9mm as protection from mountain lions?

[AKpredator]

I don't know anybody who can get good shot placement on a cat flying through the air unannounced. A shotgun will do well if it's in your hands at the moment when $hit happens but if it's on your bike or slung, you will be very challenged to get it between you the kitty. An externally holstered pistol or revolver is much easier to use in close confines, as chances are they will get to you before you can get to the trigger. The "get up off me" shot is most probable in these situations and has saved many lives in bear attacks.

If you are shooting "in self defense" at anything not being aggressive you are being very irresponsible.

9mm... Why not? I have yet to find anyone who wants to trade shots with me 9mm vs 45 ACP. If you laugh at some using a 9mm, you will be laughing all the way to the morgue. A couple of years ago a 600lb. grizzly bear was killed at close range with a 9mm and three rounds of FMJ on the banks of the Kenai River in front of about 100 witnesses. It may not be the best for the role but it'll do in a pinch.

[Bill in San Jose]

I know 2 hunters who have killed cougars in self defense, both elk hunting and a cat came in on them. Both used a broadhead arrow. My knowledge of cougar attacks is they attack woman from the rear, but in reading about multiple others, the male victims sees the cat coming.

A cougar is a thin-skinned game animal, unlike a wild pig or bear. It does not have a lot of fat and a thick hide to stop a bullet.

Look at the horrible destruction that was done at Virginia Tech with a 9mm pistol- 9mm's kill.

2 guys I elk hunt with carry 454 Casull and a 460 "hand-cannon" as backup for cougars. I carry an XD45.

I think the 9mm with hollow-pointed bullets (you want the energy to destroy tissue and organs and not pass through) would be sufficient to either cause the cat to run away when hit, if not kill it. Shot placement is the most important thing- your best shot is between the ear and eyeball, rattle it's brain. Heart/lungs are classic shots, but often not a quick kill, I've see and heard of deer with an arrow through their hearts running 50+ yards.

Remember what they say in CA where cougars are protected. SSS. Shoot, shovel and shut-up. Don't risk getting a ticket for defending yourself from some bunnie-hugging fish and game warden if you put one down and are alone.

[Hutch4KSU]

One shot from a .454 Casull ought to do it...if the bullet doesn't get him, the sound from the blast will.

[Bree]

Originally Posted by AKpredator

I don't know anybody who can get good shot placement on a cat flying through the air unannounced. A shotgun will do well if it's in your hands at the moment when $hit happens but if it's on your bike or slung, you will be very challenged to get it between you the kitty. An externally holstered pistol or revolver is much easier to use in close confines, as chances are they will get to you before you can get to the trigger. The "get up off me" shot is most probable in these situations and has saved many lives in bear attacks.

If you are shooting "in self defense" at anything not being aggressive you are being very irresponsible.

9mm... Why not? I have yet to find anyone who wants to trade shots with me 9mm vs 45 ACP. If you laugh at some using a 9mm, you will be laughing all the way to the morgue. A couple of years ago a 600lb. grizzly bear was killed at close range with a 9mm and three rounds of FMJ on the banks of the Kenai River in front of about 100 witnesses. It may not be the best for the role but it'll do in a pinch.

I have no objection to what you are saying. A 9mm is fully capable of bringing the cat down. I think a .45 ACP is better but they both will put a lot of lead in the air very quickly and that is what your life may depend on. I think the 10 mm is a great suggestion.

My only point is that the wheel guns are not as well suited to this type of self defense task. This is a job for a semi-automatic and not a magnum wheel gun. The magnum might work but your probabilities are better with the semi.

[kayl]

I think a wheel gun's contact shot capability is a valid pro for revolver carry in that situation, but that said, practice your reloads like none other!

[retired]

BoneDigger, I'm not flaming you, but if you did a search, you would have found a couple of similar threads. I used mine from 2005, entitled: "bear/mountain lion ammo."

Here it is below and there is great info from some knowledgeable people.

Minimum round to kill bear/mountain lion?

[GrovenSpringer]

A lot of info and mis-info here kids! First of all, take what you got until you can get what you need. The 9mm will suffice but you really need something more. Yes, the cat does not have a lot of fat, but you have to take into account the amazing strength wild animals have. That cat isn't going to just lay down because you shot at it. That animal has probably ten times or more strength, agility and stamina than we do. And that includes the ability to take what would be disabling damage to us and keep on going. Like a meth soaked attacker. That cat isn't just going to lay down because you plinked it with a 9mm or .357. You gotta convince this animal to leave you alone. The .45acp has real and mythical power to stop men, but when it comes to big cats, the .45acp falls short. Some may report one stop shots with some of the afor mentioned calibers, but I for one think these are the exception not the rule. I don't go out and about with anything less than my .44 mag. If you're lucky, LUCKY, you may get one shot, and I for one want that ONE shot to be with a .44 mag. or bigger not some urban street fighter caliber. Just my two cents. Happy shooting!

[RobFMJ]

Originally Posted by BoneDigger

I have my sights set on a Dan Wesson Model 15, .357 magnum.

Get it! You wont be disappointed.

[ArmyGuy45]

if if where you.. i would get the biggest you can go... unlike humans... when they get hurt.. they just want to get a bigger bite.. your going to need to stop that cat with the first hit

[BoneDigger]

Man, this thread has really taken off. I appreciate all of the great advice and I also apologize if this has been talked about before. Sometimes, new information becomes available in the year or two since the last thread. New ammunition, new types of guns, and new people to talk about their perceptions.

For those advocating a shotgun. I totally agree that it would be the best option. But, it's not an option since I would have to carry concealed.

In the week since I posted this, I have purchased a used Smith and Wesson Model 29, .44 magnum, with a 3 inch barrel. I also purchased a used Smith 686, .357 with a 4 inch barrel. So, all of this talk got me off of my butt and into the gunshop anyway! Now I just need to practice!

Todd