If you live west of the Rocky Mountains protection in the woods is serious business. With more and more pro animal rights agendas being moved forward in State legislatures and at the ballot box, these woods are becoming more dangerous every season. Just like we arm ourselves for BG's that want to beat you, when in the woods you need to be properly armed for the BG that wants to eat you. Here in my home state of Oregon, animal attacks are at a all time high. We have bear running the streets of our suburbs and cougars entering elementary schools.
My objection with the Mountain Gun for protection is weight, lack of it, it is way to light to handle continuous fire, especially with one hand and a proper load. A attacking bear at 50 yards is on top of you in less than 4 seconds, a cat, even less. You have to be able to draw a firearm and be able to fire at least 3 shots in those 4 seconds. Also be able to fire single handed, so that your other hand is used to keep the critter teeth from your face. I think caliber is going to vary from person to person. Personally, I cannot do that with a 44 Magnum at all, use a 41 magnum instead. Could not do it with a 41 magnum Mountain Gun either, have to use a 6 inch unlugged 657. The difference in weight is one foot peg for my tree stand. The difference that makes when shooting, saving my life.
Robert