a point where their leaving tracks all over our camp and you can sit around the campfire in the evening and hear them gathering every evening I now carry a Taurus four inch 41 mag instead of the 22.

I've got to say I've lived and hunted in Alaska and Idaho for over 45 years and except for one incident in Alaska have never had to use a gun for defense against an animal. I think folks can overrate the "animals are out to get us" worry, but it sure does make sense to be prepared.

When I was younger I spent a lot of time backpacking along the Idaho Montana border. I can't tell you how many nights I spent sleeping next to a trout lake or stream without ever thinking about taking along a gun for protection and I made it to a ripe old age so far, knock on wood.

If I was going to carry a handgun for protection in Alaska it would be one of the new short barreled Smiths in 50 caliber, or one of the short barreled Rugers in 480 or 454 Casull. I would spend enough time and ammo that I could comfortably shoot it.

I would prefer a short barreled shotgun with slugs or a 375 H&H rifle over the handgun if weight were not a problem.

In the lower 48 the 44 mag or 41 mag will work OK, at least for me they do. When I'm hunting I still carry my little 22 Rossi. It's handy for putting a grouse in the pot or one thru the head of a deer or elk that's still kicking and light enough it's no burden to carry.

These are the three that get carried in the woods in my family. I carry a 34 oz stainless Taurus Tracker, my son carrys a 45 oz Ruger 5.5 inch Redhawk and the little 32 oz Rossi goes along with me when I'm hunting.

One of the things that make an effective defense gun is the ability to use it. I would suggust you get a 22 lr in the same type of action your big bore defense gun comes in to learn to shoot with. Practice at $10 bucks a brick 22 shells is an effective way to become profecient with a handgun.

I don't about wolves down in lower 48.Wolves up here in alaska make them selves scarce around humans,probally because your allowed to shoot them.I can't recall any story of a wolf attacking a person up here.May be down in the lower 48 there used to human contact and are not afraid.Bear attacks are also rare,but contact with them is not up here especially when the salmon are running.I carry a 454 casull A shotgun woud be better choice but they can be cumbersome when fishing

I have been cornered by wild dogs, here in S.C. but only once. I did not feel very much in danger but I did have to take action until I backed them down. I was bow hunting for deer and had taken a short scouting detour when leaving my stand after a morning hunt. 6 or seven dogs running together surrounded me in the bottom of a little saddle and I had to nock an arrow and take a defensive posture before they even stopped at just feet. I then realized I still had on my head net. I removed it and several backed off immediately. The others retreated as I drew down on one of them. They all left happily as if I was there best friend.

We are not allowed to carry a firearm during the archery season but when cruising I usually do. The H&R 10 shot 22 revolver fills the bill most of the time and if I would have had it on me that day with the dogs, it would have played out differently.

See where Ruger has come out with a SRH sporting a 2" bbl and chambered in both .480 Ruger and .454 Casull. Hogue grips with sorbathane. Now, that would make a dandy pp firearm when fishing/hunting/hiking.

Don't know how many full loads you could trigger, but suppose in a moment of extreme panic, you'd never really notice the recoil! :D

Yea, but I would sling'em from here to younder. That sure is a smart looking firearm.