I'd like to get a pistol for deer hunting only. It will need to reach out to 100 yds. Average deer here weigh 125 lbs, but every blue moon I'll shoot at a 175 lb buck. It will need to handle broadside lung, shoulder, and strait on shots. I don't want to spend any more than I have to.

What brand, model, caliber, barrel length, ammo and scope power should I be looking at?

Thank you, ths78

Tompson Contender

Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter, 7.5" barrel 240 Gr JSP, and I dunno about scope.

Thompson center contender in 30-30.
Burris scope is great but you could get by with something cheaper.
simmons , tasco, bushnell.

Any reason why you suggested 30-30?

There are a number of calibers that perform better at 100 yards and also give you the ability to go further.

The Hornady loads are great but no substitute for one of the 7mm or .25s or .26s.

Sure Brutal,

I recommended that cal. because he says to 100 yards. Not past, just up to. The 30-30 round is very effective within that range, and it has a reasonable recoil. You can find the ammo at any walmart or mom and pop store.

Most people don't really think about the recoil in a hand cannon, and it can be quite shocking the first time someone shoots one. I personally am looking for something bigger and better. I am about to pick up an ENCORE wiitha 15" stainless barrell, rubber grip and foreend , in a .243 most likely, .308 maybe ( with low recoil rounds available ) . But going within his stated wants and price, a new handgun shooter, and availability of ammo, the 30-30 would be hard to beat. Especially with the newer soft tip Hornady rounds on the market.

Hope this explained it for you.

I am real partial to single action rugers for strength, weight, performance and price. I do have trigger work done on them. I would think either 41 or 44 magnums would meet the need and not wear you down shooting real fast. Sorry I can't recommend a scope... don't use those as a pistolero.

I think the SA's handle differently. Even my daughter could shoot the RSBH in 44 Mag with the 240 grainers.

I like my RSRH .44 mag with a leuplodEER 4X on top of it.

Another advantage of the 30-30 in a "break open" gun, is that the 30-30 has a "rimmed" case... Imuch preferrimmed casesforthose types of firearms...

For a "hunting" revolver, i prefer a S&W 44 mag...

DM

Ruger Super Rewhawk .44 Rem. Mag., 7.50" barrel; Burris Handgun Scope 1.5x-4x Plex/Posi-Lock; Buffalo Bore Ammo 255 gr. Keith-GC, 305 gr. LBT-LFN; Federal Vital-Shok 225 gr. Barnes Expander Handgun Ammo.; Winchester 250 gr. Partition Gold Pistol; Hornady Custom Handgun Ammo. 240 & 300 gr. JHP/XTP. Good luck.