Best handgun to stop a wolf or cougar?

[RSBob]

First, true confessions: never owned a real gun (BB rifle and pellet gun doesn’t count) so am a total novice. Also I am not particularly strong so recoil is an issue.

Background: Spend a good amount of time outdoors in the woods. Do a lot of hiking, dog walks on trails, and my favorite, single track mountain biking. We get occasional black bears on our acre which haven’t been a problem except on garbage day. Have been a handful of mountain lion and bobcat sightings around the neighborhood. Just today had a report from a fellow Porsche geek who lives less than a half mile away of two wolf sightings in two days. Never had wolves here, coyotes yes and they are not afraid.

A cougar will probably take me from the back on my bike but hiking alone is a concern. Wolves freak me out, especially my friend’s who are not afraid. So I am looking for a handgun that is lightweight, has enough stopping power and isn’t bulky. Ideally it can be carried in a shoulder holster for quick access.

I have read that a minimum barrel length should be 5.5” and have read several positive comments on a 357. Revolvers don’t tend to jam. Glocks are seen to be too fussy if not cleaned or used.

So what would you recommend for a pistol and ammo to go with?

[RSBob]

Sorry but rifles don’t work when mtn biking

[Evans, Marv]

Another alternative would be a bear canister of pepper spray. Of course you'd have to remember not to spray into the wind.

[RSBob]

Marv, that is not a bad idea at all. Light, compact and easily portable. Thanks.

Was thinking of carrying an air horn like boats use to raise bridges. Super loud and probably would scare any critter. Also would be good for rescue if injured since the places I bike are rather deserted.

[varmint]

Somebody in your town offers a defensive handgun course.

Probably a better way to find the weapon right for you than asking random guys online.

[RSBob]

Pretty big gun ownership group here with a lot of knowledgeable people. Yeah I could run down to the local gun shop and buy what they recommend but I prefer owners first hand opinions.

[Joe Bob]

Something stupid proof. .357 wheel gun would be my choice.

[Bill Douglas]

Yep, a .357 means business. If you are not a gun person, you'll find they are not very pleasant to shoot. But as a self defense weapon they are amazing. They also shoot .38 for practice, and a .38 out of a .357 is like shooting a pop gun

[Joe Bob]

Practice with .38......one box, then step up to .357. You should be semi competent......it ain't rocket science.

Take a gun knowledgeable friend when you go to the range. Read the handgun safety manual.

[rfuerst911sc]

Being a novice the advice of a wheel gun ( revolver ) vs. a semi auto is good advice . Basically when you pull the trigger on a revolver they go bang vs. a semi auto which has a more complicated firing system . Semi autos are very very good these days but not as drop dead reliable as a revolver in my opinion . A .357 with a 5 - 6 " barrel would be a great gun for what you have explained . Like others have said you can use .38 ( cheaper ) to practice with and then load up with .357 for self defense . A good self defense hollow point will put a lot of hurt on the victim .

In my opinion the most important factor is practice , practice , practice ! First off being a novice you need to become comfortable handling a gun safely . You also have to be able to hit your target ! If your scenario is you have just ridden two miles on your mountain bike , you are out of breath and suddenly you hear/see a coyote or bear . Now your adrenaline kicks in and you may find your hands shaking so badly you'd be better off throwing your bike at them ! You need to get to a point where shooting the pistol becomes second nature . Just my 2 cents .

[onewhippedpuppy]

Another vote for a .357 revolver. I have a Smith&Wesson 686+, seven round capacity with a 6” barrel. After shooting mine and loving it I bought my then 10 year old son the same thing in a 5” barrel. Even at that age he could shoot .357 without issue. They are heavy so the felt recoil is significantly reduced, and they are stupid accurate and reliable. Perhaps most importantly for the sake of practice, they are FUN to shoot. And you always have the option of shooting .38 Special for cheap practice rounds. Mine has been shot by my wife, daughter, and many others, everybody enjoys shooting with it.

[T77911S]

.357, but learn to shoot. if you don't hit it you aint gonna stop it.

[id10t]

If recoil is an issue a decent revolver in 22wmr (magnum) would be minimal. Next up would be a revolver in 327 Federal magnum, then step up to a 38 or 357.

If you get serious about learning how to operate a semi auto then any quality 9mm or 40.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Another vote for a .357 revolver. I have a Smith&Wesson 686+, seven round capacity with a 6” barrel. After shooting mine and loving it I bought my then 10 year old son the same thing in a 5” barrel. Even at that age he could shoot .357 without issue. They are heavy so the felt recoil is significantly reduced, and they are stupid accurate and reliable. Perhaps most importantly for the sake of practice, they are FUN to shoot. And you always have the option of shooting .38 Special for cheap practice rounds. Mine has been shot by my wife, daughter, and many others, everybody enjoys shooting with it.

^^^^ Won't find better advice anywhere....no matter which gun shop you visit imo

[Bugsinrugs]

Just my 2 cents worth. You don't need to be afraid of wolves..they are deathly afraid of humans. Your friend probably saw a Coyote rather then a wolf. The new Coyote is larger and can resemble a wolf. Just my opinion as I have a history with wolf behavior.

[berettafan]

You guys are getting WAY too into this.

The answer is VERY simple.

Simply ride with someone slower than you.

[Arizona_928]

My vote is a magnum caliber.
I have a 44 mag for outs in the woods when I'm not taking my rifle.

[Rich Lambert]

Originally Posted by berettafan

Simply ride with someone slower than you.

Brilliant!

Rick, it's too bad you don't know anybody who's a gun expert. You could maybe meet them for dinner tonight...oh wait

357 is pretty heavy to schlog around on a bike

[BeyGon]

Originally Posted by AZ_porschekid

My vote is a magnum caliber.
I have a 44 mag for outs in the woods when I'm not taking my rifle.

when I worked in SE Alaska I carried a 44 mag, I liked it. some co workers carried Remington 870s with folding stock, 18" velcroed to their back pack.