[/align]I used to use my S&W .44 for deer in Iowa, and it made deer do somersaults when you hit them good. My recommendation is to get as long of a barrel as you can find, it will greatly improve your accuracy. And take your time when you're actually leveling the barrel on an animal. I quit using mine and got a slug gun when I found that when I had a deer in my sights, I got too excited and pointed the gun rather than aimed it.