Protection While Bowhunting

[gbran]

Here in CA, we can't carry a firearm whilst bow hunting. We can carry a handgun when hunting in firearm season. One quirk in my hunting area is our lead ban. You can't go hunting with your rifle with lead and your handgun must also carry non-lead bullets, even if you're not using it for hunting.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Here in CA, we can't carry a firearm whilst bow hunting. We can carry a handgun when hunting in firearm season. One quirk in my hunting area is our lead ban. You can't go hunting with your rifle with lead and your handgun must also carry non-lead bullets, even if you're not using it for hunting.

When are you people in California going to vote for reasonable representatives who will do away with all those silly laws?

 

[bestseller92]

Glock 30SF

 

[whetrock]

I think a Ruger SP101 would fit your criteria nicely.

 

[Bobson]

Ah, not to be rude to anyone, and I certainly appreciate all the advice. However, decision has been made. It's a Ruger Super Blackhawk .44 magnum with a 5.5" barrel.

Only thing left to decide is stainless or black metal, but I'm leaning toward stainless. Thanks again for all the advice. May be a few weeks, but I'll post pics when I have it in hand.

 

[pekosROB]

From the posts I've read, I'd go with the Ruger Alaskan in either .44 Mag or .454 Casull. Short, easy to maneuver, and there is even a vest with a holster on your chest for easy access.

Edit: and of course I just saw your selection. Very nice!

 

[303tom]

I need a handgun to keep with me while bowhunting. Mostly have 4-legged predators in mind, but I figure if I plan it for them, it should be plenty effective on 2-legged predators, too.

I thought maybe an autoloader in .45 ACP? I'm not going to be running into anything bigger than black bears and/or cougars (but I'd like to account for everything up to brown bears so I don't need a new sidearm when hunting out of state). Is .45 ACP even necessary? Or would 9mm be big enough? I'm not a fan of .40 S&W, so don't really want to consider it.

Also, I'm not opposed to revolvers, just never owned or fired one, and don't know what to look for. Thanks for the help.

You are Bow hunting, do you not already have a weapon to kill with.

 

[montgomery381]

If you are thinking of an semi-auto pistol I would go with the Glock 20. It is a 10mm, 15 + 1 rounds, weight will be on par with a full size 1911 but if it is heavier it is because you have twice as many rounds. If you need more knock down power the .44 would be a good choice as would the .500 S&W. The .44 would be more readily available and cheaper as would the pistols chambered in it. But for what you described it would be the Glock.

 

[WTBguns10kOK]

Enjoy the Super Blackhawk, they're a beast of a gun and fun to shoot!

 

[Scipio Africanus]

I would definitely recommend stainless. I just spent to days out in the rain hunting bear. My blued rifle needs much TLC and my stainless Ruger SRA only needs a little touch up. Good luck with your Blackhawk, you will be pleased.