22 Pistol

On Bud's Gun Shop Forums the question came up: What is the smallest caliber you trust to protect yourself?

My personal favorite defense gun has always been a Beretta Jetfire in 22 short. Over all the years I've been hiking I never leave without it in my pocket. Of course we all know that the first rule when hiking in the wilderness is to use the "Buddy System". For those of you who may be unfamiliar with this it means you NEVER hike alone, you bring a friend or companion, even an in-law, that way if something happens there is someone to go get help.

I remember one time hiking with my brother-in-law on Raspberry Island near Kodiak. Out of nowhere came this huge brown bear and man was she mad. We must have been near one of her cubs.

Anyway, if I had not had my little Jetfire I'd sure not be here today. Just one shot to my brother-in-law's knee cap and I was able to escape by just walking at a brisk pace.

That's one of the best pistols in my safe…

...I don't have to outrun the bear, I just have to outrun YOU! B-)

But I bet your brother-in-law wasn't too pleased. X(

Sounds like a .22 is perfect...:)-D

Good thinking Doug, A tip of my glass of raw wine to ya.

Lol! I was caribou hunting on the tundra (bear country) in 1992. My tentmate asked about the .45 auto I put between us. I said the same thing.

Seriously - When I hiked in bear country I carried a 12 Ga pump with a sling, loaded with alternating Breneke slugs and #2 shot.

Then there's the one about the guy who wanted a .44 Magnum for bears. The dealer said to be sure to file off the front sight.
"Why?"
"So it won't hurt so bad when the bear shoves it up your @$$."

I have the Beretta .25, which I like even tho the grip is a little short.