i think you have an agenda and are looking for validation....i have given the best advice i can, now i am out.

I believe the bear frm hell. is saying that going out on a walk planning on shooting a dog and not taking less drastic steps first is not a grand idea...

so based on your original post i think it is safe to assume that your experience with guns and shooting is minimal at best and probably non-existent
Incorrect
and now you want to shoot a 20mph moving target that may or may not be attacking you or your dog while other people are in the immediate area
Incorrect again
My first post was posted when I was upset. If you read my last post you will see that a gun will be use as a backup only or better put in a life threating situation. It sounds to me that people like to read the wrost in a post but that is human nature

forgive me, i made the assumption that you said what you meant.....

Originally Posted by lostsoul62

........What would be a good hand gun for this. I don't want to shoot though the attacking dog and shoot my own dog. I also don't have a problem shoting the attacking dog 3 or 4 times so an auto which is smaller than a revolver and faster. Any suggestions?

i assumed that since you asked about the best gun to shoot the dog with without shooting your dog that you
A) wanted to shoot the other dog and
B) you were not familiar with guns enough to know that any gun CAN go thru the bad dog and into the good dog or the bad dogs owner or anyone else in the area (this lack of basic gun safety lead me to make the assumption)

Originally Posted by lostsoul62

....while his is charging you at 20 MPH and the pepper spray does not stop him. So while he is killing your dog you reach down to grab the dog and he bits you and over powers you.....

and i assumed that this scenario is your agenda.... again, my mistake for using your own words to form an opinion of your motive for inquiry.... validation of the agenda

i dont think the worst of people, i watch and listen and form an opinion based on what they say do and say.

again, i am sorry that i took your words in context..... i shall work on my esp so i can get the true meaning next time

Ah! Sorry! I couldn't help myself...

*ashamed*

Originally Posted by Holly

*ashamed*

my new found use of esp tells me otherwise

Busted!

Just a note....I have been assured that wasp spray....cheap and plentiful...will stop humans faster and more effectively than pepperspray. Perhaps it works the same for dogs. It also has a much better range than a can of pepperspray.

Originally Posted by nonnymouse

Just a note....I have been assured that wasp spray....cheap and plentiful...will stop humans faster and more effectively than pepperspray. Perhaps it works the same for dogs. It also has a much better range than a can of pepperspray.

That chain email going around again? Just say no to forwards....and Wasp Spray for defensive purposes...unless your defending against wasps. It may work, it may not. Pepper/OC Spray has been tested on humans for it's effect. Wasp spray has not.

I would agree and be informed as to what constitutes use of deadly force on a domestic animal. Your pet in all likelyhood would be considered property, I'd contact the DA or local Sheriffs office to determine what charges if any, or arrest may take place even if your dog is attacked by this 2 time offender. When I grew up neighborhood dogs would commonly fight, one time however a neighbor shot into the ground to break up a dog fight. Now, if the pitbull attacks you that would be a different story. Does your jurisdiction have a leash law in effect and is it possible you may be able to contact animal control or something to that effect. Likewise a taser I've heard has good effect on dogs and may be something to consider over dispatching a dog with a firearm in the neighborhood with a probability of it escalating to a gun fight between you and the idiot that owns the pitbull. I agree with VA a handgun may not be your best option until you know for a fact that you will not be held accountable for criminal charges, civil lawsuit, or perhaps arrest. If you do shoot it I'd go at least with a 9mm and try to place them through the lungs, or a good spine shot as their heads are hard as hell and a probability of ricchochet may be possible.

I am a huge fan of Pits as they are the best PEOPLE dogs. I have one myself and wouldn't trade him out.

That being said, there are TONS of morons that own these dogs. If I read correctly, this is happening on your property. On or off your property, your best bet is some strong mace, one that streams instead of a poofy spray. That should surely stop, or at least occupy him enough to get away. Even without an attack, right now or in the morning, simply file a complaint against the person if you can. If you already have complaints on record, you may be able to have the dog taken away.

I hate to say it, but the dog is better off being put down in the pound than going out in a hail of bullets.
My parting words are that a .40 head shot would work, and a .44 chest shot if you ABSOLUTELY have to for your safety.
I knew a person, long and short of it, the offender attacked this person, and he sent his Pit - the dog took 4 clocks to the head with an aluminum bat and still grabbed the guy's arm and took him down text book.
Take that for what you will.

Good Luck
Nick

PS!!
You should fashion or buy a "break" stick. If you need to and are brave enough, when the pit bites and holds your dog, the break stick is wedged in between his teeth on the side of his mouth, it pries his mouth open. Even if the dog is shot dead, you may still need a tool like this to pry his jaws a bit.
And no they don't get lock jaw - it's a myth

Originally Posted by inssane

And no they don't get lock jaw - it's a myth

Good to know