Handgun for fishing and hiking

[Bryce7]

Hey everybody! This is my first time on here and I was seeking some advice.

I spend a lot of time camping and fishing, and it is not uncommon for me to see the occasional mountain lion (including this weekend when I was stalked by one), and the area I typically go to is known for bears. What handgun would you recommend? It would need to be a gun that could handle getting a little wet, also I am a college student, so I am looking for something reasonably affordable.

[tombogan03884]

Depending on your states laws on open and concealed carry you might be better off getting a hunting license and a rifle.
If there aren't any legal obstacles, (Ca sucks ) your choices are all revolvers.
Since you are on a budget a .357 will do the job the pistol and ammo will be reasonably priced, but it is absolute minimum for bear.
If the price, weight and recoil don't bother you go to a .44 magnum.
If you have a range near by that rents fire arms try out those 2 and a 45 Colt, any one of those should be enough.
One caution on the .45 Colt, If you go that route get the Ruger.
They are built to take higher pressures and there are "Ruger only" loads available .

[Bryce7]

Depending on your states laws on open and concealed carry you might be better off getting a hunting license and a rifle.
If there aren't any legal obstacles, (Ca sucks ) your choices are all revolvers.
Since you are on a budget a .357 will do the job the pistol and ammo will be reasonably priced, but it is absolute minimum for bear.
If the price, weight and recoil don't bother you go to a .44 magnum.
If you have a range near by that rents fire arms try out those 2 and a 45 Colt, any one of those should be enough.
One caution on the .45 Colt, If you go that route get the Ruger.
They are built to take higher pressures and there are "Ruger only" loads available .

Unfortunately I am from California. I do plan to get a rifle and a hunting license at some point, but it would be hard to carry a riffle while fishing. I do have a range by me, not sure if they rent, but I will find out! Thanks a lot!

[tombogan03884]

Concealed carry permits in Ca depend on your county Sheriff.
When I lived in Alameda County any one could get one.
After you paid $3000 to the Sheriff.
Other counties were worse, some better.
Open carry was also county dependent, some didn't allow it at all, some allowed it for 16 and over.
I don't know what the laws are there now.

[m25operator]

Since price is a factor, I would try to find a good deal on a used stainless steel Ruger Blackhawk in .44 or .45 colt with a 4 5\8'' barrel, easy to carry and hard hitting in either caliber.

[Sponsor]

[gunman42782]

Another vote for the Ruger Blackhawk, in the caliber of your choice.

[Ping]

LAW rocket. Just kidding. 

The choices mentioned above are spot on. I would also give a nod to the Glock 20 in 10mm.

[tombogan03884]

LAW rocket. Just kidding. 

The choices mentioned above are spot on. I would also give a nod to the Glock 20 in 10mm.

I thought of that since it is the only caliber choice in Semi Auto, but would it be enough for bear ?

[Majer]

A Ruger Vaquero in .44 mag would be a good choice as well,No adjustable sites to snag or get damaged and as strong as a Blackhawk.

[kmitch200]

I thought of that since it is the only caliber choice in Semi Auto, but would it be enough for bear ?

It should be plenty. 
I wouldn't want to carry that large of a handgun for just walking around fishing, which is why I carry a G27.
This isn't hunting so 'one shot, one humane kill' doesn't apply. Empty magazine as fast as you can get good hits, repeat as needed.