Handgun for home protection and hiking (I know nothing about guns)

.44 mag
Dey bears out they?

If not 9 milli

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1911

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Like the way these look, but that is as far as my knowledge goes

am i doing this right?

A .44 mag with about a 5" barrel is a great choice if you can handle it. If not, a .357 with heavy hard cast loads will do fine.

I'd carry a blackhawk if I needed bear protection, but that's just me.

Go with something light if you are using it for hiking. Many of the guns I like for outdoor activities could be too heavy for your use.

What are your goals for the pistol when hiking? I assume self defense from 2 legged creatures mainly?

Shotgun is better for home defense if you are interested in buying 2 guns.

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Yep... Beautiful and expensive, but not as reliable as some much more affordable options. Bazinga!

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I like the 1911 and wouldn't consider it unreliable, however there could be better choices for a beginner.

Glocks are ugly, don't feel as good in the hand, and are basically all identical, however they are probably the easiest platform for a newbie to operate and maintain (but get the right holster and use it religiously).

My question to that is why not?

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This seems to be the general sentiment around here but it would make me feel better about being in the middle of nowhere with a small group that will not be packing

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I consider it a good policy to have a sidearm every time one is in nature (except for the dove field or quail hunting).

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I consider it a good policy to have a sidearm every time one is in nature

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I agree and back in Louisiana it wasn't a problem as almost everybody carries. My two roommates here have never shot a gun in their life and are in their mid 20's (one from NYC and the other from Ukraine)