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I used to use a tactical thigh holster, but it was a pain in the butt. I just bought a Blackhawk serpa holster, which has a plate that attaches to the PAL webbing on my waistbelt. Its solid, doesnt bounce around, its out of the way but easily accessible should the need arise. I'll take a couple pics.

The other thing I like about the serpa is it locks the gun in so it cant fall out while climbing etc, but easy to draw. Theres a release button placed perfectly, your trigger finger naturally goes right to the it as you draw, and as the gun comes out of the holster your finger is automatically placed along side the trigger guard in ready position.

I was hopeing they would just drive on by, but no such luck, I went ahead and sliped my pants and boots on and grabed my .22 mag. as I sliped out the door, hopeing I would'nt need it. I dropped back in the timber about fifty yards or so and just watched.

When they pulled up I could see there was four people, three guys and a girl, who I was guessing were in thier early twentys and all seemed pretty drunk. I could hear them talking crap about hunters and hunting in general, and saying it so they knew I could hear it.

It was about then that one of them said "lets go kick thier #$@'s" and threw a beer bottle at my tent. At this point I think they thought that I was still in my tent, another beer bottle was tossed at my jeep, bouncing off the hood. It was at this point that I shot a round up in the air and yelled at them to get the bleep out of here! You never saw two drunks run so fast back to the car, as they left they said they were comeing back.

As you see, this can happen to you anytime and any place. I was always worried about bears and such, but it seems like the two legged kind are alot worse.

I was covered in tracks up there , Wy is a grizz hotspot , if they only opened a season id be the first in line ..

So the answer is yes carry a gun ,,,

Colorado honors Texas CCW permits. No restrictions in WMA/NF. etc. I always figure that this situation is open carry anyway?

The black part of the holster screws to the base plate. I can remove it from this plate, and mount it to a belt clip, or a paddle-style attachment for concealed carry. This is my standard carry gun, except in the heat of the summer, when I carry something smaller.

Heres another pic, if I can get it to upload.

Not while hunting.

I have a MI CCW permit, seems to be accepted in most non communist states.

Bill in MI

Most airlines will let you check a handgun and a reasonable amount of ammo. It just needs to be locked in a case. Continental seems to be pretty tolerant. That is who I will use to fly to CO this year. And depending on the state you may not need a CCW permit. CO, for instance, is an open carry state with the exception of Denver.

If driving, make sure you check the regs for every state you pass through, and also inquire as to any additional local/municipal regs. Last time I drove out, I had to case and lock my gun up through every state until I reached Colorado.

I have to research states reciporcity again before I go this year to see whats changed, if anything.

RLA- the holster is a Blackhawk Serpa. The tan piece was separate, the holster comes with a belt clip plate and a paddle style plate. The plate for the PALS webbing was separate. I got mine at a military surplus store that carries Blackhawk holsters.

http://www.reactgear.com/BlackHawk-SERPA-STRIKE-CQC-Platform-p/38cl38-p.htm

I'm not worried about lions and bears. But this little gun in 40 SW will scare the heck out of those big white guard dogs the sheep herders use as well as other shady characters.

Back to the question at hand...

No doubt the S&W runs about 2X the Judge.

I was/am under the impression (via Taurus manual) that +P (over 900fps) is not recommended for their revolvers?

If they are recommended for +P (Buffalo Bore) than the ballistics would be close enough to a .44Mag

I have shot a few Judges and (to me) they left alot to be desired at anything but very close distances esp. w/ the fact they had unadjustable sights.

In closing I would say if it can take +P loads relatively accurately (bet they kick like a mule?), should be a good backcountry revolver.

I utilize a tactical thigh holster. Don't eve notice it even on a horse. Will try to get a picture at lunch.

Hiked all over WY 67 (elk) and MT 110 (moose) last year including probably 100 miles of mountain biking in MT. Didn't hardly notice it!

I also use a Galco belt hip holster.

I just personally do not want my revolver on my pack. For one reason, the most vulnerable time is after the kill, when you are working on the animal and your pack is not on you!

I'm willing to bet that few if any of you could actually stop a grizzly in full charge. You might not even hit it. If you're worried about bears get spray.

Researched bear/human encounters:

70% success in not getting killed/mauled with firearms. This included rifles.

95% success in not getting killed/mauled with spray.

I carry a .44mag with 300 grain corbon hardcasts up to caribou camp each year. I sleep with it, but never carry. I just can't imagine using spray in a tent.

The only problem with that reasoning is, I stay proficient with my handguns and it only takes one hand to use them. I'm willing to bet that 90% of people that carry spray NEVER have practiced with it. At best, they may have tried it once to see how it worked.

You also need more warning of an attack to have time to employ spray. If you have time to prepare, you probably have time to get out of the bear's way instead. A bow hunter is more likely to have a close, unexpected encounter, DOWNWIND of a bear. I'll take my chances with a handgun.

Also, the 45 LC is a good sidearm caliber. The old style ruger vaqueros are built extremely strong. Many action shooters I know are not afraid to handload stout loads as long as they are shot through the old style vaquero and not a colt. They tell me they can nearly match a 44 mag, but I'm no expert. I don't know about the new style vaqueros though. They are accurate, but not light!

I agree, put it on your belt if you are carrying.

Cats have been known to stalk in on a hunter sitting using cow calls. Its rare, but it happens.

As for those sheepherders dogs, I hunted a sheep ranch for 3 years. You do not want to get between them and thier sheep at close range. Those dogs will tear into a bear without hesitation and do a number on it.

Carrying in the backcountry to me is no different than carrying any other time. I always say beg, hope and plead is a piss poor personal defense strategy. Its worth the extra weight to me. For those who decide otherwise, thats a personal decision.

Good point made about having your gun on your pack, when your pack is not on you. I will be adding the quick release adapter to my Serpa holster, so when the pack is hung up or laying somewhere away from me, I can unclip from the pack and snap in to my waistbelt. Problem solved.

Good one, I have a new improved one this year, and did not follow it anyway! WTF, tag will be in hand in a week anyway. One of these days I am bound to run into a Grizz if I continue into thier country annually!

I would add that the thigh holster places your pistol/revolver in the perfect location IMO. Even if a bear were to get you down, your arm just needs to be straight down your side. No need to kink it up to get to your gun. Hopefully I will never have to know!

Others have already mentioned that a determined grizzly will go thru a lot to get what they want. A rancher said that the special electric bear fence they placed around a shed merely 'slowed' down the determined boar from raiding their sweet oats and feed they had stored for their horses.

I carry a gun and spray. I second the notion that you should not only practice with the spray, but also know how to employ it properly for max effect. The problem with the sprays is that they are $50 bucks. They make a practice spray bottle that is less expensive. Depending on brand and size you need to practice to know how much and how long of spray you have in the bottle. I have heard of guides in AK using two bottles. One on the hip and one on the chest in case you get knocked down and are getting mauled you can have a chance to reach a second on your chest. However, when I am bow hunting, I don't have room for something on my chest.

I too have been intrigued by the guides selection of caliber and gun. When I asked the outfitters they said that a .45 is a good man killer but not good for bear. I think the .44 mag is the caliber of choice for penetration. The guy I asked for advice said he used the Ruger vaquero bisely .44 w/ 255 grn hardcast lead on top of 23 grns of IMR 4227. Penetration, no expansion.

He also liked single action and a longer barrel in the bisley. For close and quick encounters, the theory goes at short range you need to clear the barrel quickly. Ruger Alaskan is heavy, but popular; other option is taurus tracker compact .44 - light at 36 oz and ported.

I am not an expert, but thought I'd throw out what I have heard around the campfire.

No one said they think a firearm is more needed in the back country than in the city. In fact, some of us have said just the opposite. Look at it this way. I've been driving for over 40 years. I've never had an accident where my seat belt saved me from injury. But I still use it every time I get in an automobile. I don't think I'll ever need my handgun either. But if I do, it will be within reach if at all possible.

~ Dunner

My odds of getting carjacked or robbede are low too, but its there. Thsts why I carry every day. I used to work in an urban setting with plenty of crime, but I live in a rural area with little. But its still here.

The odds of an encounter with another predator are slim, but real.

regardless of the scenario, beg, hope and plead is a piss poor self defense strategy.

There have been only two times that I felt like I needed to have one:

1) While black bear hunting on the Kenai Peninsula I got in some territory near Tustumena Lake that was thick with brown bear Sign. I was hunting with my Dad who had opted to use a rifle. Even so, we crossed some extremely fresh [and huge] brownie sign and I had a nervous feeling that I simply could not shake. It was a very eerie experience that I will never forget.

2) While hunting the Peloncillo Mts in NM [very near the Mexico border] a couple years ago I felt a little vulnerable. The road on the trip in was decorated with warning signs explaining one or more of the following phrases; "Use extreme caution in this area. There is a very high concentration of illegal drug trafficking in this area. Illegal aliens are likely armed and dangerous. Proceed at your own risk. Campers are highly discouraged from recreating in this area etc..."

This was at a time [still that time I suppose] when the media was reporting a tremendous surge regarding the war with the Mexican Drug Cartels. I had seen a lot of border patrol on the drive in save the last hour or two from my campsite. The safety of our camp was a little concerning, but my Dad had "packed heat" as he always does. There was some unrest about leaving camp unattended, but we did everyday anyway.

One day while hunting alone I discovered a smoldering camp-fire hidden tightly under the canopy of some thick Junipers on a very steep slope. No care had been taken to put the fire out. It appeared that the "campers" had vacated at a moment's notice as there were still articles of dark-colored clothing airing out in the trees and half-full gallon jugs of water [a resource rarely left behind in the desert] setting around the smoking fire pit.

I couldn't help but feel that I was being watched. What now?? Do I continue on like I didn't notice anything, or do I stop and glass the area for the potential danger? If I see men, then what? If they are traffickers they likely have semi-automatic assault rifles and I have my '05 Bowtech Allegiance!

My mind raced wildly, but I quickly decided that the "campers" must have been friendly illegals simply looking for work and a better life. Had they been traffickers who identified me before I had seen them, they would have likely killed, robbed or kidnapped me....they probably would have not run and left their supplies behind. In any case, for the rest of that day I was a bit uneasy.

I had a bad scare this last year, hiking in before light the sheep were bedded across the trail on a steep open hillside, they panicked as usual and ran downhill, then we heard the dogs coming from several hundred yards below, we kept moving but they caught up to us in no time, there were 6 of them! ( the big white ones) all barking and acting like they were trying to circle us, we kept moving and I being in the rear kept yelling at them to go, everytime I turned my back on them they moved in closer. very scary situation at least I wasn't alone.

I don't usually carry a sidearm while hunting but the next morning I wasn't going in without it, I simply put my IWB holster on the belt for my pack.

long story short we ran into the dogs again, but this time is was light and not all at once, turned out some were youngsters and afraid of us, the big male did come running but in daylight with my sidearm I was more comfortable and knelt down and extended my hand to him talking to him in a calm voice, he turned out to be friendly and liked his ears scratched, even followed us for awhile.

As for the bear spray statistics, I am skeptical, statistics in general are manipulated to show in favor of the "politically correct" preferred methods by those in power.

Was he hunting with the 45-70 or just packing it. One day I would like to kill an elk in WY with my winchester 45-70. But if I wanted a large caliber protection gun I would consider a 45-70 guide gun rather than the winchester. I trust thier action more.

I had one in 450 Marlin with the porting. The noise was unconscionable. I'd go without the ports if possible.

Are you still able to get Garrett loads? I couldn't get a hold of him the last time I tried a couple of years ago.

The outfitters and guides I know all carry handguns, not spray. Either .357/.41/.44 MAG.

To me, there is no better weapon for birds or rabbits than my bow. Granted, the Doves are tough but for rabbits and stout ground fowl like Ptarmigan or Grouse a bow is by far the best. It's quiet and keeps my skills honed, and my muscles loose. ;-)

Friend took a .357 and shot a dead cape buffalo in the side of the head. Bullet exited into the ground. You do not want expansion or your bullet may not get deep enough to do any good on a head on shot.

I absolutely cannot hit a running rabbit or a flying bird. Only stationary targets for this archer. I probably couldn't hit a running rabbit or flying bird with a .22 either. LOL

I do agree with you on the $$$ issue though. Missing rabbits (and even hitting them sometimes) can get awfully expensive considering the price of arrows.

I hunt a lot alone in National Forest in OH. The only thing to worry about are dogs or punks partying on the secluded roads. I carry pepper spray for both. I would have a hard time shooting some punk but would pepper spray one in a heartbeat.

Last year a hunter disappeared while he was hunting in NM and to the best of my knowledge he still hasn't been found. Last I heard, they suspected foul play.

Long story-short, his partner's large handguns were ineffective in their encounter and that bear was still intent on eating one of them w/ a broken neck and useless left leg from the first shot from the Marlin.

There was a story (EBJ?) a year ago or so about a father/son bowhunt team that got charged by a Grizz, the dad put an arrow in his boiler room en route to the son and put him down without any real damage?

Agreed. Even while carrying, I think I would give up my wallet before getting into a gunfight with someone. My sidearm is for the physical protection of myself and anyone else that may need it, not for protection of property. Trust me, you do NOT want to shoot someone. Whether you are completely in the right or not, shooting someone will get you headaches you don't want.

That being said, it would be hard to not pull my gun against a crackhead demanding my wallet. And, I would not hesitate to pull the trigger if I felt physically threatened. But the smart thing to do is to avoid the confrontation and let the police handle it after the fact.

Id rather be tried by 12 than carried by 6.

I carry my Judge when I hunt and when I'm around town, but I use 2 rounds of 000 Buck, followed by 3 45 LC hollow points. I figure if I really need to draw, the first two rounds will likely be reactive, and the three follow-up rounds will be for finishing off an animal, or a gut shot to the guy who has probably already tackled me by that point.

Mine is Eagle Industries, can't remember or locate the model www.eagleindustries.com, give them a call.

www.blackhawk.com has one as well. I think it is the 40XP00 or 40XP000 Special Operations Holster.

Keep in mind that most/all tacticals are for autos, but they fit large frame revolvers as well.

Bill

I know of one 500 lb. class Black Bear that took half a dozen .44's and several shotgun slugs before 1 well placed 45/70 shot ended the battle. During the confrontation the bear killed 3 dogs, wounded 2 more, and totaled a pickup. Don't tell me chasing bears with hounds is easy.

I know of one 500 lb. class Black Bear that took half a dozen .44's and several shotgun slugs before 1 well placed 45/70 shot ended the battle. During the confrontation the bear killed 3 dogs, wounded 2 more, and totaled a pickup. Don't tell me chasing bears with hounds is easy.

GO with the .357......revolvers are reliable(more)!

BadgerND,

That bear you talked about with all the "lead" in him or a "jacked up" charging grizz, would the spray do any better???

I just can't grasp the idea that thumb operated/safety pin equiped/tight holstered bearr spray is somehow better/more accurate than my .44Mag?

My son owns the Judge 3 1/2 inch chamber.....Buffalo Bore does not reccomend you fire their ammo out of the Judge....he called them to confirm. He was told by Buffalo Bore that the Raging Bull series hand guns would handle their ammo. Also, Judge is for close encounters....if you pull it, its because you have to use it. They are not accurate by any stretch of the immagination with a 45LC, but buckshot and the likes are devastating.

Now doubt about it, my point was that 6-310 grain defender .44Mags should get the job done if an single arrow period can get it done?

delmag...What's wrong with 45Lc? Two reasons for me buying is 1. I already shoot a 454 which will also shoot 45Lc but too heavy for back country 2. The judge ultralight is only 22oz, it is the lightest mid/lrg bore out there

Mgdmorrow- is this the model you have? It says 28.2 oz in the spec sheet. I can't find an ultralight listed for the Judge.

I am seriously looking at the Judge for when I am archery hunting here in PA(We have some HUGE black bears here) and for Griz out west.

Problem is I can only spend about $500. Can't even look at the S&W's! ;-)

As I stated, no doubt the S&W is some serious $. Therefore I looked around for what would be my choice as far as less money.

Taurus has come out with a lightweight titanium 4" .44MAG revolver...Model 2-444041ULT. 28.3 ounces. As with most Taurus's it had fixed sights, but for the $ who cares.

Any dealer worth buying from should only be about $85 more for this than the Judge that you spec'd.

Dealer cost on the Judge is $399 versus $484 on the .44Mag titanium.

.45LC needs Max+P loads just to get close to a .44mag AND .44mag shoots .44 special for everyday use.

Thanks for the dealer cost info! I haven't looked much, but cheapest I have seen the Judge PD model was a package deal with case and holster for $505? How much is the standard markup from dealer cost?

Might have to find a smaller dealer, but 10% markup is doable????????

The big stores can be negotiated with as well if you go in informed.

I have never tried the .410 defense loads, but I do know that the 3"mag #4 shot loads can't kill a grouse past about 30'.

Del- thanks for the info...........that is what I was looking for!

Well, we decided on Montana..................Now I got ANOTHER tough choice...........The judge or the 44 mag! ;-)

I ve bowhunted northern wy serval times , the grizz is alive and well ,

If you are afraid or concerned then this area is not for you , trust me !

I never carried a sidearm , only spray , but what good is a gun or spray ,Under the cover of darkness I hunt until dark , walked back in complete dark 3 to 4 hours. I think a hunter would best educate himself ,

Approach camp talkin, whistle , kick rocks , etc , if a bear has claimed your camp , make your approach known, Any areas were a kill has been made avoid it , id bet my last dollar it will be claimed by a grizz in a short period, also if you make a kill , i hope it goes down fast and in daylight, work fast , and loud , talk out loud if alone .If you have a parnter its best to have him stand guard while you work on the critter , keep spray or gun ready , for a fun filled evening lol

Also the way we carry ourselves is imporant , if you have fear of the woods , critters can pick up on this , Walk around like you are John Wayne lol Most imporant is dont let your mind wonder , Think positive Do not picture a bear behind every tree.

I also saw wolves up there also , cats they are so far and few , not a worry for me ,

Trust me you dont want to shoot a bear unless your life depends on it , WY is very tough on this sublect and should be , guys see a bear 50yards and start unloading there guns ,

best of luck to all happy hunting ..

IMO hollowpoints are better suited for regular CCW, not woods carry.

I usually carry a .357 loaded with hard cast bullets in bear country when bow hunting, but 2007 when I shot a Moose in WY. I had my wife carrying a 12 Ga. with slugs while I packed it out. There was a Griz there, but it only messed around in our camp while we were gone. I was more freakeed when I walked up on a couple day old moose kill with wolves on it. All I had for self protection then was bear spray, never again.

Versatilily from hollow point .45+P to solid .454 or .460

Great point about always having your firearm on you, I am aware of the problem with my "system"- I hate having my revolver on my pants belt inside of my packbelt as the grip cants so far in towards my body that it impedes a firm purchase. I have been thinking that I may put my binos in a case on my packbelt and get a chest rig for my Sourdough.

Buddies and I have had bad experiences with A-holes as mentioned earlier. Humans are much more unpredictable than wild animals. Reguardless I carry it for mine and my companies protection no matter what or who the threat. If nothing else, it kinda just helps brings a piece of mind knowing that safety is just a second a way if needed. I'd rather carry a few more ounces and stop the threat with a large caliber instead of just pissing it off..... I practice with my sidearm frequently and am confident with it's accuracy vs. a .22 as one should do IMHO.

I used to have a Colt Delta Elite 10mm. It was a great shooter. Anyway to your question, looking at the BB loadings, if you want a semi-automatic the 10 should do. It is better than any .40. Recalling my reloading, the 10mm is just a longer cased .40? Looks like it is better than the .45 as well (slightly).

These guys carrying these ultra light .44's are in my opinion getting too much confidence from them. I've been shooting pistols for 40 years, and I cannot control one of those light weight hammers. Another thing is the barrel length. If it's less than 5", I don't think they'll get sufficient penetration with a good shot.

Randy Garrett, producer of the Garrett Defenders 310 gr. super hard cast bullet, recommends a minimum of 4" barrel length to achieve the velocity required to anchor a charging bruin with his ammo. He also does not favor the ultralight .44's such as the S&W Mountain Gun or the Scandium frame models due to the heavy recoil that may prevent a quick and accurate second shot.

The Mountain Gun is not an ultralight 44 mag. It is only around 2 ounces lighter than a standard 629. The weight is mostly lost with the tapered barrel, so muzzle flip may be affected- but calling a 629 Mountain Gun ultralight most likely comes from never having handled one. I know mine never felt ultralight.

First off I am a Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor/Range Master, so you know that I for sure don't know what I am talking about! One of the biggest problem I see with CCW or with open carry is that people do not practice with their set-up. When I say practice, I don't mean going to the range 1 time a year or month and shooting a couple hundred rounds. When I see people practice they load up, may draw one time and empty their magazine all in one rep.

If you can't get your gun out of your holster when you brain has turned to liquid and is running out the back of your pants and get it up on target in a couple of seconds it will do you no good. Also most people do not practice trigger control which if done properly will increase you chance of faster on target follow-up shots.

What I would suggest for back country carry is a level I holster of some sort, the I have a couple of the Blackhawk Serpas, like pictured earlier, I like them and are easy to use with a little practice. Also you must consider if you have it on your waist belt of your pack, will you always be wearing your pack when you want it, will you need another holster when you are using a day pack? If so get a belt loop adapter for you holster or another holster of the same variety with a belt loop or paddle.

What I do is try to do 20 to 50 draws a day, of an empty, unloaded weapon. I have been doing this pretty everyday I have worked for the last 15 years. Muscle Memory is the key. I do this also with my off duty carry holsters when I put them on. Takes about a minute to do 20 or so, really a small amount of time to safe your life.

The key to this practice is the use of an EMPTY, UNLOADED FIREARM THAT HAS BEEN VISUALLY AND PHYSICALLY INSPECTED AND CONFIRMED TO BE UNLOADED.

If you are not getting the groups you want while shooting, you should practice your trigger control and sight picture by dry firing. I assure you if you do this for 5 or 10 min. a day you will tighten up your groups. Again, this is done with a EMPTY, UNLOADED FIREARM THAT HAS BEEN VISUALLY AND PHYSICALLY INSPECTED AND CONFIRMED TO BE UNLOADED. Remember the golden rules:

All Firearms are loaded.

Know you target your backstop and beyond.

Never point a gun at anything your are not willing to destroy.

Never put your finger on the trigger until you have made the decision to fire.

Go to the range. Start out at 5 yds, with your gun in your holster how your going to carry it and it secured. Draw, fire one round, reholster. Do it again until you have gone through a couple of boxes of ammo and can do it quickly and without hanging up. Then you can move back and start adding another shot or two. Make your practice pay, don't just go and waste ammo.

I do not carry for camp food- i have judo tipped arrahs for that purpose.

With these two things in mind I have carried everything from Glocks 19/23 or 26/27 to a buddy's 1911... and finally settled on my airweight SnW 38sp with a spare speed strip.

It easily can be carried on the waist belt of my pack or belt of my pants or in a pocket or inside my pack.

As noted by HPD503- having one "handy" don't mean a darned thing if you cannot access it simply and securely and feel VERY comfortable with both the weapon AND the mindset to work with it.

Last time I checked you can handload or get custom loads for 45LC that rival (or exceed) 44Mag so why knock the cartridge so much?? GRANTED- most factory loads are pretty anemic but that is due to safety issues on some older guns as well as most modern use of the 45LC being in the low-power cowboy competitions.

As for GLOCK accuracy... I can take most Glocks and hit a man size target at 100yds on most any day- and have seen a variety of others do the same both in training classes and informal shooting. If you are having accuracy issues Fuzzy it might be the gun- or maybe it's the shooter... ;-)

Say for instance that .45LC is the ballistic equivalent of the .44MAG. What revolver what would you suggest??? Wonder whet the resale value of any .45LC is vs. a .44Mag?

I personally am not a 45LC fan but was just curious at the seeming thumbing of the nose so many folks were giving the cartridge and the biggest issue I saw them using was current factory loads- which is a poor indicator in my mind of the cartridges usefulness.

As for the re-sale value of a weapon... RE-SALE???? REALLY?!?!- the thread is about what to carry NOT what to sell- i do NOT buy a gun for it's re-sale potential ;-) i like them to much....

I think its just a better option for me than the .44 mag.

It's(Judge) a more compact package, can shoot the .45 LC and the .410 defense loads and is a little less expensive(and lighter weight) to boot!

Right now I need a gun for carry while bowhunting(out West in Griz country and back here in PA in BIG black bear country), concealed carry for when I am going to and from hunting (4:30am in the convenience store) and I don;t have the $$ for multiple guns. I know the sites are not adjustable, but like someone else said, these guns are for when you absolutely have to shoot someone or something. I think having the ability to point and shoot(especially with the .410 defense loads) is a plus. I also think I will probably shoot(practice with) this gun much more than a .44

I have also heard the same thing about the .45 LC loads(as Tradorion suggests)- that they are very weak due to the liability of old 'cowboy' guns out there. I investigated this somewhat a while ago and did find a couple stout defense loads, however, I will have to go back and check to see specifically what they are(can;t remember).

And as for re-sale value.............I don;t have many guns (Flintlock, 9mm, ,380 , .22 rifle, .22 mag rifle, turkey gun and a double barrel 12 ga.) So if I buy this gun, it's for a reason, and it's gonna be with me for a looooooooooong time! ;-)

Me either, actually never sold a gun in my life. Point was that I would venture to guess that many will buy the Judge as their .45LC choice. Having shot them, I wouldn't. As I stated earlier if $ is issue go with a Taurus new lightweight .44?

Good concealment features- can be down loaded (or possibly even cross-barreled) to 40SnW better reloads than the Taurus and looks to be cheaper.

Google "BWCA terror" for the sentencing of these door-knobs.

Just checked Glock's site and the G29 is 33 oz. loaded. That's a little more than I wanted to be carrying around........especially when packing in and out(backpacking and meat).

Here is a straight forward test of the Judge.It's simply not enough gun in many situations.

I own a 10mm and a .460 snubbie.If you only want one gun want to use as a CCW also I would go consider a shorter version of .44mag.

For 400+ bears you will need the ability to penetrate and Garrett's .44 load will give you the pop to do just that.

The link above shows the Judge severely lacks that ability.

it's just another option to consider considering the variety of range you wanted to cover with one gun.

Just me personally- I have friends including women that LOVE The Judge- but I see far too many other guns/calibers to do the job(S) you want better....

Ruger Super RedHAWk .44 Mag.. Coupled with the premium handloads it can adjust some attitudes

It really won't matter what you are carrying if you shoot quickly and accuratly.

He said if I bring my 44 mag ruger make sure I remove the front site so when the Grizz shoves the gun up my butt it won't hurt as much .

I prefer wheel guns over autoloaders for any self defense for many reasons . One example ; If you have a miss fire with an autoloader you need 2 hands to clear the bad round . With a wheel gun you just pull the trigger again .

I carry a 357 mag wheel gun , with the proper bullet < a hot 140 gr jacketed bullet it will out penetrate most 44mag loads and is more controlable . J M H O

Agreed that a 357 is more controllable, and agreed that good 357 hardcasts will out penetrate some 44 mag loads, BUT good 44 mag hardcasts will out penetrate good 357 mag hardcasts IMO. If you are pushing a 180 grn 357( or a 200 grn) at roughly the same velocity as a 305 grn 44 mag, The heavier hardcast will penetrate further. *Of course through the same medium.

I have put more than a few fairly hot 305 grn Buffalo Bore LBT LFN's through my old Mountain Gun. And have yet to run some Buffalo Bore 180 grn hardcast LFN's through my model 65, but I seriously doubt that they could produce the stout recoil of my old 44 with those loads.

For carrying in the mountains I still prefer the biggest bullet moving pretty fast that I can obtain quick consistent hits at short range with. Right now I have one handgun for both CCw and woods carry, so I use a 357. When I have the funds I will be getting a 4" 44 mag. Most likely a 44 mag Mountain Gun.

And yeah the 45LC can be just about as good as a 44 mag if you have the right platform to run some hot loads through.

Taurus Ultralite 444 in 44 magnum.

Many of his guide friends starting packing .500 SWs after he was charged.

44 mag case capacity is 39gr, 45LC is 41.6gr. Its splitting hairs if you shoot full power loads from either.

My 45 LC is a Ruger Bisley but a double would really be a better choice for defense. I just really like the gun and its amazing how far a guy can be effective when hunting with it shooting off sticks.

FWIW, a poster above stated trust factory loads versus your own handloads. You are nuts! Buufalo bore is the only manufacturer that makes big bore 44 or 45 caliber stuff in the heavy stuff needed for self defense against bears. What most don't know is the factory bullet stuff will be sucked up by bear fat because they expand so fast. With the exception of hard cast lead offered by Buffalo Bore.

If you are using a handgun, 44 mag minimum or get something else like a 12 gauge home defense gun. And, if using a pistol, buy you some hard cast bullets that fit the bore diameter of your gun, and load your own. You are the only one that will assure each primer is seated, each shell is perfect. Use primer sealant if scared of dislodging a primer during recoil. If you must buy factory stuff, stick with Buffalo Bore Brand. God Bless

Those 454, 460, and .500's might do the trick....I haven't ever killed anything with one so I'm reserving my judgment but those short barrel giant magnums might be the best tradeoff in terms of weight vs risk. I have seen some clever ways of carrying them.