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I think i know what I want for xmas. It was between a shotgun and a handgun. I can get more use out of a handgun, so I think that's my direction.

I'm thinking I want .40 cal. From what I've read, that is pretty powerful. I'm wondering about other ones though, like 9mm and .45 cal. Would any of these be enough to ward off anything running at me? lol (I'm talking animals!) I know they won't likely kill them, but if I can stop something from running after me, I think it's justified. I can also use it at one of a few ranges here.

Send me what you think I should go for! I want to spend around $300, preferably a new gun, so I'm thinking I'm more limited to something like a Taurus.

depends on the size of the animals your going for. .40 is a decent size but if im going in the woods with bear and bore im taking a large caliber like .44

50 Cal desert eagle man, or nothing!

If you want stopping power, go with a .357 magnum or a .45. Especially if the handgun were to double as potential self defense. .357 has the added benefit of being able to use cheaper .38 rounds for target practice, and using the .357 rounds for hunting and such when you need the extra power and accuracy. I prefer a revolver simply because if I'm in a bad situation, the last thing I want to worry about is the gun jamming.

.44 magnum has too much velocity. If you shoot something other than a bear or something that large, the bullet will usually just go straight through them and not really knock them down.

i disagree with the .44 comment. a .44 bullet on has about 20fps more than than a .45 round on impact even though the muzzle velocity if much great on the 44.

Already have a 357.

I had read that 40 cal S&W's were more powerful than .45 cals.
But i'm glad I found this as well:

Ultimately, the .40 S&W is a compromise between the higher capacity and lower power of the 9mm, and the lower capacity and high power of the .45 ACP.

I think I'll be looking to .45's

ruger p90 ftw!!! and S&W is a cuss word around my parts

lol, not the gun maker, the ammo name.

i know lol.

Just go buy a simple 38 revolver, plenty of stopping power without all the kickback, so if you need to take another shot you're ready for it. Keep in mind that this was the Police issued revolver for many years for that exact reason (cheap, durable, accurate, and powerful enough to get the job done).