RE: Need Help Selecting a Hunting Pistol
 

I'm kind of new here, and as you can see by my screen name, you know what I prefer. The versatility of the T/C's is unmatched!! To me, having "one-shot" will make you a better hunter. If you've only got one shot, you'd better learn to make that "one shot" count. As posted above, there are many calibers available from T/C that will be fine for deer. As for the bigger calibers, go with one that has the "muzzle-tamer". I have a 444 Marlin and a 45/70, both with "tamers" and neither one is bad at all to shoot. In the end, it'll be you that spends the cash. So weigh all of the options and go with what "fits" you the best.

RE: Need Help Selecting a Hunting Pistol
 

akbound, I agree with your method but must point out that technique doesn't seem to work on my double action revolver. Ruger redhawk .44mag. Any tricks for a double action?

The ability to take a safety off quietly is the main reason I'm considering the Savage Striker for my next handgun purchase-- come on bonus/tax return!!

RE: Need Help Selecting a Hunting Pistol
 

Hi DaveC,

Your post caused me to pause and think. Most of the time I've used the technique has been lever action rifles, single shot hammer rifles/shotguns, and SA revolvers/autos. So I had to really think!

I ran downstairs and tried a S&W 649 (DA .357), S&W 66 (DA .357), Ruger P94DC (DA/SA Auto w/decocking lever), Taurus PT92/99 (DA/SA Auto), and a Taurus 94 (DA .22LR). I didn't want to open the safe so I stopped at that.

My wife's S&W 66 made an audible "double click" as I tried the technique. (Also I found I have to simutaneously depress the trigger and cock the hammer to bring the hammer back.) So the movement becomes even a little more complicated....and therefore increases the risks of an accidental discharge.

With every one of the other guns I listed above I also had to depress the trigger, while cocking the hammer.....simultaneously, but there was NO audible click. Then I had to slowly release the trigger....and then slowly release the hammer and it would engage the full cock notch.

Unfortunately I don't have a Ruger Redhawk on hand to give it a try. The only thing I could suggest is an individual try it for themselves. BUT EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION WITH MUZZLE CONTROL! If you are fortunate enough it doesn't make an audible click great. But I suppose with some DA guns there will be a slight mechanical sound. The S&W 66 noted above....even though there was a "double click" that was audible...it was significantly less than "just cocking the hammer".

I guess each one is different!

P.S. Obviously your out of luck with DAO....but I don't know many hunters that use them as a primary hunting arm!

RE: Need Help Selecting a Hunting Pistol
 

Thanks for trying your guns out. The only time I even began to try it I felt the double action coming into play and stopped at that point. I have been carrying my scoped redhawk as a close range shot secondary to my .270 for about 7 years now.

The only time the audiable double click of the hammer coming back was a factor was when mr. big (for my woods) was at fifty yards and closing. I got one look at his rack, my brain said "shooter" and before I knew it the loudest double click hammer cock had occured within my grasp. The buck jerked his head my direction and was staring intently my direction before I placed the cross hairs on his shoulder and squeezed the trigger. It worked that time, but the noise could have very well cost me the shot.

What I'm getting at is when the heat is on and my brain goes into meltdown mode I want to be able to ease a safety off instead of trying to remember the above trick to getting the hammer back quietly.

Once again, thanks for the help and maybe this is just an exuse for me to adorn my gunsafe with another firearm:D- I'm sure you understand!!

RE: Need Help Selecting a Hunting Pistol
 

Yup! Sure do. (As if I ever needed an excuse....please don't tell the Mrs.?!?;))

P.S. By the way...the DA came into play with each of mine as I did it...they just did it more quietly as I eased them back simultaneously. Those Strikers sure do look nice though!

RE: Need Help Selecting a Hunting Pistol
 

The outdoor channel had a show on the other day where they were using Strikers to shoot some rams (if I remember correctly). The whole time it was on I kept telling the wife "there it is , there's the gun I want" with a long stream of drool running out the sides of my mouth.

She was steadily babbling something in the background trying to break my trance, but I was unshakable. Didn't hear much of the show, but the kill shots with the striker sure looked nice!!



I wonder what my "uh-huh" answers during her babbling rant might have gotten me into?
oh well, I'll find out when I hear those magical words- "I told you the other day!!!, you never listen to anything I say"-lol!!

I figure after 3 years of the outdoor channel she would have figured it out (don't talk while a hunting show is on), but not yet:(. women:( what's a man to do???