On my little 10 acre farm , deer run through my front and back yard routinely, ( I'm told KY has over 600,000 deer statewide, so I'm not suprised) and the woods just behind my house harbors a small herd. I find that I am concerned that come deer season, my scoped 6 inch GP100 may be impractical from a stand. I'm a good shot with my 2.25 inch SP101, but my 3,125 inch SP101 just fills my hand so nicely I'm seriously considering carrying it as a backup to the 6 inch should a freezer-filler pop up within 15 yards. Opinions please?
Seriously. My SP101 for close range deer gun?
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Kamicosmos
Member
Well, I use my Sp101 for ccw, so I guess I can't use some kind of 'not enough gun/poor sights/' argument.
I would say that if you are comfortable shooting it at the ranges, and are capable of making the shot, the gun can do it.
How about a dot scope for your GP instead of a scope?
I would say that if you are comfortable shooting it at the ranges, and are capable of making the shot, the gun can do it.
How about a dot scope for your GP instead of a scope?
chutestrate
Member
No disrespect intended, but I think that would not be responsible hunting. 4 inch gun, go for it.
Six-Gun
Member
At 15 yards, I don't think it would be an issue of responsibility, personally. If you were going for 25+ yard shots, then maybe it's not ethical, but at 15...
I really don't see a problem. Much of the energy of the bullet has yet to dissipate, but it's all about how you percieve it. Also, make perfectly sure that there is no law restricting you to a longer barrel length, or you could find your hunting priveleges revoked and your gun confiscated.
Here's Nebraska's firearms restrictions for deer/antelope:
Guns for Firearm Season:
1) rifles that deliver at least 900 ft. lbs of energy at 100 yards;
2) handguns that deliver at least 400 ft. lbs of energy at 50 yards;
3) muzzleloading rifles .44 cal. or larger;
4) muzzleloadering muskets .62 caliber or larger, firing a single slug;
5) shotguns of 20 gauge or larger that fire a single slug;
6) crossbows that have a draw weight of 125 pounds or more.
7) *Semi-automatic firearms capable or holding more than six cartridges are NOT allowed*
In our case, there's no restriction on barrel length, but there is an expected muzzle energy at a certain distance, and that will be the limiting factor.
I really don't see a problem. Much of the energy of the bullet has yet to dissipate, but it's all about how you percieve it. Also, make perfectly sure that there is no law restricting you to a longer barrel length, or you could find your hunting priveleges revoked and your gun confiscated.
Here's Nebraska's firearms restrictions for deer/antelope:
Guns for Firearm Season:
1) rifles that deliver at least 900 ft. lbs of energy at 100 yards;
2) handguns that deliver at least 400 ft. lbs of energy at 50 yards;
3) muzzleloading rifles .44 cal. or larger;
4) muzzleloadering muskets .62 caliber or larger, firing a single slug;
5) shotguns of 20 gauge or larger that fire a single slug;
6) crossbows that have a draw weight of 125 pounds or more.
7) *Semi-automatic firearms capable or holding more than six cartridges are NOT allowed*
In our case, there's no restriction on barrel length, but there is an expected muzzle energy at a certain distance, and that will be the limiting factor.
mtnbkr
Member
If your gun is legal to use, I'd use it with the following caveats:
Only take shots as far as you can reliably hit a plain paper plate. Use that as your standard for practice. Regardless of your marksmanship ability, I'd keep shots below 25yds.
Choose the hottest, heaviest load you and your gun can handle. Federal's 180gr CastCore load might be a good place to start. I would not go below 158gr. I would choose bullet weight over velocity.
Chris
Only take shots as far as you can reliably hit a plain paper plate. Use that as your standard for practice. Regardless of your marksmanship ability, I'd keep shots below 25yds.
Choose the hottest, heaviest load you and your gun can handle. Federal's 180gr CastCore load might be a good place to start. I would not go below 158gr. I would choose bullet weight over velocity.
Chris
Thanks for the input. I plan on carrying both the 6" GP100 and the 3.0625 SP101, then taking the shot with the appropriate revolver depending on range of presentation. Truthfully, the SP101 would be better at 15 yards and under FOR ME as my practice has always been at those ranges with it. It is a CCW for me and is very familiar. And a 10 yard shot is a very real possibility on my place. In a way, I guess, a better shot is assured for me at closer range with the shorter, fixed sight gun, since the scoped revolver may distort and cause fouled placement.
Incidentally, this is not "hunting" for me, but rather simply "harvesting" a deer off my farm for the freezer. I do it as the meat is better for me and my family (leaner, no chemicals added in a feedlot, etc) and here in southern Kentucky, the deer herds are leading to many deer being taken not with a gun during season, but instead by 350 Chevy. I will however look into the laws. Thanks all.
Incidentally, this is not "hunting" for me, but rather simply "harvesting" a deer off my farm for the freezer. I do it as the meat is better for me and my family (leaner, no chemicals added in a feedlot, etc) and here in southern Kentucky, the deer herds are leading to many deer being taken not with a gun during season, but instead by 350 Chevy. I will however look into the laws. Thanks all.
BigRedBowtie
Member
I carried my wifes 3-inch '101 on on last years hunt. It was companion to my slug gun. I left the slug gun behind on a drive through the heaviest thicket I've ever seen... I got a shot at a buck that hopped up behind us and learned two things...
1) 158g Hydra-Shoks from a 3" pipe are LOUD
2) I need to learn how to "lead" with a handgun... I missed.
Normally, I don't shoot w/o ears, but I cheat when hunting... but never again with that little monster!
1) 158g Hydra-Shoks from a 3" pipe are LOUD
2) I need to learn how to "lead" with a handgun... I missed.
Normally, I don't shoot w/o ears, but I cheat when hunting... but never again with that little monster!
Cosmoline
Member
I really like the 200 grain hardcast slugs Corbon and Buf. Bore sell. The recoil out of my SP-101 is less intense than 125 grain high velocity loads. They're actually a lot of fun to shoot. I use an SP-101 for backup animal defense. Those 200 grainers have an exceptionally high sectional density for a handgun, and would easily penetrate a deer.
mtnbkr
Member
How about some 230gr full wadcutters from Penn Bullets?
I have them loaded up to do about 950fps from my 4" GP100. They're actually quite mild to shoot compared to my 180gr load.
Chris
It comes down more to the shooter than the gun. I personally couldn't do it because I am a mediocre marksman at best where handguns are concerned.
My one friend is a PHENOMENAL shot with a 1911 and pretty good with his SP-101. I have seen him hit steel silouhettes at 200 yards on a rifle range with several handguns. It is consistent, not accidental. He breaks clay pigeons at 100 yards shooting one handed. HE could hunt deer with his SP-101. I could not.
If you are good enough to make the shot, I would say go ahead.
My one friend is a PHENOMENAL shot with a 1911 and pretty good with his SP-101. I have seen him hit steel silouhettes at 200 yards on a rifle range with several handguns. It is consistent, not accidental. He breaks clay pigeons at 100 yards shooting one handed. HE could hunt deer with his SP-101. I could not.
If you are good enough to make the shot, I would say go ahead.
Unisaw
Member
That last .0642 really keeps the velocity far superior to what you would get out of a 3.0000 barrel!
yesterdaysyouth
Member
i'd say that number of deer is low... fwiw anything centerfire is legal, and yes i would use the 3 inch to take whitetail...
Hey folks. I'm a tool and die maker.I think in decimal measurement terms, not fractional, and decimals type faster than fractions. 3 and 1/16 inches is 3.0625 inch. 0.0625 inch add to the velocity? Hey, if it's there, it's measurable....(grin). I'm sure though that I'm not getting TOP velocity because mine measures 0.006 inch under print (grin again).
chutestrate
Member
Now you guys are making me rethink my statement. Maybe I should consider it. I just didn't think it would have enough of the ooomph factor.
I'm with Majic, I don't see it being any less impractical to switch guns when you see a deer up close. I'm not sure why the scoped 6" is impractical from a stand in the first place. You may be better with the 3.125" at close range, but just practice and take your time with the 6" and you'd be less likely to spook the deer when you switch guns.
But yes, at close range I think the 3.125" would be OK.
But yes, at close range I think the 3.125" would be OK.
I can't see any reason not to use it.
I occasionally hunt deer in Ohio and know that you see a lot of deer and some of them are real close. All of them are close compared to hunting out here in the West. I have often thought about carrying something unusual just in case the right shot presents itself. I think it would be cool to say that I had taken a deer with an SP101. And I know that I have the patience and maturity to wait for the right shot. Heck, I hunt there year after year and never shoot anything. I don't want to shoot one bad enough to take a doe or a small buck. Since I am not going to bring the meat back with me (I leave it with my parents) I will only shoot an outstanding buck. So, I know I wouldn't have any problem sitting there waiting for a nice close, stationary shot for the SP101, and if it never presented itself, oh well.
I occasionally hunt deer in Ohio and know that you see a lot of deer and some of them are real close. All of them are close compared to hunting out here in the West. I have often thought about carrying something unusual just in case the right shot presents itself. I think it would be cool to say that I had taken a deer with an SP101. And I know that I have the patience and maturity to wait for the right shot. Heck, I hunt there year after year and never shoot anything. I don't want to shoot one bad enough to take a doe or a small buck. Since I am not going to bring the meat back with me (I leave it with my parents) I will only shoot an outstanding buck. So, I know I wouldn't have any problem sitting there waiting for a nice close, stationary shot for the SP101, and if it never presented itself, oh well.
Cosmoline
Member
Those are interesting, but they're listed as SOFT LEAD and are used for bowling pin shooting. They would be OK for deer but they're not the same as the 200 grain hardcast bullets.
mtnbkr
Member
Interesting. I never noticed the "soft cast" part before.
Chris
Chris
22-rimfire
Member
Frankly, I don't know why you would consider using the SP-101 for hunting when you are rigged up for hunting with the 6" GP100. Too much iron to carry around with you.... you see a deer.... lets see.. should I use the SP or the GP? If you want the deer, I would always choose the GP.
That was my problem last season carrying a SRH and a rifle. I always felt more confident with rifle, so first choice was the rifle. This season, I am going to leave the rifle at home and strictly use the handgun whether I get one or not.
That was my problem last season carrying a SRH and a rifle. I always felt more confident with rifle, so first choice was the rifle. This season, I am going to leave the rifle at home and strictly use the handgun whether I get one or not.
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