hello,
i have a question about proper handguns for use in deer hunting. I heard that 357, 44 mag and a few others, but do yall have any other suggestion for a legal deer hunting handgun. I live in MD. Is it legal to use a semi auto? if so, please suggest a few of those - b/c i like semis alot more. I just have no idea of what type to get for hunting deer? please guide me along. thanks a million

If you want to seriously get into handgun hunting for deer or anything else, you may want to consider the T/C Contender or Encore. You can get an almost endless list of interchangable barrels from 17 mach 2 up to 45-70 and in lengths from 10" up to, i believe 15". The Encore chambers barrels in cartridges such as 308, 30-06 etc.
In my Contender I have barrels in 22 lr, 7-30 Waters, and 35 Rem. In a revolver or semi I wouldn't use anything less than 44 mag or possibly 41 mag. IMO I don't think the 357 has enough energy to humanly take a deer. I've heard of people taking deer with them but I wouldn't recommend it.
And you have to practice, practice, practice - and not just off a bench. Some type of shooting sticks or rest is a must for accurate shooting at anything outside of 50 yds.

getrdun,

Maryland has specific handgun regulations that you need to look into. A .357 Mag is NOT legal in MD. A .44 Mag is IF the barrel is 6" or longer. You can go to the MD DNR website and get the scoop. Be sure you know what you are doing before you go afield or you will be paying through the nose when a NRP officer writes you up.

HTH

SteveFinMD

Many will argue that the .357 is too small and ineffecient caliber for deer....

I have used a 44 MAG with 8 inch barrel. I have also used a 41 MAG with a 10 inch barrel and this was more accurte. I agree with Bronko that a Contender is a great gun for deer. I have a 16" in 30/30 and it is a great gun.

I have a .44 mag with an 8" barrel I use for deer. MD does not restrict the caliber you can use for deerbut does say that the gun must produce 700 ft/lbs of energy. See below..

Modern and muzzleloading handguns may be used to hunt upland game (except dove and woodcock) and forest game (except turkey), woodchuck, fox, coyote, opossum, nutria, fisher, skunk and raccoon. However, modern handguns may be used to hunt deer only in those counties where the use of a breech-loading rifle for deer hunting is permitted with the exception that modern handguns may be used to hunt deer throughout Frederick County. Any modern handgun used for deer hunting must have a barrel length of 6 inches or more and use ammunition which produces a muzzle energy of 700 foot-pounds or more.

the 454