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I don't usually carry a handgun when I am hunting.

When I do, I usually carry a 4 in S&W 651 .22 WMR. Mostly so I can legally take grouse. I switch to a .357 Taurus TI Tracker/9mm/40 when packing meat when I don't have a long gun.

Based on your considerations I would recommend you consider a Ruger LCRX
3in .38 Special +P. 17 oz, enough power, versatile, etc.

I carried a G20 for a couple years whenever I did not have a long gun with me.

Two years ago I picked up a G29 and since have moved the 20 down the road.

165gr hp for stray dogs and humans, 230gr fmj while picking berries or hauling meat.

When my first daughter was a little over 2, I had her along looking for mushrooms in the cottonwoods by the river. Two agressive mastiff mixes had me with my daughter on my shoulders and my walking stick as my only defense.

My Father's last duty weapon was a 2.5" S&W Model 66. Took the wood grips off it replaced them with rubber, perfect pack-pack firearm.

I screwed up the chance for a really cool rattlesnake skin by not knowing my 2-3yd hold with my G22. The snake still died, but not as I had planned. Lesson learned.

That is a great revolver. Had one with standard grips until the 2.5" barrel was deemed illegal here.......

I stopped at the store and fondled one of these yesterday. Shockingly light. Great size for a knock around pack gun. Nice trigger.

I think one will follow me home soon.

Mac-
Is that a bottle opener on the tail of that knife?

They are a little 'feathery', ain't they. Those LCR's do have nice triggers. Granted it's an ugly little gun, but I like it much.

Also, I have a Simply Rugged holster for it, but I also tried it out in a Bianchi 5BH for a 2 1/2" K frame and it fit just fine.

Cold Steel Pocket Bushman... That is part of the locking mechanism. One has to pull on the cord to unlock the knife to close it. The tail is there for one handed closing allowing one to catch the tail on a pocket to unlock the knife...

Bob

"I would say a snakes, coyotes, possible rabid racoon would be the only threats."

If that is all you are likely to come across, unless you just want to spend some money to have another gun I would stay with the Glock 19. Find a carry system you like and spend the money you saved on ammo....

Bob

One of the new 5-shot Rugers in .44 Special would be a good option.

I regularly carry a Rossi 720 with 2 loads of snake-shot and 3 240 grain SWCs.

Why?

I don't go out of the house unarmed much less in the woods. My personal opinion though.

Brad, if you ever tried to enjoy the back country of coastal Oregon I am sure you would understand the need to be armed. Imagine Calif is more of the same.
Picture meth labs, pot grows etc...

Montana not so much, unless bears sceer ya.

Because it's fun to shoot stuff!

Because Brad only needs a rape whistle. $10 says the ball is missing.

LMFAO!!!!!!!! hahaha

Zillion reasonable options for eastern woods bumming including your glock 19. After that, Cost:benefit goes to Ruger LCR .38spl if was me.

After that cost goes up, but i used s&w 642 on the compact side (steel, real sights=shootable) and on fuller side but light, the s&w m66 4" is hard to beat.

Of course, an old Bearcat in the case you describe, in all reality, would be both fine and a hoot. Have the latter three; would like a LCR too on principle

I carry the Taurus poly protector. Its a 5 shot revolver in 357. It has a fiber optic front sight. It weighs just under 6 oz loaded. I live and hunt with grizzlys. Carry it always. Never know its there. Custom cross draw belt holster.