The Beretta:

On Bud's Gun Shop Forums the question came up: What is the smallest caliber you trust to protect yourself? The best answer: My personal favorite defense gun has always been a Beretta Jetfire in 22short .

Over all the years I've been hiking I never leave without it in my pocket. Of course, we all know too the first rule when hiking in the wilderness is to use the "Buddy System."

For those of you who may be unfamiliar with this it means you NEVER hike alone. You bring a friend or companion, even an in-law. That way, if something happens, there is someone to go get help .

I remember one time hiking with my brother-in-law in northern Alberta. Out of nowhere came this huge brown bear and man, was she mad. We must have been near one of her cubs.

Anyway, if I had not had my little Jetfire I'd sure not be here today. Just one shot to my brother-in-law's knee cap and I was able to escape by just walking at a brisk pace.