My version of the ultimate carry-along-on-a-hunt handgun

[tominboise]

Out west, sometimes it's a good idea to pack along a handgun when big game hunting, depending on the area one's hunting (grizzley bears, cougars and wolves are all on the rebound out here).  Anyway, my latest dream gun for this would be a Model 97 with a 4-1/4" barrel and the round butt option, chambered in 44 special.  The load would be a 255 gr Keith over 15.5 gr of 2400.  I think this would pack easy (relatively) and have enough power to be worthwhile......

[TScottO]

In my opinion there is no better balance for the 97 than the 44 Special.

Take Care,
Scott

[MS Hitman]

I'm leaning real hard towards the M97 in 44 Spl, but with a 5.5" barrel.  Personally, I'd feel better with my .475 M83 and a 6" barrel for bear repellent.

[Dusty Miller]

Maybe I'm just a pessimust but a .44 spec. for bear don't seem like enough medicine to me.  'Course, I ain't never shot no bear but for my money a 300 gr. bullet clocking along at maybe 1400 fps or better seems more like what a guy would want.  Juz my $.02, for what its worth.

[De41mag]

Tom;

I think you have a winner there. I think, back last year, Handloader magizine did an article on just the gun you are talking about. Only I think it had a standard grip. Anyway, they did a lot of handloading and were getting 1000fps using Keith style bullets and HS-6 and Power Pistol.
I really studied about it and ended up buying a Mod. 97 in 44Spl. but w/ a 5.5 inch barrel. Man is this gun fun to shoot.
As you said, it really is a back-up gun in case the rifle is not close by.
I personally, think it's an excellant choice.

Dennis