New toys rock and I don't want to deter you from getting a semi if that's what you REALLY want. But I have done a ton of the same hunting you plan on doing and a 22mag rifle with a red dot may be your ticket. I use one with an illuminated reticle and it works sweet. If you use a 44mag or 41mag, you will likely regret your purchase, at least for these activities, but I own both.
For strictly a pistol, I really think a S&W 357mag shooting 38sp. lead wadcutters will do the ticket. A lot less report, hardly any recoil, very accurate, and like the others said, you can still move up to javelina or coyotes with it if you want. Only my opinion, but I don't think you could go wrong.
For strictly a pistol, I really think a S&W 357mag shooting 38sp. lead wadcutters will do the ticket. A lot less report, hardly any recoil, very accurate, and like the others said, you can still move up to javelina or coyotes with it if you want. Only my opinion, but I don't think you could go wrong.