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High Tower
09-17-11, 16:51
How many handgun hunters are there here?

I have been hooked ever since I took my first buck with a Colt Anaconda. Can't say I have shot anything since then, but the odd chance I get to go out I take my S&W 629.

tpd223
09-17-11, 23:47
I have rarely handgun hunted in the sense of buying a purpose built gun and looking for game using it, but I have whacked a deer, several coyotes, rabbits, squirrels, and prairie dogs with a pistol.

Almost all of the above were with a .22 revolver, a .357mag or a 9mm

I have thought about getting a Glock 20 again, but the retarded rules here for legal pistol calibers disallows 10mm for deer.

SkyPup
09-18-11, 08:13
I've been using a Thompson Center Contender with scoped .44Mag for hog and deer and .223 for coyotes, and .22Mag for rodents for the last 35 years. It is an awesome gun when you know that one shot is all it takes.

akturbo
09-18-11, 12:18
I have hunted exclusively with a handgun(.44 revolver) here in Alaska for the last 42 years.
In the early days, people considered it a stunt,now it is more widely accepted!!
Bob

high plain drifter
09-18-11, 14:50
i have a ruger bisley superblackhawk hunter in 41 magnum. ive always wanted to try shooting a deer (or any critter) with it but i keep getting caught up in rifle configurations. this thread just might get me out there with the handgun this year. thanks for the reminder. might as well try it. not many people try it in my neck of the woods. sorry for crappy cell phone pic...

http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j325/hiplaindrift/401415582.jpg

shua713
09-18-11, 15:19
I have not hunted with a handgun, but i would love to take a buck with my 1911:ph34r:

Watrdawg
09-18-11, 18:34
i have a ruger bisley superblackhawk hunter in 41 magnum. ive always wanted to try shooting a deer (or any critter) with it but i keep getting caught up in rifle configurations. this thread just might get me out there with the handgun this year. thanks for the reminder. might as well try it. not many people try it in my neck of the woods. sorry for crappy cell phone pic...

http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j325/hiplaindrift/401415582.jpg

I have the exact same setup except in 44 mag. Looks like the same Leupold scope also. I've shot both hogs and deer with it. I'm hooking up with a buddy to go bear hunting this winter here in NC. They usually run the bears through the swamps with dogs and when bayed up you pretty much have to get in the middle of the dogs and bear up close and personal like. I'll be taking the scope off for close in work like that. Should be pretty exciting to say the least.

high plain drifter
09-18-11, 20:16
i cant tell if i really care for a scope on a handgun. its only a 2x power i think so you wouldnt really be gaining much. plus its ALOT handier and lighter with out it. hunting bears up close would be a challenge with a scoped revolver. i think i would take the scope off too.

Mitch1352
09-19-11, 16:05
I started about 9 years ago hunting with a G2 Contender in .375JDJ. I also have a 6.5JDJ barrel, both from SSK and topped with a Leupold 2.5-8x. I will never go back to a rifle for big game hunting since I found this TC, unless I get the chance to use my Sharps. Both cartridges have taken deer every year, with the 6.5 being the eye-opener. It isn't very spectacular in the velocity department, but the deer didn't get that memo...they drop when properly hit. I did one at 126 yards, 210 lbs live weight, shooting out of a platform stand over a food plot. He dropped immediately. I expected that out of my .375 because it is a big round, but the 6.5 was a giant surprise. Almost broadside, right behind the shoulder. It was a WOW moment.

Hmac
09-19-11, 17:04
I've been hunting (deer) only using this old .44 mag Super Blackhawk for over 30 years. It's been a great hunting tool. The trigger has been lightened up. The stock grip is painful, normally use a Pachmayer. I used to handload for it, but don't really shoot it enough to justify that anymore, but it does very well with just factory ammo.


http://SSEquine.net/ruger44.jpg

Lost River
09-20-11, 20:24
older pics really..

I need to get offmy butt and get out and take some new ones, but they should suffice for now.

Glock 19:

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/IV_Troop/dec2006051.jpg

Lost River
09-20-11, 20:26
Flattop Ruger 7.5" Blackhawk .44 Mag (7.5" guns are not common)

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/IV_Troop/Flattop44WildBoar10GrainsUniqueDec0.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/IV_Troop/dec2006035.jpg

Lost River
09-20-11, 20:33
8 & 3/8ths" M29-2 44 mag.

The trick is to shoot these guys right below their feet while they stand on their mounds. It launches them into the air. Good times..

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/IV_Troop/montanaIdaho085.jpg

Too light and too fast a JHP will do this to a bunny's head:

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/IV_Troop/montanaIdaho091.jpg

Lost River
09-20-11, 20:37
Using a good lead SWC at a moderate speed leaves a nice clean hole. These guys were popped in the noggin with this 5" M29 .44 Classic.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/IV_Troop/dec2006213.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/IV_Troop/dec2006209.jpg

Lost River
09-20-11, 20:51
Ruger MKII



http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/IV_Troop/suppressedyote.jpg

Lost River
09-20-11, 20:54
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/IV_Troop/125.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/IV_Troop/128.jpg

Lost River
09-20-11, 20:55
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/IV_Troop/017.jpg

Lost River
09-20-11, 21:00
4" 44 magnum M29-2

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/IV_Troop/031-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/IV_Troop/024-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/IV_Troop/026-1.jpg

Lost River
09-20-11, 23:05
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/IV_Troop/009-2.jpg

RGraff
09-21-11, 09:11
Lost River you are my hero:smile:

High Tower
09-23-11, 07:54
There are some great pictures here!

So here's a question for youse guys who have way more experience with this....is a 4" 629 going to give me far less performance on deer? The reason I ask is that I have a 3" and a 7.5" and I kinda need some extra cash to fund another AR build. I like the 3" for outdoor stuff like hiking, canoeing, etc and I use the 7.5" for hunting. Will a 4" 629 do me wrong on deer or is it not as big a concern as I tend to think?

Watrdawg
09-23-11, 08:27
What are your states game laws concerning barrel length? Here in NC minimum length is 5.5". If I remember right this is due to a hundgun cartridge being at least a min caliber and obtain at least a certain MZ velocity. That is how they came up with the min barrel length.

As far as performance I would think that the shorter length will decrease max effective range and accuracy.

Detmongo
09-23-11, 08:29
High Tower,
i don't think you are going to lose to much going to a 4" for most deer hunts. i've taken six deer over the years with a Glock 21 and the longest shot was about 60 yds.. most of them didn't go to far one or two were recovered with in 25 yards or so from the first shot. hope this helps.

High Tower
09-23-11, 09:16
High Tower,
i don't think you are going to lose to much going to a 4" for most deer hunts. i've taken six deer over the years with a Glock 21 and the longest shot was about 60 yds.. most of them didn't go to far one or two were recovered with in 25 yards or so from the first shot. hope this helps.


Yes it does - thanks! By my figuring, it should work just fine, but I thought I would check to see what others had experienced.

Watrdawg - MI does not restrict barrel length. It just has to be at least .35, a straight wall cartridge, and cannot have more than 9 rounds total. Good point though - when I lived in WI, they had a law about that.

Watrdawg
09-23-11, 11:36
I remember that for MI now. I'm from the UP and I was astounded when my uncle came to deer camp with a short barreled .357.

SIGFORALL
09-25-11, 21:17
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v681/skunkmusky/45colt.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v681/skunkmusky/44mag.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v681/skunkmusky/P63000211.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v681/skunkmusky/P1200078.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v681/skunkmusky/scan0001.jpg

Rugers work for me, 44's and 45 colt!!

RWK
10-28-11, 12:12
What are your states game laws concerning barrel length? Here in NC minimum length is 5.5". If I remember right this is due to a hundgun cartridge being at least a min caliber and obtain at least a certain MZ velocity. That is how they came up with the min barrel length.

I'm a bit late to the party but...

The minimum barrel length requirements were removed quite some time ago.

Nightvisionary
11-06-11, 19:11
I tried elk hunting a couple times using a 44 magnum Ruger Blackhawk and Garrett hard cast bullets. Never filled a tag though:(

glockeyed
11-06-11, 19:21
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/IV_Troop/128.jpg


i'd like more info on THIS!

did it survive a fire, and a new lower half put on?

Raven Armament
11-07-11, 10:27
Watrdawg - MI does not restrict barrel length. It just has to be at least .35, a straight wall cartridge, and cannot have more than 9 rounds total
Those restrictions only apply to the Shotgun Zone. If you're in Rifle Zone then any cartridge with any caliber greater than .22 rimfire (.44 rimfire is legal) and any barrel length is legal. No capacity restriction.

See page 28 right hand column.

Raven Armament
11-07-11, 10:28
My hunting pistol is a 1911 10mm Commander. Great for small game and deer at close range.

High Tower
11-08-11, 09:34
Those restrictions only apply to the Shotgun Zone. If you're in Rifle Zone then any cartridge with any caliber greater than .22 rimfire (.44 rimfire is legal) and any barrel length is legal. No capacity restriction.

See page 28 right hand column.

Good to know - thanks!

Mark/MO
11-08-11, 12:47
I’ve been a handgun hunter since I was a teenager. My best friend and I used to hunt rabbits and squirrels with our Ruger Single Sixes nearly every weekend. Somewhere I have a picture of us, both younger with a lot more hair, and a pile of game. In the years since I haven’t done it nearly as often as I would like. To date I have only killed one deer with a handgun, a fork horn whitetail. It is a real rush.

Raven Armament
11-09-11, 00:17
Good to know - thanks!
I got confused when I moved here, but got it straightened out with a call to the DNR.

SIGFORALL
11-19-11, 16:56
I used the 45 Colt for this buck. I took him with a 35 yard shot at 10:00 this morning.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v681/skunkmusky/2011handgundeer11-19-11.jpg

CRAMBONE
07-02-12, 21:41
Lost River, what grips are those on that Smith in post #19?

matemike
07-02-12, 21:43
I've shot a Texas whitetail doe with my Ruger 357 mag. 6 1/2" barrel, factory trigger and sights at 25 yards. She dropped right there.

A couple years later I happened to see a hog crossing the road at our lease, so I hopped out of the truck and shot it with my G19, also at approx 25 yards. I admit it was luck, but the gun pulled smoothly from my CompTac and I didn't hesitate a bit. Just got the job done.

bussecrazed
07-24-12, 20:42
Took two this past season with this guy:)

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd242/Jonsey24/jonesys%20kydex/rps20120724_212155.jpg

matemike
07-24-12, 21:06
http://i436.photobucket.com/albums/qq86/matemike05/IMG_0058.jpg

Tod-13
08-30-12, 12:48
I've switched exclusively to handgun hunting. I prefer the 41 Magnum and either iron sights or an Aimpoint or Primary Arms Micro.

lots of does (whitetail, fallow, sika) - Glock 10mm, LAR Grizzly 45 Win Mag, 657 41 Mag, Ruger Super Redhawk 44 Mag

Japanese sika - Desert Eagle 44 Mag

nilgai - Glock 10mm

oryx - Ruger NM Blackhawk Hunter 41 Mag

Watrdawg
09-05-12, 15:50
Has anyone shot Buffaloe Bore ammunition out of their 44mags? If so, what bullet and what were you hunting. I'm thinking about using the 270gr JFN ammunition they load. It's a pretty stout load and may be way too much for deer and hogs. Main use will be for hogs though

okie john
09-05-12, 18:05
I've killed several deer with handguns, plus a boatload of small game.

I still-hunt deer in very thick brush. Around here, 30m is a long shot. Smith 44s have perfect sights and triggers, and ammo is easy to find. A Springfield Range Officer would be perfect if you like autos and someday I'll try to drop one with a G17 and duty-grade ammo. A four-inch barrel is plenty, but it's easier to hit beyond 25m with more barrel. I've used long-barreled Rugers and Smiths, but nowadays, anything from four to six inches is plenty for the way I hunt.

I had a phase where I had to have something like a 325-grain bullet at 1,200 fps for deer, but it gave me a horrific flinch that took me years to cure. Now, I like a 250-grain 44 or 45 slug at 850-1,000 fps for deer. Just punch a big hole in the lungs and get your knife out.


Okie John

Watrdawg
09-06-12, 15:54
As far as deer are concerned I'm shooting Winchester 250gr Platinum Tip HP. Works great and is accurate out of my Super Blackhawk Hunter. I'd like to try the Buffalor Bore for hogs and bear and was wondering if anyone had any experience with it.

High Tower
09-06-12, 20:05
I have shot a few boxes of Buffalo Bore, but have never taken an animal with it. I will have plenty of time to hunt this fall and I may try that for early doe. I'll let you know if I have any results.

Watrdawg
09-06-12, 20:10
Sounds good

Watrdawg
09-06-12, 20:11
Sounds good. I'm going to order some and try it out also. I'll post results