Cougar Caliber

[lizziedog1]

I just recieved my Mountain Lion tag for this year. The only reason I even applied is becuase I do go on some back country hikes around here and these animals do frequent this area. I realize that seeing one of these animals by accident is extremely rare. But, people around here have had close encounters in the past. I am not planning on hunting them, but you never know.

This thread is sort of a take-off on another thread I started in the revolver section. I am planning on buying a Ruger Blackhawk. More then likely it will be in either 357 magnum or 45 Colt.

Would these calibers be enough for Mountain Lions?

 

[Art Eatman]

Either will work just fine from the killing-power standpoint. The issue is your own self-control and skill.

 

[Armored farmer]

Lizziedog,
I have Blackhawks in both .357 and .45colt., so I'll list some personal observations:

I bought the .45colt because I wasn't very satisfied with my .357 for deer hunting.
The .45colt Blackhawk is a little lighter than the .357...(same gun, bigger holes).
The .45colt Blackhawk will handle +P loads if you decide to handgun hunt bigger critters.
The .357 seems much louder than the .45colt.
The .357 recoil is sharper than the .45colt(although not a real issue with a Blackhawk).

I suppose my personal choice for a hunting gun is .45colt.

 

[suzukisam]

Lizziedog,
I have Blackhawks in both .357 and .45colt., so I'll list some personal observations:

I bought the .45colt because I wasn't very satisfied with my .357 for deer hunting.
The .45colt Blackhawk is a little lighter than the .357...(same gun, bigger holes).
The .45colt Blackhawk will handle +P loads if you decide to handgun hunt bigger critters.
The .357 seems much louder than the .45colt.
The .357 recoil is sharper than the .45colt(although not a real issue with a Blackhawk).

I suppose my personal choice for a hunting gun is .45colt.

^^^^^+1

I find my 7.5" 45lc blackhawk is much more fun to shoot, than my 4 5/8 357. I do love both guns. My 45lc is a naturally accurate gun, this may just be the gun, but I shoot it much better than any of my 9mm or my 357. it may just boil down to the barrel length. I shoot Missouri bullets for fun, and I shoot xtps at near 44mag velocities for deadificating critters. it is in my top 5 favorite guns.

as a side note if you get a blackhawk, look into el paso sadlery's "1942 tanker rig" I love it. it is the perfect hunting 6 shooter rig. I originally found it in an issue of handloader. it is widely used as a fishing rig for salman in bear country..

 

[hsiehjohn]

Pretty much any hand guns should work at point blank range, within 10-15 yards for self defense. As long as you can hit a target at 20 yards. If you are trying to hunt them, might want to go with a rifle.

 

[oneounceload]

Folks I know that used their dogs to shoot the cats in the Sierras used 38 specials- they're not hard to kill when they are close. There was always a report or two when folks were X-country skiing and having a cat attack from above and behind - always look up when hiking in cat country