There really isn't a right answer to these questions. You'll get lots of opinions, but ultimately you just need to decide what is best for you.
A few thoughts:
- A .22 will piss off a Grizzly while a .50 caliber will obliterate a rabid raccoon. What type of animals are you anticipating? Even if you know what animal - there still isn't a right answer (as evidenced by the many "What caliber for T-rex? or What caliber for Voldemort? threads).
- Regarding caliber, a big caliber does just as much damage as a small caliber if all you do is miss your target. If you get a .45 but never shoot it due to the big bang or the ammo prices, you'll likely be better off with a 9mm or a .32.
- With that said, while a 9mm round may expand, a .45 ain't getting any smaller. Bigger isn't always better for many reasons, but if you have a choice between poking a small hole and a big hole in an enemy, always go big.
- Get what YOU are most comfortable handling and shooting, then become VERY familiar and accurate with it.
- A pistol is really a very poor defense weapon. It's main benefit is that it is small, portable, and concealable. If I were being attacked by a human or a bear, I'd use my pistol just long enough to get my hands on a shotgun or rifle.
- If I was worried about protection from big animals in the back country, I'd probably carry a small semi-auto rifle (.223 or similar) AND my pistol.
A few thoughts:
- A .22 will piss off a Grizzly while a .50 caliber will obliterate a rabid raccoon. What type of animals are you anticipating? Even if you know what animal - there still isn't a right answer (as evidenced by the many "What caliber for T-rex? or What caliber for Voldemort? threads).
- Regarding caliber, a big caliber does just as much damage as a small caliber if all you do is miss your target. If you get a .45 but never shoot it due to the big bang or the ammo prices, you'll likely be better off with a 9mm or a .32.
- With that said, while a 9mm round may expand, a .45 ain't getting any smaller. Bigger isn't always better for many reasons, but if you have a choice between poking a small hole and a big hole in an enemy, always go big.
- Get what YOU are most comfortable handling and shooting, then become VERY familiar and accurate with it.
- A pistol is really a very poor defense weapon. It's main benefit is that it is small, portable, and concealable. If I were being attacked by a human or a bear, I'd use my pistol just long enough to get my hands on a shotgun or rifle.
- If I was worried about protection from big animals in the back country, I'd probably carry a small semi-auto rifle (.223 or similar) AND my pistol.