I know that a lot of guys think hunting big game (Grizzly or lions)with a handgun is nuts. Well I think if you have the right gun and know how to use it.That it would work fine. I do not mean a 44mag or 454mag I'M talking single shot pistol. I have a 375 JRS MAG in a Competitor pistol and Winchester mod 70. The pistol shoot as good as the rifle. I think you could shot all kinds of big game with this pistol. I can push a 270 bullet out of this pistol at just over 2600fps with over 4000 energy and shoot a 1" group at 100yds with this load. I fill that this high power single shot pistol would work fine on big game if you know how to use them and know your limits with it.

A 270 gr at 2600 well take care of any lion or grizzly. Just put the bullet in the right place and you have one dead critter.

I agree if you have the right sized handgun and can shoot it you will do all right. The thing that I would ask is how fast can you reload? I do my long range hunting with an Encore so I am not unsympathetic to your desire. But with game that might charge and kill you, you might want to have a second shot available. Just in case there is a misunderstanding on the animal's part. Slim

Paul, on most dangerous game hunts you will be accompanied by a guide, who will be carrying a rifle.

It is hoped and expected that he could keep the beast at bay long enough for you to reload.

When I came back from a Cape buffalo hunt, I toyed with the idea of using a .375JDJ in a Contender or my Ruger Bisley .45 Colt on my next buff.

Unfortunately, there are damned few countries in Africa that allow handgun hunting for dangerous game (RSA, maybe Namibia), so I'll be using a rifle in November.

Alaska is your best bet for this challenge; remember that a griz hunt will cost $6500 or more. Brown bear hunts start at $8k and go up to $12k or more.

George

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Shoot straight, shoot often, but by all means, use enough gun!

George, unless it has changed recently, no handguns allowed in Namibia. Mozambique and RSA allow them, and Zimbabwe is considering it.

Thanks, Rob. I didn't think Namibia permitted it, but wasn't sure. I didn't know about Mozambique, but I doubt I'll visit (too many landmines, not enough game).

Zim used to allow it; a fellow I know (from Alaska, as a matter of fact) hunted Zim in '96 and took buff, croc, and other game with his .375JDJ and .44mag.

In '97, when I went, Zim had banned the importation of handguns after a group of 'missionaries' were caught entering from Zambia with dozens of rifles, handguns, knives, thousands of rounds of ammo, etc.

Mugabe thought they were a hit team sent to get him.

George

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Shoot straight, shoot often, but by all means, use enough gun!

George,

That fellow that used the 44 and 375 would likely be an aquantence by the name Dirk. He has compiled quite an impressive game room with his handguns.

Personally, I don't see the allure of taking on dangerous game with a handgun, I'm a bit conservative, and am partial to large rifles for large game. To me, handgun hunting is an iron sighted sixgun, and getting in close. I dearly love the contender, and see instances for its use, but to each their own.

You're right, Paul, it's Dirk. We've hunted in Texas a few times and Wyoming. He's a great guy and a very good hunter.

Handguns are what you want them to be; wheelgun, autoloader, single-shot, whatever.

As for hunting DG with a handgun, it's the natural conclusion to a handgun hunter's progression from hunting small game on up to the nasty stuff.

Dirk doesn't shoot rifles (bad first experience), so he uses handguns. At least he's not using a bow

George

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Shoot straight, shoot often, but by all means, use enough gun!

George,

From your description, I figured it couldn't be anyone else, the state may be big, but not many folks, and that description wittled it down quite a bit.

Unfortunately we don't bump into eachother enough, despite living in the same town. Actually I need to hook up with him, and will say hi for you.

I suppose the progression of game taken is natural, but at least for me, I'm conservative enough in my approach to want a rifle for dangerous game hunting. I certainly see the appeal of hunting with a handgun, and just may use my 480 to take a moose this fall. I'm also planning to get a 357 maximum barrel for the contender, and will no doubt use it on game someday.

So what is wrong with a bow? I'm driven by both a good experience shooting hay bales as a kid, and some hunts that are bow only to get into bowhunting. I'll use a longbow, as I just don't see the appeal of the compounds. I don't see the taking of dangerous game with a bow, but non-dangerous, why not.

Paul,

Please tell him I said hello.

There are two things wrong with bows. One, the range is far too limited. I would not want to have a trophy animal 50 yards and be unable to take him.

Two, they don't go BANG!

George

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Shoot straight, shoot often, but by all means, use enough gun!

A local gunshop has had a Wichitta bolt action "handgun" synthetic stock with brushed stainless, with a Leupold scope for around $950. the caliber.....458 win mag!
but it is ported. now there is something to think about for the serious handgunner. that gun has been there for at least 1 year. I think people are just scared of it.

Well John I would put that 458 win mag right up there with the 375 JRS. if it shoot like me 375 it would not be hard to shoot. maybe you should buy it and see if you like it you never know