Larger than that, I have available .40 S&W, .44 Spl, .44 mag or .45 ACP but the .357 seems to be the best combination of portability and punch. Any informed opinions as to adequacy of the .357 would be appreciated
Remember - a 44 magnum pistol only has a fraction of the power of a 30-30, which few would choose to hunt bears with. That said, in a full metal jacket a .357 would do some genuine harm - if you have the nerve to aim carefully, or if you shot it while being mauled...
I think the park service rules are like military regulations - for the guidance of the wise and the strict adherence of fools. When hiking in Glacier, Yellowstone etc, a good concealed handgun could be a very good friend.
In fact, even a 22 can be a good friend. Years ago, when hiking in a National Forest, I returned to my car to find 8 drunk teen-agers sprawled on it. They lowered their bottles and started to surround me when I pulled out my trusty S&W 22-32 kit gun. Having fired thousands of rounds thru it, I had no doubt I could shoot 6 of them in the head. They must have agreed, 'cause they backed off and 'let' me get in my car.
Not all varmits have 4 legs...
4" or longer barrel and it should be fine for black bears.
Use soft points in place of hollow points for deeper penetration, bears have thick hides and large muscle mass.
I think .44 Mag is a better choice for black bear, and .454 or higher for Grizzly. Use heavy bullets for penetration. My choice for my .44 Mag when in the back country are the Hornady custom with the 240 Gr. XTP bullets (you can get 300 Gr, too). I've found them to be very accurate, too. This is in a Super Blackhawk.
"Any informed opinions as to adequacy of the .357 would be appreciated"
The 357 is marginal for black bears so shot placement is critical. YOu want maximum penetration so use very hard cast semi wadcutter bullets of at least 158 gr. No hollow points. In a defense situation aim between the eyes for a brain shot. Anything else is too slow and you will be a chew toy. Eastern Black bears are not very aggressive and there have been only a few reports of attacks from them. I have run into eastern black bears twice while hunting. The first time I was carrying a .44 mag. The second time a .22. Both times they ran off as soon as they saw me.
there are a lot of people who feel that a .357 is inadequet for hunting deer. A really heavy load in .44Mag should be considered the starting point.
Mark