handgun for hunting?
 

I'm just curious, but what kind (make, model, caliber) would one use for deer hunting? I've seen it a few times, but i want to know more.

RE: handgun for hunting?
 

There's a huge list to chose from: Encore, Contender, XP100, Striker, HS Precision, Ruger, Freedom, North American, many more. Handgun hunters use cartridges from 357 Mag to 500 S&W and many handguns are chambered in traditional & wildcatrifle cartridges.

RE: handgun for hunting?
 

cool, thanks man!

RE: handgun for hunting?
 

Dont do it. Handgun hunting is disrespectfull to the animal. Theres no margin for error.
Buwahahahahahah hahahahah !
Just kidding you know

RE: handgun for hunting?
 

I went with a T/C Encore in .454 Casull. Bushnell Scope in a 3 ring mount. JP Howitzer brake (done by EA Brown). Shot a Russian with it so far...amn fun set up! I also have a .450 marlin barrel for it, but havent set it up yet. And I did Boyds grip and fore end.

Anywho, I say Encore!

Frankie

RE: handgun for hunting?
 

Depends on where you are.
Here in Ohio I cannot use my Lone Eagle in 308 but can use my Super Redhawk in 454.
The Lone Eagle is used for deer out of state

RE: handgun for hunting?
 

They have been around for long time now, I have been using the T/C Contenders for many years. Taken deer, hogs and turkey with my, 22 Hornet, 223 Rem, 7-30 Waters, 30 Herret, 44 Mag, 358 JDJ,and 375 JDJ barrels. There are many handguns to choose from today for hunting.

RE: handgun for hunting?
 

This is a no brainer. S&W 44 magnum. Do they make anything else? Tom

RE: handgun for hunting?
 

Double,

Not to hijack and whatnot...but how do you like that .375JDJ? I have read up on it a bit, but have no actual first hand info...talk to me.

Frankie

RE: handgun for hunting?
 

i like my 375JDJ . tho I've not had the chance to shoot it out to 300 yd yet . at 100 its right in there. the recoil is on the suaver side and after several shots it very hard to hold still. its very hard on scopes and mounts and you learn very quickly how not to hold on to it.
very few people that i have let shot it want another try.

RE: handgun for hunting?
 

I think I need one...lol. I had the same scope problem with my 454...I keep blowing up the recticle...been thru 2 Bushnell elites so far...next one is a Leupold...I am guessing it came from Fox River?

RE: handgun for hunting?
 

I have a Tauras M44 in 44mag. I took a 4pt buck with it this fall (my first handgun deer). I shoot open sights and am comfortable out to 50 yards. 44 mag is all you need for deer - I shot the Federal 240gr HP

RE: handgun for hunting?
 

There are often restrictions on minimum caliber and barrel lengths for deer to insure that your gun/ammo combo can deliver enough energy to take down a deer reliably.

In IL, you need at least 30 cal, 4" barrel, have 500 ftlbs at the muzzle, and must use expanding bullets. That puts hot .357's at the bottom end, and makes the 44 mag a competent favorite. You also cannot use a semi-auto in IL.

I wanted a double action so the gun could doublefor bear defense, so I considered both the S&W 629 44mag, and the Ruger Redhawk. The sweet trigger pull of the S&W won my heart. Next to it, the Ruger felt like it was grinding gravel. Rugers are solid guns with good reps, and I'm sure it could be refined quite nicely with a trigger job at your local gunsmith, but the factory trigger felt awful to me. Trigger is everything when it comes to precision shooting.

RE: handgun for hunting?
 

Like bulzeye said, most state's have requierments, and varying one's at that. So first I would figure out what states you want to hunt in, and then find out the requierments. After that, choose a caliber/load that meets or exceeds all req's and then worry about which manufacturer and model to go with. At least that is what I would do. Hope that helps.

Jerry

RE: handgun for hunting?
 

This little research is actually more for my father. See, he bought a Taurus .357 mag (not for hunting, its more of a gut-buster/self defense gun) from a family friend. And while we were hunting this year we got to discussing hunting with a Handgun, and he asked me a few weeks ago to try to dig up some more info on it. So here I am, and thanks a lot everybody for the info and opinions on guns, etc. Thanks Again!