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Maybe I am wrong but the question appeared to be for hiking, something that is lite, and with dog presence? My thought for minimal weight but with stout power would be a Ruger SP 101 3" or 4" in 357 and this is a 5 shot [all are 38 special compatible or 38 plus p]. Also, a Smith Model 60 in 357 with 3" barrel is even liter. Dogs encounter cats. The Smith model 60 is likely as lite as you want and works will for occasional 357 with 158 grain ammo. And, it is accurate. There are super lite 357 or 44 mag revolvers that might work as well.
Those that recommended a 10 mm would work but with increased weight. Or, something like a 40 caliber and 3" compact or 4" barrel. Some of the standard size 40's would work. And, if you had the Glock 19 with special 9 mm ammo that would work as well.
Hiking with "weight" is a problem if you are carrying a 40 ounce gun loaded. I have faced "Charles Atlas" muscle ripped cougar in the woods at less than 35 years facing me and my 10 year old son. I'd think one shot and they would run into the next county--but in a hands on scrap or with a dog, I'd want something that is controllable for that second or third shot.
If I was not carrying gear, but for water and snacks and or overnight survival kit; I have hiked with Ruger GP 100 6" on my hip with no problem-but adding backpacking weight I would want to shed the 2 extra pounds and get something less than or equal to 2 pounds. Just that critical. There is a lot to choose from less than 2 pounds and will fit your needs.
Those that recommended a 10 mm would work but with increased weight. Or, something like a 40 caliber and 3" compact or 4" barrel. Some of the standard size 40's would work. And, if you had the Glock 19 with special 9 mm ammo that would work as well.
Hiking with "weight" is a problem if you are carrying a 40 ounce gun loaded. I have faced "Charles Atlas" muscle ripped cougar in the woods at less than 35 years facing me and my 10 year old son. I'd think one shot and they would run into the next county--but in a hands on scrap or with a dog, I'd want something that is controllable for that second or third shot.
If I was not carrying gear, but for water and snacks and or overnight survival kit; I have hiked with Ruger GP 100 6" on my hip with no problem-but adding backpacking weight I would want to shed the 2 extra pounds and get something less than or equal to 2 pounds. Just that critical. There is a lot to choose from less than 2 pounds and will fit your needs.
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