I just booked my first hunt for the end of this month and can't wait! I have two questions though. The minimum handgun caliber they allow is .44 and I don't have anything that qualifies. I will buy a dedicated backup gun down the road but can't afford to do so this month. Some friends have generously offered to loan me a handgun but I'm not sure which one to take. I understand that the handgun is very probably not needed but I would hate to be stuck with just a knife for emergencies if we decide to stalk hunt instead of using the blind. So the question is which of the below handguns do I borrow and then what load do I use in it? I know the list isn't ideal <img src="http://forums.accuratereloading.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif" alt="Roll Eyes" width="15" height="15"><!--graemlin::rolleyes:--> but that is what I have to work with. The Glock 21 probably doesn't meet their power standards either but I can wear it concealed and if push comes to shove I should be able to sort it out with 14 rds of .45 ACP. It is surely better the just carrying my Glock 26....<BR>Thanks in advance!BFR 10 " .444 MarlinBFR 10" .450 MarlinDesert Eagle 6" .44 MagnumGlock 21 .45 ACPCold Steel Laredo Bowie Knife

If you need a backup, chances are it will be at such close quarters that the knife will work fine. It will also be for safer for dogs and other hunters. A 10" revolver is big and clumsy, making it hard to get into action quickly when things are happening at hand-shaking distance. The grip of the Desert Eagle is so big that most people can't draw and fire one in a hurry - they can barely hang onto them during slow fire.

The Glock has a pretty large grip, and if you insist on a pistol, it's the best call. Just shoot it a bunch before you go. The closer the hog is, the more braining it becomes critical. Take a look at some sites that have diagrams of hog anatomy, especially sectional views of the skull. For a dedicated hog backup, I'd look at a 4" S&W M-29.


Okie John

Take the one you shoot most accurately every time. Hogs aren't hard to kill with a shot just above a line drawn between the eyes. A rap with a ball-peen hammer will do.

Based on what I've seen and done on our lease, I'd say .22 mag with solid bullets and up.

I would definitely avoid the Desert Eagle 6" .44 Magnum as they are just not reliable enough, IMHO. My buddy has one, and he has tried everything to get it reliable. So far, 300 gr rounds work best.

Also, a guide who posts here claims to have used a .44 eagle, which he sent back to the factory and had other work done, but just could not get it to be reliable enough for field work. He now uses a 4" S&W .44 Mag, with good results he says.

Of the selections you listed for a [backup gun], I would choose the most reliable weapon I could shoot the best. In this case, I happen to have a Glock 21 that has NEVER jammed on me, so there you go. From you list, that is what I would go for.

Here is my new acquisition that I have yet to take to the field for hogs:





Holster:


I picked up the holster from El Paso Saddlery. It looks a little orange in the picture, but is not that way in reality. Unfortunately, I have to wait until next year to see Mr. Kyler and try it out.


Good luck!

Leave the backup at home and take beer.

quote:

Originally posted by Walker:
Leave the backup at home and take beer.

Now that's a good answer.

If the rifle does not kill the hog the first time, use the rifle to shoot it again.

While I would prefer a S&W 4" 44 Mag, of the choices you have listed i would take the Glock 45 ACP.
For back up I would load 230 gr ball.
If I could find some HBornady 230 gr Flat Point ball I would carry it.

Do they still make it??

I have shot some already dead pigs in the had with my 45, if hit right it will reach the brain.
I have a friend that killed a pretty big pig, one shot to the neck with 45ACP ball.

Another vote for the 45 ACP. The first three are what I'd consider primary hand guns for the hunt. Those three are all kinda big and awkward as secondary guns. But Walker and Charles are right; one gun is plenty for hogs.

I might be inclined to have a spare rifle in my case though, so I could still hunt with my own gun if my first choice broke at the wrong time.

And yet another vote for the .45 ACP -- I think it'll handle the best out of the choices you have offered. You won't necessarily need a backup weapon, but it's nice to have for finishing shots or sometimes the situation just calls for a pistol instead of a rifle........JMHO.

Thanks for all the comments. I really don't see needing a back up but since this is a two day hunt (an additional day if you don't get one the 1st day)and stalking is an option I was considering stalk hunting the 1st day and then stand hunting if the first day is a wash out. I will probably just use the Glock, I have shot it before and since I don't see it coming out of the holster anyway it is the lightest and most comfortable to carry!
I will post pics/results of the hunt when I get back!

Looking forward to a full hunting report with photos! Good luck and have a great time!

Teat Hound,
That is a pretty revolver! I was thinking about a 5 1/2 inch Stainless Redhawk for my backup when I buy one. I have decided that the backup doesn't need to double as a primary (as tiggertate mentioned, thanks!) so even an older 4" S&W .44 would be fine. I really don't like the internal locks Smith now uses so I don't want a new one, not to mention if I do decide to shoot it often with heavier loads I think the Ruger will stand up better. One of the custom Redhawks cut down to 4" would be great but I have some rifles to finish first!

Hey Sharps, I wanted a stainless one too, but no one could find them around here. However, I'm very happy with the one I have so no complaints.

Good luck on your hunt.

If reliability is the issue...go for a revolver every time.

Had to reply to this. Been a hog guide for seven years prior to my past catching up with me and sending me back to Iraq.
I've shot hogs with everything from bows to my 416. Spears, knives, and live catches also.
I know it's exciting to have a backup but make the first shot count. Head and low neck shots drop them. On big boars don't be fooled by the gristle plate "hump". Study some anatomy charts and place your shot. My daughter killed them with my old 32-20 with hardcast bullets.
I've shot probably 20 or more with my Glock 21. I've shot a lot of things with my 21, and other .45's. I'm a died in the wool .45 lover but you have to use 230 grain ball ammo or hardcast bullets for penetration. I had several multiple hit scenarios with hollow points that "failed". Failure to me was having to dig a pig out of the swamps.
Regardless, don't spend a lot of money. If you use dogs, the guide will probably not let you have a gun-I didn't. Once the dogs latch on, you wade in-that's the sport of it and you don't hurt the dogs.
Have a great hunt. I just came out of Fallujah and wish I could join you-and there's nothing I hate more than skinning pigs. Ha.
Best of luck and have a great hunt.
Jeff

My weapons of choice:Sig Sauer P220 in 45acp +P ammo,S&W 6" Target Mod 19 357 mag,Ruger Blackhawk 4 5/8 barrel in 41mag and 45lc.I shouldn't need a backup cause I'll use my Encore Bullberry 20" S&W 460 rifle barrel loaded with a 395gr Cast Performance meplat bullet should drop a hog or anything else that it hits.

JeffM,
Thanks for the comments! Don't worry I know the backup will probably live in it's holster the whole trip and I am fine with that! I have been studying up on the anatomy the best I can, I just wish I could find some good "overhead" pics in case I do have to take a shot from a higher elevation then the pig. All the pics I have seen are from the side at the animal's level.
Stay safe over there, if you go back to guiding when you come back maybe I'll give you some business!

quote:

Originally posted by sharps54:
JeffM,
Thanks for the comments! Don't worry I know the backup will probably live in it's holster the whole trip and I am fine with that! I have been studying up on the anatomy the best I can, I just wish I could find some good "overhead" pics in case I do have to take a shot from a higher elevation then the pig. All the pics I have seen are from the side at the animal's level.
Stay safe over there, if you go back to guiding when you come back maybe I'll give you some business!

A friend used a 150gr .308 bullet in his 06 on his first pig hunt which put pork in the freezer.I'd really like to take a pig with my M1 garand already neck shot a muley in Colorado using 165gr nosler bt,47.5 gr IMR 4895,Rem Mag primer in either Den 42 or 43 brass or commercial brass.

Another vote for Beer!!!!!!!!!Lee

Sharps 54
I bought some Buffalo Bore 45 ACP ammo today fron Heritage Arms in Salt Lake City.
It is loaded with a 230 gr FMJFN [flat nose] at 950fps.
I will shoot it in my 45 in LA in a few days.

Next time I shoot a pig I will do a littls test to see how it penetrates on the skull.

The flat point ball in .45ACP ,230 gr, sounds good. It is what I use for carry. I have to say I have never shot a pig. My spring pig hunt money fell through, gubmint took it in taxes. Flat point hard cast is good. Works like ball ammo. My intent is to do the most damage with penetration to the correct spot rather than expansion. Long for caliber flat point bullets have always worked for me. Penetration first, expansion is optional. Packy

Another vote for the Glock .45. I'd lean that way, not that the caliber is better than the others for hogs, but the piece would be handier if you have to go into the really thick stuff for a finishing shot.

No expansion is necessary when you already have the diameter -- just need penetration and the more the merrier

another vote for the beer.....just get a grenade launcher.....or a short barreled .44 mag w/ 320 lbt's and 19 gr. of H110.

I would go with a .44 mag, but not the DE. Rather a revolver. Something in a 4" barrel. If you were planning on hunting with the pistol, I'd say something like a 7.5" barrel, but this is for a back-up purpose, so I think a 4" should do find. Just my .02.

Although I posted earlier that anything from .22 mag with FMJs up would do, guess I should come clean and 'fess up about my new carry gun.

I had some hog hunters on the ranch, to include the famous (Infamous?) jeffe and his sidekick Mike Dettorre.

Well, as luck would have it, one of the hunters wounded a hog and it was right in the thickest cactus on the ranch--we were following up (Mike in front, then jeffe, then me) and when we got close, Mike asked for my pistol. When I handed him the .22 mag, he said "That's a backup gun?"

So, when a buddy of mine was selling a Ruger .357 stainless with adjustable sights, I couldn't pass it up. So, now I guess I am more appropriately armed--but I'll leave that judgement to Mike. I know jeffe would say I'm undergunned since you don't weigh the propellant charge or projectile weight in ounces.

I always carry a glock 40 sw so i choose the glock.Juan and the knife

I also vote for beer, or maybe something stronger for campfire stories. I stopped carrying a backup weapon for hunging a long time ago; just one more thing to get caught on brush, maybe lose, clean and oil when finished, and weigh you down on a long trek through the country. In the truck, now thats another matter, (this is Texas afterall), but not on my person.
Just my .02
Good luck and good shooting,
Eterry

3rd vote for Beer, It's hot now & it will be a cold day in hell when i lug more weight than necessary around hog hunting.

Well I came across an old 4" Model 29 that I bought so I took that. Didn't need it, 7mm Weatherby with 175 gr Corelokts seems to be PLENTY of gun for pigs, at least we were able to salvage the rear half....
I will post another topic with my hunt report. Thanks for all the input!

quote:

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I believe a sw29 4 inches barrel is a good choice too ,i have one of 6 inches but its to heavy for running ,i carry my glock in a fobus kydex holster ,i prefer a recon scout or a tanto cold steel knife.Juan

12ga with .00 Buckshot.

One more vote for beer! We usually catch them with dogs and use a knife. I had to shoot one that bayed in a creek and the other guy with a pistol didn' want to shoot it with his .357, so I pulled my suppressed Browning Buckmark .22 and shot it. He said " Damn I gotta get one of those, it doesn't scare the dogs!"