I have owned 3 44 mag revolvers and one 44 mag rifle. I have only one single pistol today: a 357 magnum sp101 trail gun with a 4" barrel.
At 28 oz, it goes with me everywhere, all season. In my parka pocket, it's especially usual to protect the dog team and I against grumpy moose that won't leave the trail. They stomp dog teams every year. I can run the sled up the hill with that revolver in my parka pocket like it's not even there.
With my 158 grain fmj/alliant unique loads I have shot beaver, snow shoe hare, ruffed grouse, spruce grouse, ptarmigan and sharp tail grouse.
I like a little expansion and cannot use hard cast, for fear of over penetration of a moose stomping the team and hitting a dog.
My other load is a 180 grain swift A-frame at 1200 fps for everything else.
From small game, to home defense, to bear defense, to winter moose defense, to concealed carry, the compact little S&W model 60's and Ruger SP 101's are the mighty mouse of versatility.
For years now, I'm a one handgun owner.
I read an article written by AK guide, Tia Shoemaker. She carries a 5 shooter 357 mag guiding bear hunters.
