ORIGINAL: BarePaw
I'm looking for a handgun to carry while deer hunting. I am trying to decide between the .44 magnum and .45 acp cartridges. I want a revolver. I have not yet fired any of the newer models. I like the look of the Smith & Wessons. I hate the Taurus look. (I don't want "Raging Whaterver" plastered across the barrel in that gawdy fasion). Any suggestions?
If you intend to actually hunt deer with it, then the .44 Maggie is what you need!
If you intend to just use it as a 'coup-de-grace' gun for deer that you've shot with a rifle, then the .45 ACP will work. But if you are sold on a revolver, the .44 is a revolver cartridge, and the .45 ACP is
NOT. Yes, the .45 ACP can be used in a revolver, AND there are MANY .45 ACP revolvers, but you have to use some supplemental clips or the .45 AUTO RIM case, because the .45 ACP case is rimless. If you use a strong enough revolver, the
.45 COLT (NOT ACP!!) cartridge can be loaded to some pretty impressive performance levels also.