Curious if most here hunt exclusively with handguns, or if you use rifles as well. . . .

back in the late 70s, I used handguns pretty much exclusively for 7 or 8 years. Now I use both.

Oh. . . and found that a '70 Ford F-150 works well to!

Haven't used a handgun yet but have hunted with
rifle and shotgun with some success.
No luck with my truck.

I have hunted only once with a rifle in the last four years or so and only because I had to. I prefer handguns hands down.

I use Bow,handgun,muzzleloader or single shot rifle for hunting.I like to shoot just about anything.Shotguns are my nemisis.I can not hit the broad side of a barn with one.

For me it is.....rifles, handguns, knives although I am getting a bit long in the tooth for the latter.....

I have all manner of long guns but prefer to use my many handguns for the most part. Of the long guns, I play around mostly with my leverguns and #1's. Of my bolt rifles the only one that gets used is my Winchester 52B Sporter. I have several side by side shotguns but only take them out when hunting with them. Handguns just provide more challenge for me.

Sold my .280 after a few deer, just not hunting, only shooting. I sat and looked over the area and said "any deer is dead." The deer I killed were on a full out run at better then 220 yards.
I start with the bow, then go to revolvers, I don't even want a pistol (short rifle) to hunt with.
Most years I have so many deer that I sit out muzzle loader season, even the flintlocks get left in the safe, mainly because I hate to clean the things anymore.
If a guy NEEDS a rifle where he lives, so be it. Hunt with what you need. I feel a guy walking the woods with a 30-30 or flintlock has more enjoyment then a guy with a .300 mag shooting food plots.
Once the revolver bug bites, you are CAUGHT and will never go back. Even archery is losing the luster unless you go back to a stick bow. My friend called me yesterday to tell me he killed a deer with a stick bow, no sights. I could see him grin over the phone!
Maybe I have just killed too many deer! Now when one is on the ground I say "crap, more work."

I use both........

Handguns, Rifles, Shotguns, Smokepoles, Longbows, Recurves, Compounds, Crossbow, and a slingshot. I have and enjoy them all. Time spent outdoors is the best part; period!

God Bless, Louis

quote:

Originally posted by youngoutdoors: I have and enjoy them all. Time spent outdoors is the best part; period!

God Bless, Louis

I couldn't agree more.

I grew up where it was shot gun only. I still have my H&R topper 20ga single shot. I filed a "V' on the breech and shot many deer with it. None were over 30 yrds and the H&R forced me to become a "Hunter'. I used it for over 20 yrs.
After 10 years of using everything from a 30-378 up to 800 yrds and at times handguns . This year and from now on I am going try to just strictly hand gun hunt. Thus becoming a hunter again.
Personaly I think handgun hunting takes more prepartion. Such as pre season scouting and picking the perfect spot for a short range, quick kill.

carry both handgun with long gun

ive hunted with handguns in the regular deer season for 11 years now. I do use rifles for crop damage shooting though. I think this year a rifle will go to deer camp. Ive killed a ton of game with handguns and i guess ive got nothing else to prove. the guys at camp have even quit teasing me so the fun is gone. I just fixed up a new blind at camp where the shooting will probably be around 200 yards which is a big change for me. Probably will hunt with my 762x39 bushmaster. Ill still take a sixgun along for the days i take a walk though.

There is never anything to prove. It is always how you feel and the enjoyment you get.
A hunter looking to shoot his first deer is a lot different from a guy that has shot hundreds. Too many things enter into what gun is needed where you live.
All I can say is GO HUNTING!

quote:

Originally posted by bfrshooter:All I can say is GO HUNTING!

Good advice!