[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?