Yes, dont laugh ive picked the really worst time to want to get a handgun. Endless supply of people with covid checks ruining things like prices, and product availability is not a good time to decide to purchase a firearm.
I need something that is good for DEFENDING from a black bear. They be wobbling up on the front deck at night. And wandering the yard in the daytime. Had one get run over last month and it weight 450 lb.
I have nerve damage in my hands. Only have shot a friends 357 and 22lr. His 357 was supposed to weigh 40 ounces empty.
The store bought standard 38 +p and 357 magnum 158 grain loads felt the same on my hands and wrists. Just a little bit different in the noise through plugs. Shot some 158 grain SWC with a full book load of 2400. Those were pretty noisy. And snapped me the worst. The others i could shoot one handed, these i didnt like that from what i recall.
My thought was to purchase a 44 magnum. And just use standard bullets 200 to 240 grain and just stay at mild velocities. 8 to 1000 fps. Ideally was thinking a DEWC in 220 grains and seeing what it could do.
But with 44 magnums literally unobtainable online, and search engines bringing up gun ads from 2016, is it better to just get a heavy weight 357 magnum and try to load up the 170 to 200 grain bullets and hoping a cylinder full doesnt over do my wrists?