45man, the fellow you refer to was a government trapper in either California or Colorado, can't remember for sure but he killed a lot of lions with that gun!
Some lion guides recommend a 22 rimfire for the same reason, shoot them in the tree, let them slowly die & they drop from the tree, not sure I agree with that but they are in the business.
When I shot mine I meant to give it a second one double action just for good measure but it hit the ground before I could even pull the trigger....they are quick!

Dick