First principle: "The best gun for the job is the one you have on you at the time you need it".

It might sound trite, but the point is that what you need is something that is so comfortable to carry that you won't be tempted to leave it at home. You've already indicated a requirement for a revolver so I would suggest something not too heavy and a barrel length of 4-5" Maximum.

You stated "Don?t plan to hunt but would like to have something for worst case I can?t run away situation". To me this indicates that your primary driver is black bear defense up close and personal. If so we're talking about quick response shooting at a charging target. While placement is still required, finesse may not be an option. Therefore I'd be choosing either a .44 or .45/.454 calibre option.

I don't know anything about ammo availability in your area and so can't comment on that aspect. A quick tour around the local gunshops will tell you whats readily on the shelves. This may be irrelevant if you will only be carrying for protection and only doing and minimum of practice. A couple of boxes a year may be all you need.

A 24/7 all weather carry workhorse suggests stainless construction.

Actually I'd go Glock 10mm, however you've specified revolver. So I'd kinda swing to a DA rather than SA due to ease of load and unload. Also DA for rapid multiple shots. But then that's just me. There are plenty of people on this forum with vastly greater experience who'd choose SA. You need to work out what works for you.

You've specified iron sights. If possible try out a fibre optic front sight for quick pickup.

Put these together and possibilities include the Ruger Redhawk with 4.2" barrel, Ruger Toklat (possibly too heavy/bulky but varies with the individual), S&W 629/329 with 4-5" barrel. Alternatively any SA of that size. Stick with a reliable
brand.

Not trying to hit anyone over the head here... just wanting information. Yours is great. I don?t know much about the 45 colt. So if you are suggesting that off the shelf 45 colt is not enough and 454 is too much that is useful information and I appreciate it. Thank you

I think a S&W 329PD would fit the bill, a DA/SA .44 mag revolver that is ~25 oz. empty. Granted I wouldn't want to shoot full-tilt .44 loads all day, but you aren't looking for a plinking gun.

I just picked up one of these as a "Do-It-All" gun, and so far, it's awesome. The 45 acp is cheap to shoot, and the 45 Colt can be loaded heavy enough for anything I will encounter. I added Fiber Optic sights to mine.



Ruger's Video

Gunblast Review

My backwoods packin? gun is a stainless Super Blackhawk, Bisley 3 3/4 inch in 44 mag. Carried in a Simply Rugged pancake holster. Usually Crossdraw. sometimes I carry my vintage Colt 1911 in 45ACP or my Redhawk 44 mag.
If I was buying a lightweight everything gun I would probably go with a 6 inch Light frame S&W 44 mag as several of the others have noted or possibly a GP 100 in 44 Special or perhaps in 357 mag if its not a high risk bear area. A light frame 45LC would also be a good choice. Funny thing is I don?t own such a gun as I usually carry a full size steel gun.

I have been looking at the bisley 3-3/4 in 44. How do you like it? I know it?s not long enough to hunt with in some states. But it does look and feel nice.

Here is a link to the Lipsey RSB information

http://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/2012/08/16/limited-edition-ruger-bisley-44-magnum/

For this role, I like a moderately loaded big bore all over the .357. It will do the job without making my ears bleed. So anything that propels a 240-260gr cast bullet to 900-1000fps (.44Spl, .44-40, .45ACP, .45Colt) out of a relatively light sixgun is plenty. A Colt-sized single action or N-frame usually gets the nod but I'm really digging the new half lug .44Spl GP-100.