RE: Handguns
 

Rebel Hog, I have one just like that too!

RE: Handguns
 

Sorry everyone, I should have added that I will be using this firearm for hunting deer, home protection, and target shooting. Heres the regs in Illinois for handgun deer hunting: centerfire revolvers or centerfire single-shot handguns of .30 cal. or largerwith a min. barrel length of 4 in.
Legal ammo is (1) bottleneck centerfire cartridge .30 cal. or larger with a case no longer than 1.4 in. (2) straightwalled centerfire cartridge .30 cal. or larger. Both with at least 500 ft./lbs. of energy at the muzzle. Non-expanding, military style full metal jackets cannot be used, only soft point or expanding bullets. Thanks for all the help

RE: Handguns
 

[quote]ORIGINAL: s. il. hntr


Legal ammo is (1) bottleneck centerfire cartridge .30 cal. or larger with a case no longer than 1.4 in. (2) straightwalled centerfire cartridge .30 cal. or larger.

If that's the case, well then!

RE: Handguns
 

Go with the Thompson Encore pistol, more choices than the G2 Contender. Handles higher pressure rounds.

RE: Handguns
 

In our state the 357 Magnum is the minumum. It sounds like thats about the case in your state as well. One could conside a Ruger GP-100 357 Mag and then when your not hunting deer, you can shoot 38 special ammo which is cheaper than dirt.

RE: Handguns
 

James, notice what he posted. He stated they have to be
bottle neck cases.

RE: Handguns
 

I thought he also said straight wall cartridges of 30 cal or larger.

RE: Handguns
 

yes either or thanks guys i'm really new to handguns

RE: Handguns
 

I second the 357 Mag. You can shoot the 38 special for target, plinking or self defense and the 357 Mag. when you want to be serious. Both are very accurate and dependable rounds.

RE: Handguns
 

Your main requirements are mutually exclusive! As a matter of fact, NO HANDGUN has "decent stopping power". Certainly there is NO HANDGUN with "low recoil" that is satisfactory for shooting deer! If one thinks the .357 Magnum is "low recoil", I'd hate to see what that person thinks is a "high recoil" handgun! A T/C single-shot chambered for the .50 BMG round, perhaps!

The efficacy of any small arm projectile, whether fired from a pistol, rifle, or shotgun depends on shot placement. Therefore, your needs would be satisfied with an accurate handgun in .22 LR about as well as any caliber, except for shooting deer, of course!. A good .22 can be extremely accurate, and they are the easiest to learn to shoot well. Practice, practice, practice!