On the other hand, the Alaskan's .45 Colt capability gives it a broader, more recreational application as well, which is why Ruger has gone out of its way to emblazon all Super Redhawk .454 Casull models with three separate .45 Colt caliber-stampings (twice on the cylinder; once on the frame extension) along with the .454 Casull marks. Shooting the Alaskan with .45 Colt loads, even .45 Colt +P or handloaded ammo at .44 Magnum-type power levels, is entirely pleasant. So loaded, it's even a reasonable choice for medium-weight or antlered game hunting in close-brush circumstances, regardless of its relatively short barrel length. Its accuracy with .45 Colt loads will surprise you; its chambers are specced to a tight .479-inch diameter, not the sloppy .488-inch diameter that is SAAMI-standard for .45 Colt-only guns.

Dan Wesson Model 445 Alaskan Guide Special

The last notable backcountry sidearm to mention here is the Dan Wesson 445 SuperMag Alaskan Guide Special, which not only offers a beautifully configured wilderness sidearm but also takes full advantage of the versatile Dan Wesson system providing the options of ammunition and barrel interchangeability. Well proven in the hunting field, the 445 SuperMag cartridge has been a champion among handgun big-game cartridges for decades. The 445 SuperMag offers approximately 25 to 35 percent more performance than the standard .44 Magnum but also allows use of .44 Special and .44 Magnum ammunition as well.

Now back in production after a several-year hiatus, the Dan Wesson Model 445 Alaskan Guide Special (AGS) was designed specifically to be a companion on rugged outdoor adventures in the wilderness areas where, as the Dan Wesson literature so charmingly puts it, "humans are not always the top of the food chain." From its modern frame and barrel design to the durable matte black Yukon Coat finish, the AGS is made to perform.

Equipped with a 4-inch barrel and compensated barrel shroud, the revolver is designed to be a powerful stopper yet also convenient to holster and carry in rugged terrain. The modern design grip angle works particularly well with the compensation system to allow recovery control with the SuperMag cartridge. Firing .44 Magnum loads, it's a pussycat. Plus, the barrel assembly is interchangeable with all Dan Wesson Firearms 445 SuperMag barrel assemblies. Dan Wesson ammunition in various bullet weights is available from your local dealer, direct from Dan Wesson Firearms, and CZ-USA. Brass for handloading is available from Starline.

Hunters' backup sidearms can run from ultraheavy to ultralight; it's your choice.

Consider This
Consider this: The intelligent way to prepare yourself for carrying any of these heavy-hitting guns would be to entirely familiarize yourself with its feel and function by shooting it as much and as often as you can with as strong down-power loads as you find comfortable and controllable and then loading it with the real mastodon-killers when you go into the backcountry. In an emergency, your reflexes will kick in, and the gun will feel familiar and comfortable in your hand, whatever the load. This is not just idle talk. I've spoken personally with survivors of grizzly attacks who saved themselves by rapid-fire emptying DA .454 revolvers into the animals at touching distance. None of them had any consciousness of recoil or muzzle blast at the time.

I started this review by distinguishing between hunting handguns and hunters' handguns. But when you get right down to it, of course, any of these new tools will also make pretty good primary handgun hunting tools. I carried my Taurus .41 Magnum Tracker stuck in the cargo pocket of my Carharts up and down the Utah canyons for three days in two feet of snow a few winters ago, chasing cougars, and I never even had to think about it being there until I pulled it out to drop the finally treed cat with a single point-of-aim shot.

On a belt in a nylon-fabric holster and loaded with aluminum-case CCI Blazer ammo, you'll literally have to touch a Smith & Wesson Model 357 .41 Magnum to remind yourself it's there. A heavy Taurus Model 500 or S&W Model 500 or Ruger Alaskan in a well-designed field shoulder holster is no less comfortable to wear than a hiker's daypack. Pick whichever brand or model suits your fancy: These new, heavy-hitting high-tech powerhouse revolvers leave no serious outdoorsman with any excuse for not packing the security of a backup sidearm.