Who has shot a deer with a 1911? If so, how far? What was bullet performance like?

I dont think a 1911 would meet Wisconsins minimum barrel length for pistol

I'm sure it can be done, but that's not the right tool for the job. Does it have a 6-inch barrel? I have stalked through some thick pines with my 6-inch .357 Magnum revolver. I jumped a couple of does but couldn't get a cleanshot. I wouldn't get up at 4 AM, drive out to the woods, walk a mile in freezing temperatures, climb a tree, then plan to shoot across a field with a 1911. It's justnot the right tool for the job.

Maybe I should clarify. This is for spot and stalk hunting a a small tract of woods. The last time I moved slow through this woods, I saw a couple of deer, but they were usually under 10 yards and required a quick shot to get the drop on them. My Ruger SA, left me cocked watching a deer run off. All shots would be 20 yards or less. If I get in a treestand, I'll go back to my Ruger SA in 45 Colt. I'm sure I can hit and kill with it to 50 yards.

I don't know if a .45 auto round will have sufficient power at 50 yards for a whitetail, and to be honest I'm not sure if it would be sufficient on whitetail period. I'm sure you could do it but i think you are better served using something with a little more oomph. I'm curious to see what other people think though

I also wonder if the 45 ACP is legal in any state to hunt deer with?? Here in Indiana handguns must have a barrel length of 4 inches and .357 dia. or larger and there is also a minimun case length(not sure what that is). I think a 1911 in 10MM would be plenty powerful enough but again the case length is too short here in IN.

a full size govt model 1911 has a 5in barrel and .45 dia is larger than .357. dnt know about your states case length limit. but in OK a 1911 is legal, and although not the best tool for the job i have seen several deer killed with 1. up close and personal, with good bullets, and better shot placement yes it will kill a deer.

im just curious tho. if you cant get on the deer with your ruger 45lc what makes you think youl have better luck with a 1911?

In ohio it is a minimum of a 5-inch barrel length, so a full sized 1911 would qualify.

Balistically speaking the 45 ACP in my opinion does not pack enough punch to drop a mature whitetail at any decent range.

Kimber makes a 10MM 1911 specifically designed for hunting, this would be a better option.

If your talking about jumping deer at 10 yards and unloading on the deer with a 1911. I'd say not only is that not a good choice but poor hunting.

Now will a 1911 in 45 acp kill a deer. Oh yeah. But make sure the deer is standing still when you take the shot. Otherwise you'll likely loose the deer after wounding it.

[align=left]Wisconsin Handgun Regualtions:[/align][align=left]• To be legal for deer, handguns must use center-fire cartridges of .22 caliber or[/align][align=left]larger and have a 5½ inch minimum barrel, measured from the firing pin to the[/align][align=left]muzzle with the action closed.[/align][align=left]• You may not possess a concealed handgun.[/align]• It is illegal to hunt with a handgun if under age 18.