Needs to be light, 4" - 6" barrel.
http://www.taurususa.com/products/pr...egory=Revolver
This is my first pick. S&W also makes nice .357 revolvers, but they are a bit heavier. Anyone know of anything similar?
I've considered a pistol, but since this will be mostly for hiking and backpacking (I run into loose dogs & black bears a few times a year) it needs to be reliable in less than sterile conditions.