18 Best Handguns For Wilderness Protection

Are you headed out to the woods worrying about the lions, tigers and bears? Oh my!
From rabid critters to bears that ate a brick of narcotics (google it), there are plenty of threats to your safety from animals.
Choosing the right weapon to carry with you is important, so here are some things to consider if you're gonna pack a handgun on your hike:

1. What animals are out there? For snakes, you'll want a pistol that feeds .410 shot shells. For anything the size of a skunk to the size of a fox, a .22 caliber pistol can do the trick. If you're just trying to scare off animals, a .22 should do nicely. For coyotes, bobcats and other similarly sized game, you'll want something like a 9 or .45 with you. Anything bigger, the name of your cartridges better end in "Magnum".
2. Who is with you? If you're not going alone, you will either want to keep the gun hidden so your beyond-liberal sister-in-law doesn't know you're carrying, or you're with your family and you'll want to make sure others can use it when a pack of wolves drags you off. If you're by yourself...that's not a great idea.
3. Are you allowed to carry where you're going? Most parks don't allow firearms. If you break the law and carry a gun anyways, can you conceal it?

We gathered a list of guns that we feel are the best choices to consider for different threat levels when you're out hiking. Use the arrows to cast your votes and let us know which guns you would take out into the woods where you live!

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Magnum Research Desert Eagle

The Desert Eagle Mark XIX L5 is a gas-operated, semi-automatic pistol which features an aluminum frame with carbon steel slide and barrel. Its barrel utilizes an integral muzzle brake and Weaver style... read more

GunCritic Score

96%

User Rating

99%

#25

Best EDC Pistols

Most Powerful Guns

#27

Best Handguns Ever

Most Deadly Handguns

From $590.75

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Taurus Judge

Check out the revolutionary new Public Defender Polymer. This scaled-down model of everyone?Ts favorite combo gun, the Taurus Judge, still gives you the ability to fire your choice of ammunition?"now... read more

GunCritic Score

95%

User Rating

99%

#16

Best Home Defense Guns

#86

Best Selling Handguns

#22

The Best Guns For Home Defense

#35

Best Home Defense Gun

From $742.05

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Smith & Wesson 686

Pro Series - Stock Service Revolver Chamfered Charge Holes Custom Barrel with Recessed Precision Crown Bossed Mainspring Ergonomic Grip to Force High-Hand Hold Completing the line between main pro... read more

GunCritic Score

93%

User Rating

99%

#97

Best Pistols

#10

Best Handguns for Beginner

#88

Best 357 Magnum Revolvers

From $599.16

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Ruger Single-Six

Strong, Durable, Dependable, and Versatile. New Model Single-Six revolvers are the perfect small bore single-action <a class='text-red-500 xs:leading-normal leading-tight inline-block' href='https://w... read more

GunCritic Score

97%

User Rating

99%

#64

Best Pistols

#11

Best Single Action Revolvers

#17

Best Handguns For Sale

From $1370.99

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Taurus Raging Bull

Taurus is known for their high quality pistols and with the Taurus 416 Raging Bull Revolver you can be assured that your personal and protection needs are met. The mighty Raging Bullâ„¢ Model 416 c... read more

GunCritic Score

94%

User Rating

99%

#15

Best 44 Magnum Revolvers

#44

Best Taurus Pistol

Most Deadly Handguns

From $271.99

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Taurus TX22

The Taurus TX-22 is one of the best handguns ever made chambered for the .22 LR. You can hold it as if itâ€™s a full-size self-defense pistol that feels really good in the hands. For a budget piece, i... read more

GunCritic Score

50%

User Rating

99%

Best Handguns

#35

Best Pistol Brand

#87

Best Selling Handguns

Best 22LR Pistols

From $636.46

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SIG Sauer P320

The P320 is a polymer-framed service pistol designed from the ground up with the input of law enforcement officers. The result is the most operator-safety focused striker duty pistol on the market tod... read more

GunCritic Score

95%

User Rating

99%

Best 9mm Pistols

#157

Best Pistols

#17

Best Handguns for Women

#18

Best Handguns for Beginner

From $935.00

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Smith & Wesson M57

First introduced in 1964 and now offered through the companys Classics line the Smith Wesson Model 57 is a double-action revolver chambered in 41 Rem Mag. Built on a large carbon steel N-frame it feat... read more

GunCritic Score

100%

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99%

Best Homestead Handguns

From $599.99

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Glock 17 Gen 5

The G17 Gen5 features a no finger grooved, multiple backstrapped, rough textured frame with hundreds of miniature spikes which results in remarkable traction for extreme environments and gloved operat... read more

GunCritic Score

98%

User Rating

99%

#144

Best Pistols

#46

Best Handguns

#82

Best Selling Handguns

#15

Best Handguns For Home Defense

From $775.62

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Kimber 1911

The RAPIDE (DN,NS). A truly unique 1911 with stepped cocking serrations, slide lightening cuts for faster lock time and TiN coated barrel for extreme durability. Equipped with Kimber Stiplex TM front... read more

GunCritic Score

93%

User Rating

99%

#93

Best Pistol Brands

#45

Best 1911 9mm Pistols

#48

Best 1911

#85

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