Since Iowa started allowing handguns to hunt deer with we have been using them to back up our muzzleloaders. I use a Ruger Blackhawk in .357 and have had the same results that most of the people here have stated. If you limit the range to about 50 yards (not that they will not kill past that) then you have a very lethal gun. I have killed four deer with it in the last 5 years. I have yet to have on pass completely through a deer even with three broadside shots right through the rib cage at less than 50 yards. With that being said I also have yet to have a deer get up after being shot with this gun. I think it is great. Practice is the key.

" I do not hunt to kill,but rather kill to have hunted"(quote)