Looking at getting my first handgun. Looking at a Smith and Wesson 686. As a trapper in Ontario I am allowed to carry for bear protection, etc.

What do you think of the S&W? Likely with the 4" barrel.

I've owned quite a few S&W revolvers and never had a bad one.

Hutchy, you just can't go wrong with a 686. You can shoot light recoiling .38 Special target loads out of it all day for practicing and fill it with .357 Magnums when you mean business. If you add a set of Hogue rubber grips you won't regret that either. I love mine, 4" full underlug barrel , Hogue grips and quality sights make it a joy to shoot. Like Posco says above, I've never had a bad S&W revolver and I own many. Even my trapline gun is a Model 317 S&W Air Lite..

Awesome. Sounds like a good decision. I had wanted a semi, but because of the lack of semis that shoot .357 it seems like a no brainier to go with a revolver. .357 is the minimum caliber recommended for bear protection.

Hutchy. As noted above the S&W's are good and rugged. I carry the model 29 Mountain gun 4inch 44 magnum. I'm extremely happy with it.
I would advise however going to a good indoor gun shop/range. When it comes to handguns they all seem to have a distinctive feel, and what feels right to one, often doesn't to another. Particularly in larger calibers.

My friend has the 686 in 357 mag and it's a great gun but I do not shoot it nearly as well as my 29. Conversely he does not shoot mine well but shoots lights out with his.

Your needs for carrying that handgun are identical to mine, a revolver is an excellent choice. Your holster is equally important.

Osky

Smith makes excellent revolvers, but for strictly trapping dispatch sidearm my vote is .22 long rifle. If you are bear guide and will be trailing up bowshot or marginal rifle hit bears you want more than .357 noisemaker. If I was Canadian I would get 22 for trapping and keep 12 gauge or 44 mag on atv or sled. Have trailed many bears and had a lesson in bear strength driven home by 100 lb. "Cub". They are not to be messed with or taken lightly. Just my .02.

I know nothing of holsters...we are allowed to carry protected from weather, not necessarily "concealed". Protected under a coat I am pretty sure is ok.

What holster do I need??

The 686 is a great handgun. The 4" has a good feel and balance to it. As was mentioned, changing the grips out to a good set of rubber grips gives it an even better feel and they make it easier to control. I have and use a 4" model 66 with Pachmayr grips on it.

If you are dead set on a very powerful semi auto, look at the 10mm's.

Dave

Guides choice chest holster. Made by Diamonf D leather in Alaska. It will be made for the exact fit of your 686 if that's your handgun choice.

Osky

Hutchy,
The 10mm's are equivalent in power to the .41 mag. If you potentially need bear protection that would also be something to consider. I see that Springfield Armory is now offering the XD in 10mm. There are a few others.

Ya, I looked at the 10mm. The round seems....huge and fat??

I am doing my course on the 30th, so they might have some input on what holster is interpreted as being protected from weather as opposed to concealed.

Well dang. I like the idea of a semi auto...it seems like more fun at the range.

If you were to have one gun, for bear protection and some range fun/practise, would you get a semi in 10mm, or the revolver mentioned in .357?

I would say if this is a trap line weapon I would get a revolver. You can not go wrong with a S&W. Pricy but worth it. JMO

I will also add my vote to how good the 686 is I have 2 currently one blued and one stainless and while not a big fan of stainless perfering the looks of blued guns it does cut down on rust in wet conditions

Oski had a good suggestion one the guide choice chest holster I have one and find it works great for bumming around the woods

If you really want an auto take a seriously hard look at the Springfield XD in 10mm if I was carrying for bear protection it would be my go to gun mine shoots great though I have not yet put many rounds down range yet what I have all went right where I wanted them to and add in 15 rounds of 41 mag level power you can’t go wrong

But I do love my 686 to lol

Such a dliemma. Especially when I am a handgun noob and haven't shot any of them yet.

I like the idea of quick unload and loading of a semi. Was looking at the Glock 20 gen4 a minute ago. I'll look at the Springfield as well. Seems like 15 rounds out of the Glock give it and edge? A revolver does seem more trapline like...

I really like the look of that Springfield. My buddy has a 686 and a Springfield in .45. I might have to shoot both of his and see what I like.

I see on one of those Alaskan shows one of the son's carry his revolver in a chest holster, does not have to lift his coat etc. it is right there. Never know how close that bear is going to be.

Auto's are fun on the range but i would take the wheel gun hands down in the bush

X2 , I have a Ruger 1911 in 10mm. Recoil is a bit more than a 45acp 1911, but not much. I love it.
Dennis

I'm more apt to be assaulted by a two legged beast. I carry a S&W shield in .45 ACP.