Hmmm...I don't think that's foolish at all! A short-but-legal double barrel coach gun would be an awesome woods gun. Maybe not something you could get at quickly (eg surprise unexpected charge) but you could unpack it once you made camp.

FWIW my main woods gun is usually a full sized HK (either a USPf9, P30S or my new VP9). Occasionally I even carry two full sized guns! Where I live there's nothing around that a 9mm isn't big enough to deal with.

I understand your mind is made, but it's a bad idea.

No two encounters are the same and betting your life and those of your loved ones you may be with on anecdotal stories is a pretty big gamble. Animals are unpredictable; what they routinely do may not be what the one in front of you does (for varying reasons, including being sick). Just like in the self defense world, you prepare for worst case not the ideal case.

Noise makers are a great idea, don't get me wrong, but IMO keep your lethal options and less lethal options open, but functioning as intended.

Regardless of what you end up doing, I realize you'll probably never be in a situation where you'll have to put your theories to the test but if you do I hope it works for ya!

i won't ignore the good advice i get here while i'm off on my ten day solo. when i get back next month i'll let you all how it went.

Enjoy!