[IdahoDoug]

Yeah, I'm also pleased that Flint put the discussion where it truly belongs by listing various muzzle energies. It was a good reminder that even powerful handguns suffer compared to long guns simply because the bullet speed cannot get very high with a short barrel without wrist breaking acceleration. Will it be a pain to carry a long gun, and will it occasionally be awkward when non-gun types are around (versus a pistol hidden from view by a t-shirt)? Yep. But when you consider the part of this entire intention - having enough fire power to stop a bear - the shotgun continues to make sense. I wanted to avoid having to carry it now that some serious handgun calibers are available, but faced with the actual tradeoff in that context I'm again OK lugging it.

I appreciate the input on the Marlin, however since I don't hunt it would be a purchase of an item so similar to the role the Mossburg plays it wouldn't be worth it. That thing's gotta have some awesome ballistics with a 510g wallop!

DougM