Have decided to go handgun this year to lengthen the time I can hunt -- no success last year due to short time in stand. I have a Ruger .357 blackhawk with 4 5/8 barrell. Most say .357 is to small and I think the 4 5/8 barrell will probably handicap me. Thinking about going to .44mag. Have a chance to get the new 50th Blackhawk .44mag and am curious. Is 6 1/2 barrell long enough? Would the fibre optics of the super blackhawk hunter be a substantial advantage? Thanks!

You will definately be better off with the 44 mag. I have a Ruger SB 44 mag and I love it. I've killed a couple of does with it.

The 357 is big enough to kill deer, but you'll be pretty limited on your effective range, especially with the shorter barrel.

And about the sights, the fiber optics will be an advantage. It's much faster and easier to focus on a target with them.

Good luck,

I took a doe last year at 40 yards with my .357. I knocked her dead in her tracks with one shot. I would go for the longer barrel though. .44 mag is great for deer liitle hard on my wrists, but mine is about 15 years old and very heavy. The fiber optics will be a big plus, in low light you usually pack it and leave with iron sights.

I love my Taurus .44mag, its lifted deer clear off the ground at 50 yards. Try one youll love it. Not only do you have an excellent deer handgun but you have a great multi animal weapon, such as bears, pigs, coyotes, woodchuck, coon, etc.

I have a 629 8 3/8" barrel .44 mag. Works good on deer with a 240 gr. bullet.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a77/2Poppa/IMG_1776.jpg

Accurate out to at least 125 yards .44 Mag Smith and Wesson...

If moneys not an issue, check out the SW 460

Buy a handgun made for hunting - Thompson Contender.

You CAN do alright with the balckhawk, but if you can, go for something a little more geared for hunting. THe SBH hunter, or a redhawk.

sounds like the 44 mag is the way to go ., i have been thinking of getting one also and now i know where ican start to look at .,