Hunting with a revolver?

I don't hunt, but I generally carry a smoke wagon while on hikes around my stepfather's cabin property. Mainly because I can, but secondarily because of coyotes. I usually only head down there in the off season as I prefer the quiet and all the boaters have packed it in for. However, the coyotes tend to perk up a bit, and I get a little leery have my toddler and 25lb dog out in the open.

I like the thump, report, and flash of a black powder revolver. It would be more than enough to put down a coyote, and hopefully the boom, the flash, and the acrid smell would be enough to scatter the rest.

The most I have ever shot and killed with my revolver has been a mercy killing of a doe twisted in half after getting clipped by a semi. That's not saying much. She was well on her way out, and a lead ball propelled by 35 grains of powder at 5 feet is as good of medicine as any.

I hunt deer with my Bllackhawk, and small game with my Single Six. They have given me a great many good days in the woods, and a lot of good meat too.

Back in the '70s I used to pack a Euroarms Remington 36 cal. target pistol when I followed hounds at night. I lost count of how many coons and bobcats I shot out when the dogs were treed. I always tried for a head shot so I wouldn't damage the pelt.

Like a fool, I sold that pistol at a gunshow sometimes in the 80s when I thought I was through with black powder, but, I've came back to the dark side. I've been trying to replace it ever since:banghead:.

I don't follow the hounds any more, but, I sure do enjoy the smell and the smoke.

I've shot a few jack rabbits with my .36 caliber revolver, never got close enough to a coyote other than to scare the dickons out of 'em kicking the dirt around 'em. Never tried with my 1860's or Remington 1858's. I did get a coyote with my .32 flinter rifle about 6 or 7 years ago, at slightly over 60 yards. Had to get up on him, in a hurry, and finish him off with a .380 to the head. I don't like seeing an animal suffer, so I stick with the appropriate arm to do the task.

See post #1065 in the Ruger Old Army thread. I killed a deer with the ROA last Sunday. It isn't ideal but is adequate for deer up close.

I used my Ruger OA to pop ground hogs, raccoons, skunks, possums, and an errant tom cat or two.

There is a huge poplar (bout 40 inch diameter chest high) on the property which has a couple really big widow makers in the crown. The tree needs to go, but I am not going to stand under those huge dead limbs to do any sawing. Every few weeks I shoot a load or two into the trunk. Got a hole chopped through the outer layer into the hollow. I am now working on cutting that hole wider.

I've put a LOT of small game in my freezer with my handguns, both revolvers and semi autoes...

I've also taken plenty of big game, like moose with my S&W M-29, including whitetails and Sitka Blacktails ect...

DM

Uh, pardon my interruption, but why do you keep your handguns in the freezer?

because the Mod 29 is very cool?

I've been deer hunting with a scoped Ruger Super Redhawk for quite some time. In fact, I was out today shooting it at 100 yards.

I was also shooting my Super Blackhawk at 50 yards. This does not wear a scope, but is intended for use while carrying a rifle. If a shot presents itself within 50 yards, I hope to be able to use the SBH.

With aging eyes, I limit myself to 50 yards with an iron sighted handgun.

My Old Army is SO accurate that I call it my short "squirrel rifle".
I routinley take Squirrels out to 20 yds with it.
Awhile back, I had just got into my treestand, my T/C hawkin still on the ground when a very large Doe presented herself.
Out came the ROA and the Doe, at 15 yds distant, got a .457 ball behind the ear.
Shot quite a few with my Super Blackhawk also.
Important to realize your own limitations when hunting with the "shortgun".

There is a huge poplar (bout 40 inch diameter chest high) on the property which has a couple really big widow makers in the crown. The tree needs to go, but I am not going to stand under those huge dead limbs to do any sawing. Every few weeks I shoot a load or two into the trunk. Got a hole chopped through the outer layer into the hollow. I am now working on cutting that hole wider.

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That's awesome. You're probably the next Josey Wales