Handgun for Deer
 

Always been a bowhunter and enjoy rifle hunting, but thinking about trying my luck with a handgun. Anyone got any tips, info on difficulty, suggestions on a particular gun to start with? Thanks.

RE: Handgun for Deer
 

I handgun hunt almost exclusively. I prefer customXP100's (below).They're no longer made. HS Precision makes a handgun just like it. Both are expensive.
Probably the best thing for the money nowadays is the TC Encore. Good guns and you can change barrels in a snap.
No revolver can compare to an XP, HS, or Encore so I don't really keep up with what's new in the wheel gun arena.

RE: Handgun for Deer
 

I think ranger is correct that the revolvers and there cartridges just aren't going to match up to the bolt action hybrids. (I sometimes wonder about a FA 45/70 though:D:D). Anyways, to start out with handguns...and if you want to do the 'traditional' handgun hunting. I'd look at a ruger in 44 mag. Anybigger than that and recoil becomes and issue. You don't *need* anything more than a 44 for deer so there's no reason to. Its also cheaper to shoot than the "big-big daddies". Don't get the impression that the .44 is anemic though! I suggest ruger because they a trusted, dependable and won't cost as much as a S&W. Now, if you've got the money and are planning to never shoot the very very hot handloads (any factor load will be safe...except maybe the Grizzly or Buffalo-Bore offerings) then by all means get a S&W. I love my 3 Rugers (357mag and 2 44mags) but the S&W I have in 41mag is clearly a higher example of craftsmenship. S&W are the expensive, as good as its gonna get, dependable high-quality revolvers. Rugers are the more economical, can be easily improved, built like a tank, dependable high-quality revolvers. Can't go wrong with either. If money really really isn't an issue look at Freedom Arms and let you dreams be your guide. I'm willing to bet you're like most of though....so as a beginner I suggest Ruger.

RE: Handgun for Deer
 

Appreciate the input guys-I was definately looking in the revolver direction, and yes, trying to be somewhat economical about it.

I had done some research,and I guess one of my questions, and you may be able to help Soilarch,

Do I need to go .44 or will a .357 be sufficient? Also, thoughts on a Taurus as well?

RE: Handgun for Deer
 

Don't overlook the .41 magnum.;)

RE: Handgun for Deer
 

"sufficient" wouldn't be a bad word for the 357. It will do it, but you get back into haveing to limit your shots to bowhunting ranges. Heck, a .22lr to the brainstem will kill deer at 100yards...but we need to stay in the real world. I would put the .357 as the minimum and limit shots to 50 yards because you'll need to be able to put that bullet exactly where you want. The .44mag is nearly double the power-producer that the 357 is...and yet is considered "just right" for deer. The 41mag is a fabulous choice, and personally think I would prefer it IF...IF...you could find more ammo options and those options didn't cost more. I would suggest you put down the extra money and get a 44. Get a heavy longer-barreled version to soak up the recoil if that is a concern. (Rugers get another plus here. They are overbuilt and heavy. To some that's good, to some that's bad.)

Taurus...held a few in the stores but never fired one. I've read many on here about guys who have and like them. Their handles are much narrower than the rugers or S&W. I personally don't like that...the rest of the gun is fine by me...and you can get aftermarket grips if you don't like them either. That's about all I know on the taurus guns. Perhaps somebody else can chime in on their behalf.

RE: Handgun for Deer
 

I was actually thinking about the Taurus while I was reading down through the thread. I have never shot one, but I have read a good bit about them. They have received great reviews for their frame strength, and smooth action. Price wise they are not " cheap " but they are more economical than the others. But like I said, none of these guns are cheap. So I would look at the Ruger, but before I bought I would definitely give the Taurus a look see and give it a chance to win the job.

RE: Handgun for Deer
 

I concur with Soilarch. The 44 is about perfect. I use my Stealth Hunter S&W in 44. I also use the Leupold Gilmore red dot sight, and limit my shots to 125 yards. I do not like the magnification pistol scopes-out to 125 yards no magnification is necessary. If I were you I would buy a Ruger or a Smith. Buy one that easily mounts a scope, even if you are not buying a scope right now, you may later. The XP's and TC's are high quality firearms, but I really do not consider them a handgun. I would stay away from the 357 for deer, not that it will not do the job, I just like the 44 better. If you go with a 357, I would limit my shots to 50 yards. I do not care very much for the Taurus. Tom.

RE: Handgun for Deer
 

Quick tip I forgot: I kinda take it for granted, even though I've only been shooting HG about a year. But the easiest position to shoot accurately for MOST people is sitting on the ground with your back against a tree and the gun on your knee. Which is why I look for ground/blind sites in preferance over treestand sites when thinking about HG hunting.

Also, if you ever get the itch to reload the straight walled handgun cartridges are how I got started and is where I suggest others start. Its really fun and educational.

Another interesting tip. A slower load will actually group HIGHER on the paper. How? its in the barrel longer so the "flip" is higher by the time the bullet exits. Neat peice of info I went months without knowing.

RE: Handgun for Deer
 

I have a taurus and love it. Model 608 with a 6 1/2 ported barrel. The only problem I have with it is the 8 round wheel. I can't find a speed loader for it. My brother has the same thing with only a 6 round wheel (don't know where he found) and has taken many deer with it.

RE: Handgun for Deer
 

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Maxfire Speedloader 38 Special and 357 Magnum 8 Shot Pack of 2

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RE: Handgun for Deer
 

Encore-7mm-08:D

RE: Handgun for Deer
 

OMG!!!!!!!!!!! I my prayer has been answered! Thanks Reb!