Big Game Handgun - Got the Bug - HELP
 

Well guys, for some reason I haven't been craving buying a new gun in a while (in fact its been a year), and this is highly unlike me (I'm gonna be 23 next month) and I have 20 some guns at the moment.

I decided that I really wanted to get a deer hunting/personal defense revolver (from bears, mt lions, etc). I want to be able to shoot 50 yards (or more if possible), be fairly lightweight and easy to carry, and pack good punch. I think I'm gonna stick to the 44mag unless someone can talk me out of it for something different.

Here is what I'm leaning towards at the moment. http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=811&return=Y

All info/suggestions, etc would be greatly appreciated in this matter. I have numerous handguns in my stash, and shoot them all very well. Will the above gun be a good shooter? I will handload all my cartridges and shoot it quite often.

RE: Big Game Handgun - Got the Bug - HELP
 

Do you feel lucky, punk?............Well, do ya?[8D]

For personal-defense, most people would probably lean for a double action. But people used single actions for years with no problems, and you aren't going to want to shoot deer in double-action mode anyway. I don't see why it wouldn't work, so I say go for it. A longer barrel will give you a little more sight radius, which makes shooting accurately at longer ranges a little easier, so keep that in mind.

RE: Big Game Handgun - Got the Bug - HELP
 

HEHEHE

"The worlds most powerful handgun....." well not so much anymore, but if it was good enuf for Dirty Harry, its gotta be good enuf for me.

I figure the chance of me ever running into a bear or a mt. lion is slim to none, so I'm not too worried about the DA. I really really like the looks of that Ruger SA, do they make the same gun with a 6 1/2" barrel? I do not seem to see one on their website. Then again the "44 flattop" is back out, but its not as good looking in my opinion.

And if a bear ever decides to eat me, I can empty the 6 shooter into its skull and then reach for my XD 40 Tactical and if that fails, guess it was nice knowing all you guys! hehe

RE: Big Game Handgun - Got the Bug - HELP
 

if i was in your shoes id think about looking at a ruger super redhawk in 454 casull comes in i believe a 7 inch barrel and 9 inch barrel. I had a taurus raging bull in 454 that 454 casull packs one heck of a wallop. at 100 yards the 454 casull has more energy and velocity then a 44 mag has at the muzzle one of those in the skull of a bear should bring it down easily. Right now I have a ruger blackhawk in 44 mag its seems so pukey compared to the 454 casull I need to get another one when i do its gonna be a ruger super redhawk.

RE: Big Game Handgun - Got the Bug - HELP
 

You can't gowrong with any Ruger 44 Mag. I would also stay with the 44 Mag.

RE: Big Game Handgun - Got the Bug - HELP
 

Are ya going to scope it?

Got a ss/super blackhawk unfluted cylinder^ plain barrel( never use it much)

Got a ss/ reg. redhawk to use that a lot( havent hunted with it tho)- it came with rings but i havnt mounted a scope...... yet.

Ussally carry a sp101 357 mag(alot smaller/lighter to carry around to)) in case any big kittys, bigfoot, 2 legged varmits etcjump me when im wakingin the rocks etc :D

I Like them rugers

RE: Big Game Handgun - Got the Bug - HELP
 

You won't go wrong with that Ruger, nor with a .44 Magnum! You could also use the .45 Colt in that same revolver, and the Ruger will stand some pretty stiff .45 Colt loads-like a 250-grain Keith semi-wadcutter at 1200 FPS, which will kill anything in North America...... But of course, you can get full-power .44 Mag. ammo almost anywhere.

IMO, your requirement for a relatively light handgun rules out the Ruger Super Redhawk-those ponderous things should be issued with wheels and a pintle hook for towing!! But the 5-shot Taurus Raging Bull .454 is not too heavy, and the recoil is very tolerable due to the porting and shock-absorbing grips. Mine is as accurate as any Colt or Ruger.

RE: Big Game Handgun - Got the Bug - HELP
 

The S&W 500 in 8 3/8. I've shot the 10.5 (My father bought one)model and they're not that bad. Shoot it with Hornady's and never look back.

RE: Big Game Handgun - Got the Bug - HELP
 

Rammer, I think your Ruger is a good choice. Just a bit lighter and handier than a non fluted super blackhawk, but you won't sacrifice much. Strong action and fun to shoot. And if you can't kill it in six 44 maggie rounds, (ee-yi!) you need a new hobby!

RE: Big Game Handgun - Got the Bug - HELP
 

the ruger blackhawk in .44 mag. will be a great choice and should handle all of your hunting and personal protection needs, a .454 is a great choice too but i don't see to much ammo around for it around where i'm from , and it's probably pretty pricy ( just guessing for my area , might be cheap and plentiful where you are ). .44 mag ammo isn't very expensive at all , and i personally think that the .454 cusull is a tad bit overkill for personal protection from the two legged variety if you know what i mean. :):)
whelen36

RE: Big Game Handgun - Got the Bug - HELP
 

Go to www.hornady.com and check out the ballistics on the S&W 500 and the S&W 460. Then compare those ballistics to the 44 Mag. There is no comparison when it comes to speed and knock down power. With the 460 you can shoot the 454 Casull load and the 45 Colt. I've shot the 500 numerous times sighting one in with my father. It's not that bad.You just have to be readyand hold on with both hands. The 460 is supposed to be tame compared to the 500. I'm currently looking as well and I'm pretty sure it's going to be the 460 for me since my dad has the 500. I've read and heard from people the kick of the 44 is about like the 500.I've shot the 500 in the 10.5 inch model. You can getboth models in shorter barrel lengths to make it more user friendly. Think about it, twice the speed and twice the kinetic energy. I read a very good article on the 460 in the airport last month in one of the well known shooting magazines. I wish I could remember the magazine at this moment. Perhaps you might be able to find it and give it a read. In that article they shot the 454 out of the S&W 460 and said it was the most tame 454 they'd ever shot. Both the 460 and 500 are very, very impressive. You won't be sorry.

RE: Big Game Handgun - Got the Bug - HELP
 

I have Ruger Super Redhawks in .44 Mag and 454 Casull they are both accurate and easy to shoot but they are not lightweight but they will shop anything on the planet chad

RE: Big Game Handgun - Got the Bug - HELP
 

Yes the 500 S&W is more powerful than the 44 Mag. However when you are talking hunting calibers for deer, the 500 is more than anyone would ever need. They are not pleasant to shoot and you better compare prices both of the guns and the ammo. When is enough enough???? The size and weight of the 500, you might as well just carry a rifle.

RE: Big Game Handgun - Got the Bug - HELP
 

I'm usually overkill, but for revolver hunting, I haven't seen anything that I could kill better, with anything bigger than the .44 Mag.!
More blast, and more $$$!

I've got a .44Ruger Super Redhawk, and love it!
Of course, I don't hunt in bear country! But until the bigger calibers came out, the .44 was "excellent" bear protection!:D

RE: Big Game Handgun - Got the Bug - HELP
 

The 44 is still hard to beat as a backup. Recoil is light enough for follow-up shots and a 300 Plus grain hard cast bullet is a potent weapon. The 500 S&W is barely carryable and for me a carbine rifle would be easier to carry and get into action. I have tried them but find the 500 S&W of no real practicle use.

RE: Big Game Handgun - Got the Bug - HELP
 

Thats the key! "Practicality!
In most cases, the .500 has NO practical advantage over the .44!

RE: Big Game Handgun - Got the Bug - HELP
 

I've shot plenty of rounds thru my buddies S&W Custom Shop 500 with the shorter barrel and muzzle break. Gun shoots like a dream. The recoil wasn't bad at all in my opinion (not sure on what the ammo was, but it was some of the lighter stuff), I'd say it recoiled less than any 44mag that I've shot.

I just don't want to spend that kind of money on a revolver that will only get limited use. I really do like the new 460SW, but until their prices come down some I can't justify it.

I still have never shot a 454, how do those compare in the mix of the 44, 460 an 500s for recoil?

Ammo availablity is no concern to me, as I will load up 500rds to begin with :)

RE: Big Game Handgun - Got the Bug - HELP
 

I shot the 460 a few weeks ago. Kicked less than my Mod 29 44 mag with handloads. It was very heavy but very handy. I want one. James, James, James, you still don't understand. Its not about need. Its about the feeling.

RE: Big Game Handgun - Got the Bug - HELP
 

Not so in this case. I have used the 44 Magnum to take most all of the NA big game. Its a perfect mix of weight size and power. To me its the most praticle choice in a big game hand gun. Any more weight and size makes no sense to me. Need has nothing to do with anything. I don't need 99 percent of the guns that I own. I could get by very well with my BPS, My 700 270 my K frame 357 and my Stevens 22 rim fire. When I am commenting on guns, its from my expierence and of course like everyone else, my personel preference.

RE: Big Game Handgun - Got the Bug - HELP
 

Sure these guns may be more expensive. But compare the ballistics and you'll see there is no comparison. You can buy a 500 for $300 more than the gun in the original post.Also it sounds too me like this guy buys his guns for the long run. The original poster wants a pistol that can shoot 50 yards, pack a great punch, and be able to use as a defense against bears and Mt. Lions. In my opinion (Just my opinion of course), if something was looking at me that I knew could eat me for lunch I'd like to have the biggest darn thing I can shoot (A show stopper). And trust me if you can shoot the 44 you can shoot the 500 (They're not that bad). Weshot a 1.5 inch group at 37 yards with the 500, so I'm very confident you could shoot it beyond the required 50 yards. I've seen several hunting shows with guys carrying the Smith 500 with the 8 3/8 barrel. Find someone that has the S&W pistols and give them a try, andcompare the ballistics.

I'll take the S&W.:)

RE: Big Game Handgun - Got the Bug - HELP
 

Have top agree, James. The 44 Magnum is a damn fine choice for a handgunner. But, like always....there are the folks who think you need more power. Evidently, animals are growing thicker skins these days. Used to be, you could kill anything in North America with a 270 or a 30-06...now ya need a Magnum.

RE: Big Game Handgun - Got the Bug - HELP
 

Right on. Myself, I don't need to try to pack a Four and a Half pound pistol around as a backup and as far as hunting for bears, give me a rifle any day. The 500 to me is an expensive toy that has no value to me as a handgun or a main weapon for hunting. Its a novelty for those who have the extra bucks to lay out for them. As far as deer hunting or back-up I will stay take the 44 Mag. If anything would apeal to me as a bear backup, it would be the Ruger stubby 454. It is at least carryable at 41 oz.

RE: Big Game Handgun - Got the Bug - HELP
 

44Mag will do the jobs you're interested in just fine.

-Load it with 44 specials for personal defence against humans and dogs.
-Use 240gr Semi-jacketed soft point magnums for deer out past 50.
-Stoke it with heavy, hard-cast lead wadcutters for bear defense.

I like my S&W 629 for a multi-role gun such as the one you're looking for.
Double action for defense, and a6" barell for adecent amount of hunting velocity/power. Stay away from the rubber Hogue grips on the Smith N-frames though. With their exposed backstrap, the metal frame digs into your hand when the rubber grips compress during recoil. A good solid wood grip fixes that prob.

RE: Big Game Handgun - Got the Bug - HELP
 

I like my Ruger Super Blackhawk 44. It has a scope and a 10 1/2 barrel and has dropped alot of big game. Hogs in the 300 pound range at 75-100 yards with one good shot. Where I am now I haveno use for it and am selling it. But for a good handgun for hunting this is the beast. With the 300 grain Hornady XTP not alot of movement after the shot. The 44 provides a wide range of ammo depending on what you are using it for. i normally hunt with the 240 grain XTP for deer and works like a champ. The farthest i have shot a deer with this was about 125 yards. There was an article in guns and ammo years ago about the Super Blackhawk and XTP ammo and that is what spurred me towards the Ruger. The one they tested had a 7.5" barrel and they were dropping Pronghorn at 175 yards. The gun did have a mod on it and that was the barrel was magna-ported. My ad is in here if anyone is interested. Comes with alot of accessories and options. Thanks Mike

RE: Big Game Handgun - Got the Bug - HELP
 

I think it depends on what you want to do with it. $1200.00 for a pistol to me is no differnt then spending it on a rifle. i personaly hunt 90% woods that is a little thick in spots and the furthest shooting is 100-25 yards with average 50-75. Some of these spots I travel to on a wheeler and it is much easer to me to haul the pistol, when in stand it would be know differnt then a rifle. I feel that I gain shot chances with the smaller frame of the pistol.As of now i'm leaning towards a 460 because I plan to use it as my rifle. There is a nice redhawk at Gander used for 325.That i have considered but feel more confortable with a little heavier gun, not knocking the 44 becuase I have a Ruger rifle semi that has killed many deer and would never part with it.

RE: Big Game Handgun - Got the Bug - HELP
 

If I could do one thing to my Super Blackhawk it would put one of those clamp on butt stocks like that guy Lee VanCleve used in the Clint Eastwood westerns. I think I spelled his name right. I have about 600 tied up in my Ruger but that is becasue I have 3 sets of grips and invested in a good scope, rings and base. The pistol is great for those tight spots and where movement is limited like jordan8801 mentioned. I think of it as my handheld 30-30 brush gun. I don't use it for defense except for pissed off hogs. I have a 45 for personal/home protection. You are getting alot of useful information from alot of members. Hopefully all of it will provide you the info you need to make a good decision.

RE: Big Game Handgun - Got the Bug - HELP
 

How much does a New Model Super Blackhawk with the 5 1/2" barrel in SS run? I need to figure out what I need to get saved up. I should know by the end of the month whether or not I can afford to do this. Got a lot of expenses right now farming, so hopefully there will be some funds leftover.....:D

RE: Big Game Handgun - Got the Bug - HELP
 

They should run right around $500.

RE: Big Game Handgun - Got the Bug - HELP
 

So let me get this right......I just got the master catalog from Midway today....If I order up all sorts of goodies for a 44mag and load them up, that means I will need to buy one, right? :eek:

RE: Big Game Handgun - Got the Bug - HELP
 

I like the way you think. This thinking has got me in trouble on the home front a few times but thats life.:D

RE: Big Game Handgun - Got the Bug - HELP
 

Everybody has to find their own motivation. ;):D

RE: Big Game Handgun - Got the Bug - HELP
 

So anything I should know before I order up dies or anything? I've never loaded for a handgun before. I have RCBS equipment, who makes the best dies for the 44mag? :D

RE: Big Game Handgun - Got the Bug - HELP
 

I had the same itch and am bidding on a Smith & Wesson 629-6 44mag Hunter. It's their performance center model with compensated barrel.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...mp;isFirearm=Y

RE: Big Game Handgun - Got the Bug - HELP
 

Right.

Or you could give me the ammo instead?:D;)