(snip) and will cover 95% of my needs in the woods.
I'm not ok stopping at the 95% line when the last 5% can kill me. I demand 100% and won't settle for less.
My two guns that fit Taffin's description are both .44 magnums, one a 4-5/8" blued super blackhawk, the other a S&W 329PD. I usually carry the Ruger on day trips where I might be likely to WANT to shoot something and save the S&W for overnight (or longer) backpacking trips where I might NEED to shoot something even if I don't WANT to. I pack the same load in both guns, the only variable is launch pad, and the only reason for having both is shifting balance between portability and shootability.
If I get that twitchy feeling suggesting the .44s are not enough, I do, rarely, reach for a Ruger Bisley .454, but it is heavier yet and a little less comfortable / convenient to carry. Again, a question of balancing size of need vs convenience.
I've never met a semi-auto that was adequate 'cept for a Desert Eagle and I'm not packing one of those boat anchors around.
Tom
