Thinking of getting into handgun hunting, what to get?

TikkaShooter said:

To the OP's question. I'd buy the biggest "hammer" you can shoot accurately and comfortably. The easiest path for most folks is either the .41 or .44 magnums. When I hunted I harvested deer with either and I wouldn't feel under gunned with either.



In my barrel selections, I have a .30 Herrett..
Shooting gloves do wonders for the hand and nothing for the wrist.

Contenders are a lot of fun..

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MidRoad said:

They sure are! My father has one. The 10" super thin octagon barrel in 30-30 really let's you know you touched one off . He's got a 35 rem aswell, but that's a 14" and I believe (not 100% sure) it's a bull barrel, definately much heavier profile than the 30-30's. That ones ones not quite as bad because the weight, but still has quite the thump.

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I used to shoot metal silhouettes with a few calibers. After I moved, I never shot silhouettes again. OTOH, I've shot raccoons and groundhogs with the .221 FB and .222. I have the 44 hotshot/44 mag barrel which absolutely destroys snakes. BTW, if you know a source for the shot capsules; please share..
I bought my TC in the mid-1970s, so it is a "gen 1"

Most people prefer the .22 Hornet barrel for all the obvious reasons..

fordtrucks said:

what should I start with for handgun hunting?

Deer or hogs, 50-75 yard max distance, but will possibly have some opportunities for longer shots if I want. Preferably much closer, like 25 yards.

Already have a 4.2” sp101 in 357.

Should I try something else or use that? I have no preconceptions on this. Just starting to think through my options and want some guidance.

I’m probably about an average shooter regarding accuracy.

Thanks for any input.

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fordtrucks said:

what should I start with for handgun hunting?

Deer or hogs, 50-75 yard max distance, but will possibly have some opportunities for longer shots if I want. Preferably much closer, like 25 yards.

Already have a 4.2” sp101 in 357.

Should I try something else or use that? I have no preconceptions on this. Just starting to think through my options and want some guidance.

I’m probably about an average shooter regarding accuracy.

Thanks for any input.

Click to expand...

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Garandimal said:

Consider what pistol and load, and at what range, you can put Three rounds into a 6" target in Three seconds.

For me, that's a NM Ruger Blackhawk 6.5" chambered in .357 Magnum, shooting heavy 158-180 gr. loads out to ~ 50 yards.


Also concur w/ the .357 Mag Carbine, to augment your SP-101.

View attachment 880305​

GR

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Dain Bramage said:

S&W 629 Stealth Hunter. Just because it's on my want list. The "Toblerone" barrel housing adds some weight, but steadies recoil. The S&W SA hammer drop is noticeably shorter than SA-only handguns, and you have the option of DA for a quick follow-up. When done right, S&W DA revolver triggers are my favorite.

View attachment 878631

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ApacheCoTodd said:

I've hunted from east coast white tail to Arizona Mule Deer and Texas hogs with handguns and while I'd even risk cover shots at Mule Deer here in Arizona with a .357 I'd rather something more for hogs.

If I exclude SA revolvers and semi-autos - which I always exclude from MY notion of hunting - I'm left with generally .44 & .41.

I started with .41 so it holds a special place for me and I am very confident in its abilities within the parameters I choose to apply for handgun hunting. So, I'd not turn my nose up at it in your search.

However, reality says to start and most likely end with a .44 in DA that will be scopeable should you eventually choose to go that way too. Personally, I don't like them on a hunting handgun but I do get others liking them.

Now, I know there are fellas out there happily hunting with semis, single actions, smaller calibers and the like. It's just not my bag, Baby!

Nope, a stainless, DA and of either Wesson flavor; Dan or Smith, seems like the ticket for me. Load it down to Special and below or up to full-house magnum.

My current favorite is a 629-5, 6 inch. Of course, I'd turf it to the safe in a NY-minute for a Dan Wesson.

Now too, "Why DA only, Todd?" Because, in general and especially when there's blood on the ground.... the whole food chain can and often does, dramatically shift. I don't want to be thumbing no SAs when I'm on the menu.

Todd.

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LUCKYDAWG13 said:

Thats one good looking Rifle what make is it

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fordtrucks said:

what should I start with for handgun hunting?

Deer or hogs, 50-75 yard max distance, but will possibly have some opportunities for longer shots if I want. Preferably much closer, like 25 yards.

Already have a 4.2” sp101 in 357.

Should I try something else or use that? I have no preconceptions on this. Just starting to think through my options and want some guidance.

I’m probably about an average shooter regarding accuracy.

Thanks for any input.

Click to expand...