I think that a 577 Sinder or a 20 ga would be very effective and more pleasant to shoot as compared to the 500S&W, 460S&W or 454Casull. I shoot a 454 Casull and have shot a 500 S&W. Those are great hunting rounds but, unless reloaded down somewhat, not the fun gun to protect oneself against vicious rocks, pinecones, armadillo, opossums, etc that I may encounter on a day in the woods. Of course, if there were real tigers agound, my 454 Casull loaded hot would be nice.