Suggestions for a good hunting handgun

[sm]

azrael

No Flames from me.

I've used the 4"Ruger Security Six , for the same reason or for smaller game, critter control.
Depending on game, I often just use my 1911, I like hunting with it.

For Deer and all around woods gun a Model 29 , though I have no problem with any of the fine SA revolvers.

We have a 4" min bbl length req here...but on private property small game with a J frame, or K frame snubby ( model , 36, model 19 or model 10 ) is a hoot. Even used my Keltec P-11 to 'eradicate' some rabid critters. Good practice and training , not only for shooting skills, but ammo performance.

What is in print does not often replicate in real use. Nice to know firsthand.

 

[Colt46]

Use enough gun!

If you use a .357 make certain you use quality ammo that is geared for penetration. I personally favor a hunter using a weapon that he is accurate with rather than a super magnum that he isn't comfortable with. I use a .45 Bisley Ruger that shoots better than I do.
One more thing. Without a scope I'd suggest you keep your shots short. Anything over 50 yards with open sights isn't fair to the game. Yeah, there are always exceptions to the above rule but you gotta know whatever gun you intend to hunt with.

 

[Jeeper]

Chortle!
Checkout HHI/J.D. Jones (the unquestioned KING of handgun hunting BTW) who uses the TC guns.
FYI, there ain't a cowboy gun made (Freedom included) that'll come close to the accuracy of the TCs..

NOT QUITE!!!!!!!

I think there are quite a few people who would dispute that title. Including all of the handgun hunters ranked ABOVE JDJ on the safari club list for most top 3 scoring hadngun trophies. The guy who owns magnaport and Gary Reeder are among those above JDJ on that list. Plus JDJ stole EVERY one of his "Custom" calibers from someone else. JDJ is just very good at promoting himself. I am not saying anything about his guns but a statement like that had to be checked back into place.

 

[pendentive]

Wow. Great suggestions, guys.

I have a few questions/comments now:


1 - What/who is TC?

2 - Model 29? Couldn't find info/pics.

3 - Ruger Super BlackHawk - nice.

4 - Casul....I'm not that crazy....

5 - Freedom Arms - very nice! pricey too, almost out of my range, but still considering it.


And some clarifications =

A - whatever I pick, I'll need to spend some good time at the range learning the gun. So I need to be able to afford the ammo.....I love the look/size of the S&W 500 but the rounds are $$$. I don't mind reloading, btw.

B - I'm allured by the talk over 10mm. Can somebody win me over for hunting purposes?

C - tracking. Just this morning, I got within 20 yards of 4 deer. Yesterday, was within 30 yds. (more typical). I had plenty of time, good side looks too. I like getting close - comes from bow-hunting experience. Anyway, I would still like to have a scope - to ensure the most accurate shot possible - but don't need high power, and don't want just sites.

D - have I missed anything?

 

[Sean Smith]

1 - What/who is TC?

Thompson-Center. Makers of the Contender and Encore single-shot "pistols" in various rifle calibers.

2 - Model 29? Couldn't find info/pics.

Because S&W doesn't make them anymore. You can find used ones, or get the current 629.

A - whatever I pick, I'll need to spend some good time at the range learning the gun. So I need to be able to afford the ammo.....I love the look/size of the S&W 500 but the rounds are $$$. I don't mind reloading, btw.

.357 Magnum will have the cheapest practice ammo (.38 Special). Next cheapest ammo will be 10mm, which can be had in bulk for as little as $160/1,000+shipping. Handloading .44 Magnum would make the ammo alot more painless, however.

B - I'm allured by the talk over 10mm. Can somebody win me over for hunting purposes?

.357 Magnum power levels with a fatter bullet out of an autoloader.
Unless you are in Alaska or something a 200gr XTP @ 1,250 ft/sec is nothing to sneeze at, provided you put them where they belong.

That said, if I was reloading and wanted a dedicated hunting gun (as opposed to a multi-role gun) I'd go with a .44 Magnum and handload to keep the ammo price manageable.

 

[pendentive]

Smith & Wesson 629

This one?

or this one?

 

[pendentive]

T/C Contender G2

 

[BigG]

I would agree with my old bud Ala Dan on the S&W 44 Magnum as a darn good choice. In self shuckers, what could be better than a Colt Delta Gold Cup with suitable nuclear 10mm Colt Auto loads?

 

[pendentive]

(I like pics )


Ruger Super Blackhawk .45

 

[BigG]

Here is a 10mm Colt Auto for your viewing pleasure.

 

[pendentive]

S&W 500 Magnum

 

[pendentive]

still lookin' for suggestions....

I think I'm less interested in standard pistols....more interested in revolvers or other stange types....yes....strange is always good.