I have carried a number of handguns over my several (many) years. Early 1970's in Alaska I carried a Colt model .357, .357 Magnum. It was rugged and accurate with full load 158 grain jacketed or hard cast. I could feel fairly confident for about any situation. I couldn't afford a .44 mag then. My .44 cap and ball gun did fairly well also, but I usually ended up carrying my Cold woodsman for pot meat.

When I was in law enforcement, I carried .357 M.66 S&W 4 inch, 9MM Berreta or a well worn but battle ready .45 1911 A1. I never felt undergunned with any one. As concealed carry, I carried a Colt Agent 2 inch. It is very light, holds 6 round to the J frame S&W 5. It was always on my belly band holster, inside the waistband holster or a nifty ankle rig. I used 125 gr +P. I still carry it or a S&W .38 like 9.3s.
Now that I am back in Alaska (all law abbiding citizens can carry here), I am going through the debate again. With bear attack not unheard of, even in populated areas the last few years, I am think about my.45 Colt SA with heavy cast bullet or one of my Webley's with 260 grain when we are out hiking, fishing or cross-country skiing. No, it isn't a .454 Cas. or a .500 S&W, but it is what I have and they do have a good reputation for deep penetration and knock down. I guess I could also pull out the old 1911 again as well. As far as best handgun for self defense? I guess it depends on what you are most likely to run into.
this is a good post thread. I has been running since 2003!