I have read all the replies with interest. I have always hunted with open sighted handguns and never have felt a need to carry two of them. This fall I am going on my first black bear hunt, and have pretty much decided to use a FA Mod 83 454 with a Jpoint red dot sight. I have this "thing" about trusting anything electronic, so I am planning to have a back up hand gun. I am not thinking so much in terms of saving my hide as I am having that ONE shot and the battery is dead, or something goes wrong and that little red dot is not there. I cannot seem to make up my mind on what to carry in case that happens. I have it narrowed down somewhat to:

1. 4" model 29
2. 5.5" Redhawk 45
3. 5.5" #5 Ruger 44 special
4. 5.5" FA mod 97 44 special

The specials if used would be loaded with 260 gr hard cast at 1200 fps. The Model 29 probably the same. If using the 45, a heavier bullet same velocity.

Decisions... decicisons.