Thanks for the complement.
Back home (central Colorado) used to carry a .357 also. Mainly for signalling (I know it's a dead tradition, but was taught the 3 shots/lost person thing), and for pot meat or etc. Used the report a time or two to convince bears to remove themselves from the porch, or quit various idiot endeavors. Lions, very rarely saw them, usually the Spitz knew they were there, and the presence was later shown by tracks.
Here, a few lions wondering about, some canines which look entirely too close to a wolf, but little in the way of moose. Those usually don't get too far into this part of Montana. Remote place, but many of the potential predator animals here have been shot at so much, that they aren't much of a concern. Plus, although it vexes the ranchers, some here are interested to watch the wolves, lions and such moving back...along with the Buffalo. Symbolic culturally...
In the wilds here, the biggest real concern is the occasional bummer or crankheaded idiot...so in those terms a Makarov, the Kel Tec, or a good dose of sense is all that's needed.