I carried a .357 mag S&W 686 every day for over 30 years and I can shoot a handgun well. However, while a .357 certainly will go through a deers vitals it is not what I would carry if carrying a handgun specifically for deer, yes they will kill a deer, however, the dying doesn't happen quick enough for me unless it is a head shot. I have probably killed at least 100 deer with the caliber, that were crippled or injured so before someone asks, yes I have used the gun on deer. If anyone uses buffalo bore ammo they better have a gun that can take that kind of abuse. If I were going to buy a revolver to carry for deer it would be a .44 mag or a .45 colt with appropriate ammo. I use Lever evo in my ..45 colt for deer. That is my opinion and I am stiking with it.