CraigC
Sixgun Nut
If all I was going to use was a .38, I would use a cast 158gr SWC (or 173gr Keith) and limit myself to hogs well under 100lbs.
hog handgun?
- Thread starter susieqz
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It seems those speaking of hogs being aggressive have been saying this is possibly so if wounded. I've not heard of hogs being aggressive otherwise, though maybe if you were too close to their young. However my father has several photos of hogs while stationed in Germany. He noticed them off in a field and pulled over to take photos. In it you see them way off in the distance, but after a while one decided he didn't like being photographed and chased him to his truck. He waited a while and got back out only to be chased again. That one certainly was aggressive and wasn't wounded to his knowledge. And he wasn't even close to it either.
Arkansas Paul
Member
Correct. At least that was what I intended to say. Hogs don't lay in wait to ambush hunters. They're actually more skittish than deer are where I hunt. You rarely see one in the daylight.
Wounded ones are dangerous though. And using a .22 or a .38 increases the likelyhood of having a wounded one on your hands.
OP
OP
susieqz
Member
THE PROBLEM IS ACCURACY. I HAVE A LINE ON A MODEL 15 38SPC THAT PEOPLE GET 2'' GROUPS WITH, AT 25 YARDS.
oops, caps, sorry.
i don't think i can get small groups with those magnum guns.
for me, accuracy is everything.
oops, caps, sorry.
i don't think i can get small groups with those magnum guns.
for me, accuracy is everything.
Being a competition shooter I'm guessing you reload or know people that do. If you can load a SWC/WFN hard cast bullet to +P levels in your .38 you may well have what might be considered the minimum for an average sized adult (<200 lbs).
To be honest I wouldn't use that as I prefer large calibers that give larger holes.
A .45 Colt or ACP doesn't recoil too badly. Less than a .357 mag, but a little more than a .38 Spl.
Do you have a range that has rentals or friends who will loan you a few pistols to check out? Maybe the recoil isn't quite the issue you think. Try a .357 mag, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, and .45 Colt. I'd even take a .44 Spl over a 9mm if it were loaded on the hotter side and using a SWC or WFN type bullet (no HP).
To be honest I wouldn't use that as I prefer large calibers that give larger holes.
A .45 Colt or ACP doesn't recoil too badly. Less than a .357 mag, but a little more than a .38 Spl.
Do you have a range that has rentals or friends who will loan you a few pistols to check out? Maybe the recoil isn't quite the issue you think. Try a .357 mag, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, and .45 Colt. I'd even take a .44 Spl over a 9mm if it were loaded on the hotter side and using a SWC or WFN type bullet (no HP).
And then there is still the .44 caliber (measured land to land instead of the modern groove to groove which would make it roughly .452") cap and ball percussion pistols I mentioned. As you load them into the chambers you can tailor it as needed which would allow you to find a lower recoil load that's accurate enough.
These guns can be quite accurate with near one hole groups at 25 yds. Many claim (match shooters) these guns are among their most accurate.
And these guns can be had quite cheaply, especially on sale or used. Some of these cost around $1000 though...
These guns can be quite accurate with near one hole groups at 25 yds. Many claim (match shooters) these guns are among their most accurate.
And these guns can be had quite cheaply, especially on sale or used. Some of these cost around $1000 though...
22-rimfire
Member
It is a question of "how small" when it comes to practical accuracy. I also really like to shoot 22's. When I was in my 20's, I purchased a new Colt Python (357 mag) for hunting and personal protection/aka house gun. I was a new handgun shooter and I couldn't shoot that revolver very well ever. After years of ownership and not shooting it, I sold it.
I got a SW M57 (41 mag) again for hunting. I felt that the 357 just wasn't quite large enough for me on deer sized game. I had shot a 44 mag a couple of times prior to that. With the 41 mag, I was going to get reasonably capable with it. I had to to meet my standards for precision while hunting (or I will just use a rifle). So I did. I was pretty amazed at how well I could shoot that revolver considering the recoil. After that and a few years later I bought another 357 mag and it was no big deal. I think I just had a mental block about recoil with the python. So, learning to shoot a magnum revolver just takes practice. You already know the basics and you just implement them with the larger caliber.
If I were you, I would just skip the hunting part and if you carry a 38spl, use it for personal protection on the property. I seldom shoot 357's any more but own a couple. I generally shoot 22's for fun, 41 mag for fun and possible hunting and a 480 Ruger for hunting. 38's are for personal protection for me, basically my carry guns are mostly 38's.
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OP
OP
susieqz
Member
even if i wasn't recoil sensitive, i don't see anyone on this forum claim they can get 2'' groups at 25 yards with those big caliber guns, unless they cost over $2000.
is this not true?
people shoot old S&W model 14s or 15s that well all the time.
if i'm wrong about the lack of precision, please correct me.
is this not true?
people shoot old S&W model 14s or 15s that well all the time.
if i'm wrong about the lack of precision, please correct me.
Not true at all. Look at the match .45 ACP shooters. No different.
I'm not one of them, but those who use the various cap and ball guns for matches get them all within an inch or less at 25 yds. Many of these are the cheap reproduction guns less then $400. You can buy a modern type cylinder for .45 Colt for many of these.
I'm not one of them, but those who use the various cap and ball guns for matches get them all within an inch or less at 25 yds. Many of these are the cheap reproduction guns less then $400. You can buy a modern type cylinder for .45 Colt for many of these.
OP
OP
susieqz
Member
when i asked people about the 9mm range officer i was told that i couldn't get the precision i wanted for $1000.
my definition of precision is 1'' off a bench, 2'' free hand.
i can do that with my tricked up 22/45 n will accept nothing less in a centerfire.
my definition of precision is 1'' off a bench, 2'' free hand.
i can do that with my tricked up 22/45 n will accept nothing less in a centerfire.
22-rimfire
Member
Susie, I think you are too hung up on "groups". Seek practical accuracy with the big revolvers. Strive to be able to hit a 6" paper plate at what ever distance you want to work toward. That is "good enough" for hunting. My limit is about 100 yds, but I certainly don't get two inch groups at that range, but I would be willing to bet that 8 out of 10 times, that hog is dead if I have a reasonable shot especially from a rest. I use a monopod for hunting.
If I really try, I certainly can shoot 2" groups with my 41 mag at 25 yds. It gets a lot harder at 50 yds. Much like shooting a 22 rifle. It is easy to get good groups at 25 yds as most ammo shoots that good (1" or less), but at 50 yds, it takes more effort. And yes, I can do 1" groups on a good day with some of my 22 handguns. But that is a 22... I don't get too hung up over precision with larger calibers. Some days I shoot amazingly well and others.... well I would consider it embarrassing for someone who claims to be able to shoot a revolver fairly well.
If I really try, I certainly can shoot 2" groups with my 41 mag at 25 yds. It gets a lot harder at 50 yds. Much like shooting a 22 rifle. It is easy to get good groups at 25 yds as most ammo shoots that good (1" or less), but at 50 yds, it takes more effort. And yes, I can do 1" groups on a good day with some of my 22 handguns. But that is a 22... I don't get too hung up over precision with larger calibers. Some days I shoot amazingly well and others.... well I would consider it embarrassing for someone who claims to be able to shoot a revolver fairly well.
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CraigC
Sixgun Nut
1"@25yds off the bench is not a big deal and any good revolver will do that. The only thing keeping a big bore from shooting just as accurately as any other cartridge is the shooter.
Arkansas Paul
Member
No ma'am it is not true.
As Craig said, with a rest 1" groups are not uncommon. And that is with my bone stock Ruger Blackhawk that I paid $485 OTD for.
Now I'm not saying that I'm good enough to get 2" groups offhand on a consistent basis. I do not lay claim to being an exceptional shot with a handgun. I get by but certainly know several people who can shoot circles around me. But the gun is more than capable.
Hunting is not precision target shooting. You are way too concerned about your groups being a certain size. Don't get me wrong, I handload and I love chasing groups at the range with my hunting rifles. I love to see what my rifle and my loads are capable of. But I understand that at the end of the day it really doesn't mean squat when a deer is standing 150 yards away in my food plot. What matters is where is that first shot from a cold barrel going.
Keep that in mind. You aren't shooting a 3 or 5 shot group when you're shooting an animal. The only thing that matters is that first cold bore shot.
And I still say, I don't care if your 5 shot group with a .22 is .22", it is not smart to intentionally go after a hog on foot armed only with a .22 rimfire.
"offhand and benched are two different things. there are not a lot of handguns that will consistently do less than two inches at 25 yards offhand."
I'm not sure how it is that these guys are shooting. What I see is what they post, and often with targets. And along with this they often state these are some of the most accurate guns they have.
I shoot offhand and don't do this well. My groups are generally around the 2" mark but having a flier that opens it up to 3" or more at 15 yds. Looking at what many of the people I see with their autos at 7 yds it's pretty good, but far from a competition shooter. I don't use the reduced loads that the competition shooters use as mine are sidearms for hunting, and with my 170 and 195 grn WFN bullets use 30 grns in my Remington and 35 grns in my Ruger, which is the more accurate of the two. I've not tested anything but by 5 grn increments as well so it's possible I could do better. But this is more than fine for hunting.
I'm not sure how it is that these guys are shooting. What I see is what they post, and often with targets. And along with this they often state these are some of the most accurate guns they have.
I shoot offhand and don't do this well. My groups are generally around the 2" mark but having a flier that opens it up to 3" or more at 15 yds. Looking at what many of the people I see with their autos at 7 yds it's pretty good, but far from a competition shooter. I don't use the reduced loads that the competition shooters use as mine are sidearms for hunting, and with my 170 and 195 grn WFN bullets use 30 grns in my Remington and 35 grns in my Ruger, which is the more accurate of the two. I've not tested anything but by 5 grn increments as well so it's possible I could do better. But this is more than fine for hunting.
69Precision
Member
- Joined
- Apr 19, 2015
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- 92
Kinda strange the OP "can't afford big bullets" but shoots 300 rounds per week...
And is looking at a new S&W model 15
And thinks it's "sissy" to use 2 hands, yet can't handle the recoil of a 357 mag or a 45 acp
And thinks handguns larger than 22cal are somehow not capable of sub 2 inch groups because of their bore size
a 38 or even a 22 is probably fine if you only take head shots
And is looking at a new S&W model 15
And thinks it's "sissy" to use 2 hands, yet can't handle the recoil of a 357 mag or a 45 acp
And thinks handguns larger than 22cal are somehow not capable of sub 2 inch groups because of their bore size
a 38 or even a 22 is probably fine if you only take head shots
OP
OP
susieqz
Member
i can't afford big bullets because i have little talent.
i have to shoot a handgun lots to get good with it.
i can shoot any caliber using 2 hands but it's not fun, so a gun that forces me to use 2 hands wouldn't get shot much'
i withdraw the sissy comment. poorly said.
i have to shoot a handgun lots to get good with it.
i can shoot any caliber using 2 hands but it's not fun, so a gun that forces me to use 2 hands wouldn't get shot much'
i withdraw the sissy comment. poorly said.
RPRNY
Member
Why all the harshness towards the OP? Nobody need fully agree with her nor avoid expressing views that differ from hers. But one can still be civil.
AStone
Member
RPRNY said:
Just found this thread after several weeks
of getting settled on the upper E coast.
(See 'location'. Ok, ok, please.)
I just want to reverberate this post ..
s'qz said:
<best mainer voice, one who lives near kataDhin>
a'yUp
AStone
Member
Just to keep that last post consistent w/
the RULEs here -- all posts
must be about guns or RKBA/2-
i offer this .
. owner of a Ruger sr9C ..
pic is somewhere
on this hard drive
the RULEs here -- all posts
must be about guns or RKBA/2-
i offer this .
. owner of a Ruger sr9C ..
pic is somewhere
on this hard drive
AStone
Member
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I must say that for someone shooting animals, though not truly hunting, sounds a bit off:
"i can't afford big bullets because i have little talent."
Talent? You've been saying you can get very good groups way out there with certain guns.
You've said you aren't a hunter, but this just doesn't jive:
"i can shoot any caliber using 2 hands but it's not fun, so a gun that forces me to use 2 hands wouldn't get shot much'"
I'm but 5'8" and 155 and use 2 hands for my pistols no matter what they are. I could care less if someone wants to think of me as sissy. It helps steady my gun, which is what's important. Not what others think. And these guns are no longer magnums. Using the other hand didn't reduce my fun at all. But then this, for you, isn't about fun any more, but critter control. Do what needs to be done if you must.
"i can't afford big bullets because i have little talent."
Talent? You've been saying you can get very good groups way out there with certain guns.
You've said you aren't a hunter, but this just doesn't jive:
"i can shoot any caliber using 2 hands but it's not fun, so a gun that forces me to use 2 hands wouldn't get shot much'"
I'm but 5'8" and 155 and use 2 hands for my pistols no matter what they are. I could care less if someone wants to think of me as sissy. It helps steady my gun, which is what's important. Not what others think. And these guns are no longer magnums. Using the other hand didn't reduce my fun at all. But then this, for you, isn't about fun any more, but critter control. Do what needs to be done if you must.
35 Whelen
Member
Have you shot the larger calibers much? Personally I find the recoil of a 9mm annoying...that "snap" of high velocity recoil irritates me. My wife, preparing to qualify for her CHL practiced with my 9mm but couldn't get the hang of it. I switched her to my Colt Gov't Model 45 Auto, and things improved immediately and she went on to shoot a 247/250. Really I think if you can handle a 9mm, you ought to at least try a 45 Auto. I'd have absolutely no qualms about venturing into hog woods with a 45 ACP loaded with something like 230 gr. FP's. Or better yet, as others have mentioned, a single action in something like 45 Colt. These revolvers are light, simple and easy to shoot.
I carry a well worn Uberti .44 Special on my evening walks due to the possibility of seeing hogs. Well, yesterday evening the wind was just right and I slipped up to this sow and whacked her from a smidge over 40 yds. with an offhand shot with a moderately loaded .44 Special. (Sorry about the blood. She was still moving a bit so brained her with a second shot)
Point is, it doesn't take a monster round, and something in the .44 to .45 caliber range with a 200-something gr. bullet running 900-950 fps will work fine.
35W
I carry a well worn Uberti .44 Special on my evening walks due to the possibility of seeing hogs. Well, yesterday evening the wind was just right and I slipped up to this sow and whacked her from a smidge over 40 yds. with an offhand shot with a moderately loaded .44 Special. (Sorry about the blood. She was still moving a bit so brained her with a second shot)
Point is, it doesn't take a monster round, and something in the .44 to .45 caliber range with a 200-something gr. bullet running 900-950 fps will work fine.
35W
AStone
Member
.. or even a lowly 9
OP
OP
susieqz
Member
when i say i have little talent that means i gotta practice more,so
i shoot more than most.
35, that is a very cute gun.
amazing shot with fixed sights.
i shoot more than most.
35, that is a very cute gun.
amazing shot with fixed sights.
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