I would love to pick up a S&W Model 460 revolver. Shoots five shots of .460S&W, .454 Casull, and .45 Colt. I figure with .45 Colt shot shells I could take out smaller game, and with .454/.460 I could take out larger game. That's my theory anyway.

Sure, a rifle would be a better choice for hunting, but I hate lugging a heavy awkward rifle around. At least with the revolver I could stick it in my pack, or even get a holster made up. Plus, it could be kept out of plain sight in the pack or under a jacket. It gives the option of not advertising being armed (whereas a rifle on the shoulder sticks out like a sore thumb).

Not a perfect solution, but the best compromise I could think of that might work in a majority of situations. Then again, I'm no expert.

With that in mind, I would still probably carry a .22LR pistol or break-down .22 rifle along with it. The ammo is easy to find, easy to carry, cheap, easy to shoot, and it's proven on small game.