Just looking for some suggestions on using a 44 mag for whitetail. I bought a Smith&Wesson 629 Classic with a 5" barrel from a friend that needed the money. Wasn't a planned purchase. Just wondering if this barrel long enough? What kind of range would I have, I know not much. Ammo suggestions? Would I have to put a scope on it? I figured I would try to use it out of a stand I have set up for bow hunting. Any discussion or suggestions appreciated.

Certainly long enough, here in IL, a 4" barrel is required.

You'd have to shoot it with open sights and see how you do...but a scope would probably help especially at longer ranges.

It'd work fine if you can do your part. With that barrel length you should be able to kill a deer at 40 to 50 yards easy. My dad kills em all the time with a 4" s&w 45 LC at 40 yards the key to it is practice. Ammo wise I've killde deer with two factory loadings 240gr Winchester JSP and 240gr Hornady XTP. The xtp is my main carry load in my 44 works great on deer.

This is the critical part of handgun hunting.....so many folks can't shoot them well.....talk is darn cheap.....hitting anything is totally another story.

Get a box of 240 grain factory loads.....any kind...cheaper the better....and sit up a three pound coffee can at 50 yards.

Practice shooting at it under conditions you expect to find in the field.....see how well you can actually shoot that hog leg.....

From my own experience only a very few can actually shoot a .44 magnum.....and those that can't graduate to the .454.....sad but true!

Before you spend another dime on that thing.....find out if you're one of the few that can actually shoot it!

My hat is off to you if you can!

A scope would help. A good quality red dot scope or regular pistol scope would be a good bet. Unless you are an incredible pistol shot, I'd keep the range close. For ammo, any good quality 240 grain jacketed hollow point round should work just fine.

As already stated, practice, and see what you can actually do with it. My father has shot elk with his, and it does a number if you limit the shot to your ability, and don't try to Dirty Harry it. I wanna say last elk dad shot with his was probably 25 yards, maybe less.

Check you local regulations as I am sure each state has little different idea of what is sufficient, but I am sure 44 mag should satisfy those requirements.

The limitation is not on the revolver or the cartridge. The limitation is the shooter.

A good model 29 Smith is easily capable of killing deer at 100 yards and beyond. The problem is the shooter is not.

You have to make a commitment with a revolver. And that takes practice. And by practice I am talking 1,000's of rounds. It is really a reloaders game, and better yet, you even need to cast your own bullets. I can put a 1,000 rounds down range for about $100. You can't do that if you are relying on factory fodder-or at least I could not afford it

If you are serious about it then set your initial limitations to about 30 yards, and practice at that distance. This is not an easy thing to do. Fifty yards is a bit far too start off with. But the coffee can idea is a good idea. Don't shoot at targets at the range. Go out in the woods and go for a walk, and shoot at stumps or any other targets of opportunity. That is how to get good. Tom.

Practice, practice, practice!! I use a .357 magnum for deer, because at the range I use it for (40-50 yards) it's plenty. If and when I get the talent for shooting longer ranges, I'll get a .44.

Will

treat it like a rifle. always use a rest. practice with a good pistol rest. the type that supports the butt and barrel and dials in height and angle. it takes the guess work out of things. http://www.manventureoutpost.com/pro...dgun-Rest.html you also may wanna replace the front sight blade. for me the standard sight blade is too blocky and doesnt promote pinpoint accuracy. hi-viz makes a fiber optic dot http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/68339-1.html and meprolite makes a front and rear tritium dots. http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...909&t=11082005

I came across this gun not really looking for it. I'm always up for a new challenge and enjoy deer hunting so thought I might give hunting with it a try. Will be doing lots of practice first.Thanks for all the input and please keep it coming.