While bears....in very unusual and unique circumstances.....can be real threat, mostly a wodds walking handgun is NOT a defensive weapon. While cougars are often mentioned, I'd venture to say that ever person who was "truely" threatened by then each year could fit in a very small closet.
To me, a woods gun is basically a small game gun....with the ability (if needed) to take a passing hog. Any gun which can take a hog is perfectly acceptable against "human" threats as well.
For that use, the 9mm (and slightly less so, the .380) would be perfectly good. I often carry a SAA in .32-20 when I walk the woods. I'd "prefer" a .45 ACP or .45 Colt, but don't feel "unarmed" with the smaller gun. The current trend towards fearing "lions and tigers and bears" when outside the livingroom is way overplayed. Also, if you "really" fear human preditors when walking about.....you probably should reconsider where you are walking!
