hunting sidearm preference, Auto or revolver?
 

Greets folks,

quick question as I am debating my next sidearm purchase. I curently carry a 9mm auto. ( only handgun I got save fer my .36 navy cap -n- ball gun) when I get the $$ ( or if *G* ) I intend to buy a more suitable backup for hunting. Now I know there are many who tout the 9mm as being a good round, but after using it for the kill shot on a wounded deer, I dont trust mine to stop much of anything bigger than that, (in fact hindsight tells me that without real careful shot placement 9mm aint big enuff for deer), and though I'd never use it to hunt a bear, what you do when you field dressing your kill and an old black bear comes along for lunch?? so I definately want more power. Now that in mind, any suggestions, and would you recommend an auto or a revolver and why?

RE: hunting sidearm preference, Auto or revolver?
 

I hav carried numerous different claibers and guns for small gameing while big game hunting. I have also handgun hunted for a number of years. My preference is a good 4" 357 carrying both 357 hot 158 gr loads and a few 38 spl wad cutters for small edibles along the way. My favorite is a Smith mdl 27, a used police revolver.

RE: hunting sidearm preference, Auto or revolver?
 

I carry a Glock Model 22. I really like the size, and the .40 S&W rounds. I hardly know it is there.

Anbo_1

RE: hunting sidearm preference, Auto or revolver?
 

colo wolf got it right 357 cant go rong whith a 357 i like my double action smith and wesson, never james never miss fires, ok <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

RE: hunting sidearm preference, Auto or revolver?
 

I carry a .45acp for backup with 230gr. Winchester Black Talons. Not good for a hunting caliber but good for personal protection and backup to my longbow for hogs.

I suppose there are those who carry a .357 but the preferred hunting cartridge for hogs around my neck of the woods is the .44 mag.

RE: hunting sidearm preference, Auto or revolver?
 

I have numerous handguns and have tried hunting with many calibers over the years, I've had my best success with 44mag , one shot kills on hogs and deer from 40 to 67yds, my opinion only but if you are anticipating a possible life or death situation then leave as little to chance as possible, use a caliber thats more than adaquite for any potentional threat and one that is as simple as possible i.e. a revolver . I've seen lots of game killed with .357s and .45s but it usually required follow up shots and many times lots of tracking skill. any gun in the right hands in a good situation will do the job, but you can't always count on that happening

RE: hunting sidearm preference, Auto or revolver?
 

ok come on people .357 .40s .45s .44s all can kill just like a .22 cal can kill a person its all shot placement, <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

RE: hunting sidearm preference, Auto or revolver?
 

I carried a LAR Grizzly in 45 win mag auto for awhile. I killed a bear, several deer and an antelope with it. It worked fine.

We have quite a few grizzlies around and I got to thinking if a bear ever charged and I got a shot off but (hit or not) the bear still got me down. The pistol would be cocked and ready to shoot again. Would I possibly shoot my self in the scuffle?

Anyway I went back to a revolver. Make mine 44 mag, heavy loaded 45 colt, or 454 thank you.

Seahonk
I don't think it's all bullet placement when it comes to protection. Sure it any caliber kill but how long, and how far will the victim/animal go?

Edited by - wyote on 01/15/2002 09:12:15

RE: hunting sidearm preference, Auto or revolver?
 

Lots of opinions here, I thank you all. I think I will probably go with a double action 357 model revover. Seems to be the type and cal most suggested, and I really dont expect that if I ever needed it it wqould be against anything larger than an Oregon black bear, 357 should stop that if the need arose.

RE: hunting sidearm preference, Auto or revolver?
 

good choice Adui13 .357 cal you wont be disapointed. and wyote you right bigger is better but i was just saying any .cal can kill, a 22 probably wont stop a rageing bull lol,ok <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> sea yas