So, what's too heavy?

[Japle]

I used my DE .44 Mag on a hog a few years ago. The hog was running flat-out across my line-of-sight at 40-50 feet and I broke the spine just behind the ear.
So, I know the gun is up to the job.
But now I want to shoot a hog from 50-75 yds from a stand and my 78 year old eyes aren't gonna work for a shot like that with iron sights, so I mounted a scope.
The whole package weighs right at 5 lbs unloaded. This is not something I'd want to use for still-hunting deer.
Has anyone else tried a combo like this?
Thoughts from the hive mind?

 

[dodo bird]

Too heavy for what edc or hunting? It’s lighter than most rifles. I think for hunting that looks great. I am sure someone will come along with advice on the proper holster for hunting.

 

[Gun-Reck]

Sometimes - it's good to be flexible.

When the sights on the Blackhawk got a little too fuzzy, the solution was a pistol caliber (.357 Mag.) carbine, and aperture sights.

The piggies taste the same.

 

[JeffG]

You could do a whole heck of a lot worse... nice rig!

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

I agree nice rig.

 

[Armybrat]

I‘d have to put wheels on that cannon to haul it around (am 79).

 

[armoredman]

Sir, I'm just happy to hear you are out hunting at 78, much less using a Terminator-esque pistol to do it! I'll be happy just to make it to 78!

 

[PistoleroWadcutterGANG]

A CZ-TSO in .40SW with 20 round mags isa heavy sumbBEEP! ... Epic weapon !!!!

 

[Hookeye]

Extended Eye Relief scopes may take some getting used to.
I find reddot sights MUCH easier.
And if one wants to go light, a reflex sight is about the best there is.

Ive shot EER scopes and prefer the low power for offhand stuff.
Bench, well more Xs are fun at longer distance.

Had a Burris 3-12X AO on an Anschutz Exemplar.
Had 2.5-7X on Contender in .35 Rem.
And 2X on a Ruger 8" .22 lr

 

[Hookeye]

Nice rig OP.
Try it as is, easy enough to change later.

 

[buck460XVR]

But now I want to shoot a hog from 50-75 yds from a stand and my 78 year old eyes aren't gonna work for a shot like that with iron sights, so I mounted a scope.

The whole package weighs right at 5 lbs unloaded. This is not something I'd want to use for still-hunting deer.

Trying to make a killing shot on a boiler room as small as a hog, at 75 yards, with a handgun, is not going to happen, for most if us, unless you are resting the gun on some form of rigid support. Same goes for any handgun you use for deer, at any range. I have not used a long gun for deer in two decades. I have rests when in my stands/blinds and I have shooting sticks of some form, when still hunting. Ain't really fair to the animal, to not.

 

[roval]

I used my DE .44 Mag on a hog a few years ago. The hog was running flat-out across my line-of-sight at 40-50 feet and I broke the spine just behind the ear.
So, I know the gun is up to the job.
But now I want to shoot a hog from 50-75 yds from a stand and my 78 year old eyes aren't gonna work for a shot like that with iron sights, so I mounted a scope.
The whole package weighs right at 5 lbs unloaded. This is not something I'd want to use for still-hunting deer.View attachment 1204575
Has anyone else tried a combo like this?
Thoughts from the hive mind?

is that a 2x scope? how long is your eye relief and how far from your grip do you shoot it? how will you shoot it, bench rested or on sticks?

 

[Bazoo]

I think that it's great you're still pursuing game with a handgun. My thoughts are, if you can pack a Desert Eagle in the field without a scope, then the scope isn't too much extra.

Do you have any pictures of the previous hog hunt?

 

[Japle]

The scope shown is a 2X. My hunting load is a 180 gr XTP at 1568 fps.
This load groups under 2" at 50 yds with me steering the iron sights. I haven't sighted it in with the scope yet. I plan to get to the range next Thursday.
Here's the first hog I shot with the out-of-the-box gun. The bullet went in just in front of the right ear and blew out the right eye.
Hogs being chased by dogs can run fast!

 

[CraigC]

The DE is pushing it weight-wise but that's what I was going to do with mine. Until I found out the early gun I got a deal on was not compatible with the new barrels that have integrated mounts.

I don't know that 75yds is such an impossible shot without a rest. This one was 70yds and moving.

 

[Japle]

Nice Blackbuck, Craig!
Was that in Texas? I collected mine in Argentina.

 

[RetiredUSNChief]

EVERYTHING is too heavy right now.

I had a muscle spasm in my back yesterday morning and I'm still feeling it today.

Grrr...

But other than that, "too heavy" is a matter of personal opinion and varies based on several factors.

However, in general if you can carry it comfortably in whatever terrain, for whatever duration, you feel you will need it, it's not too heavy.

 

[gemihur]

Sometimes the weight of your handgun can prove to be your friend

Especially at the moment that you tighten up your finger on the trigger

 

[dobedo]

I use Magnum Research .500 S&W magnum loaded with 46 grains of H110 with Berrys 350 grain bullets. Last time I went to the range I shot at 50 yards.

 

[CraigC]

Nice Blackbuck, Craig!
Was that in Texas? I collected mine in Argentina.
View attachment 1204810

It was. Best tasting critter I ever ate.

 

[cfullgraf]

Here is my 45 ACP 1911 with a Tasco ProPoint scope and a Weigand scope mount on it. It is not too heavy to shoot well but rapid fire defensive shots can be a bit difficult to handle. It is more designed for careful aiming and timed shots.

(Notice, no iron sights on this baby.)

I shot IHMSA Handgun Silhouette with a 10" production 357 Magnum Contender and a Super 14 Contender in 7mm Int-Rimmed. Both were fairly heavy pistols but with an adequate rest, they were dead on target.

So, the applicatioin of the firearm is important for the success of the hunt.

The OP's rig looks great.

 

[Hookeye]

I find reddots easier to use on handguns ( compared to ext eye relief scopes ).

Have tried EER scopes and from a rest theyre fine.
But moving critters ill go red dot

Theres a TC 2.5-7x pistol scope i just got sitting on top of my safe. Recently purchased and I still cant get to liking em.

Going to try the new Primary Arms prism that supposedly has an almost unlimited eye relief.
Worst case if i dont like it will put on the kids .22 rifle

 

[Hookeye]

The DE is pushing it weight-wise but that's what I was going to do with mine. Until I found out the early gun I got a deal on was not compatible with the new barrels that have integrated mounts.

I don't know that 75yds is such an impossible shot without a rest. This one was 70yds and moving.

View attachment 1204804

I like the looks of the MKVII DE 44 mags.
Iron sighted that is.

Dangit.

This thread has me wanting one again.
Alas, i gotta have some roof work done.

You fellas will have to keep entertaining me with cool pics and rigs.

 

[Armybrat]

The North American is more my speed…

 

[buck460XVR]

I don't know that 75yds is such an impossible shot without a rest.

Didn't say it was impossible. I said this.....

Trying to make a killing shot on a boiler room as small as a hog, at 75 yards, with a handgun, is not going to happen, for most if us, unless you are resting the gun on some form of rigid support

...even in his OP, the Author said he hit,

I broke the spine just behind the ear

....I have to doubt that was exactly where he was aiming, but I may be wrong. Some folks are great natural shooters with a handgun, but even then, having a good rest with a handgun, is still the most ethical way to hunt with one. We owe it to our quarry. Especially as the distance increases. Same goes for many folks when using a long gun, You hardly ever see any long-gun hunter taking long shots without a bi-pod/shooting sticks, or using their backpack for a rest.