Would you feel undergunned in wild with a .357 Magnum?

[DD977GM2]

Title says it all. Im curious what you all have to say on this. Im thinking in the Lower 48 Rocky Mountain regions to the Sierra Nevadas.

I say no as I have never encountered a bear or mountain lion in all my years of backcountry hiking,backpacking and hiking to remote climbing spots.

[cowboykjohnson]

Nope I'd be just fine with a .357, I still carry a 6 shooter .357 when I camp and sometimes hunting. That's all I used to carry before I bought my 10mm. The only time I would feel undergunned would be against a grizz.

[BigBear]

I say no as well... .357 should take down anything I need to... unless I'm hunting that 2000lb white moose! HAHA.

I have encountered cats and bears on hikes/camping, but they've never been a problem. Be respectful towards them, know a little about 'em, and things should turn out ok.

[Tim K]

Are there Grizzlies in the lower 48? That's the only thing that would cause me to feel underarmed. Lions are thin skinned, so a .357 should be strong medicine.

I ran a black bear out of my yard a year or so ago with a lightweight J frame in my hand loaded with .38 +P's. I felt reasonably secure knowing (hoping) he would run, and if he didn't I'd get a chance to see what effect 5 rounds would have at contact distance.

[cowboykjohnson]

I've been within 20yds of mamma bear and 2 cubs, I didn't piss her off so she didn't piss me off, but i felt fine with my ruger vaquero in .357 on my side.

[CrufflerSteve]

I'd tend to agree for most of the US. I've rock collected across Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona with my S&W 586 with me. I haven't been down by the Mexican border in over 5 years and down there its the humans. I had a couple of confrontations and just opening the holster ended the scariest. It has escalated since and I'm not sure what would be effective down there - short of a squad of Marines.

I've run across black bear in the mountains. Their acceleration is unbelievable. Fortunately, it has always been away from me. I'm not so sure of a 357 for them. I've heard something in the bushes towards night that might have been a mountain lion but I think being big helped and the 357 could work there.

I've never been back country up towards Canada in Grizzly country. Up there I think I'd prefer one of those light guide lever action 45/70's.

Steve

[cowboykjohnson]

Are there Grizzlies in the lower 48?

Up north there is from wyoming up, but I suspect they are here to.

[Daniel_187]

No but I would want at least 6 shots, I woild love that new S&W that holds 8

[Elhuero]

I wouldn't either.

[68Charger]

Anywhere south of Canadia, .357 would be enough to make me feel comfortable.. except maybe that national forest in AZ..

Even the grizzlies that are left in the lower 48 aren't very big..
but there are places in Canada & Alaska that no handgun would completely make me feel comfortable.. but now and then it's good to be uncomfortable