I am thinking about hunting whitetail this year with a handgun. I have shot a lot of paper with .22 through .45 in both pistols and revolvers, but only at paper, snakes and cans. Would yall recommend a single shot pistol (Thompson) or revolver for hunting?

I am sure you will get a lot of difforent answers on this one. First of all , ask yourself what you like... that alone may answer your question. There are a lot to consider. Myself, I love single shot pistols. One shot,onekill. I believe it not only makes hunting more of a sport but also forces me to know my gun and my shot.If I have any doubt about the shot I simply will not take it. Wounding an animal and not finding it is the worse thing a hunter can do (my 2 cents). Think about were you will hunt.. open area with longer shots... maybe a higher power pistol like T/C etc will be best. In the woods were a 50 yard shot is the norm then a revolver is great. Also, put a lot of thought in your caliber. Thats a hole other subject. Just make sure you can shoot what you use. The most powerful pistol in the world will do you no good if you cant shoot it.
Hope this helped !!!???

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Gun Control means,hitting your target

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Caliber is the first thing to consider.

Some states set a mininum on caliber which might force you to use a revolver instead of an automatic, then yes you could use a single shot.

Most say min is a 357 mag. It can be done with a 45acp or 10mm with the proper load in the auto line up. Revolvers 357,41mag,44mag and of the bigger bores but, make sure you can shoot them well. Single shots I don't know much about them except they come in a wide range of calibers and people can take game at longer rangers with them.

Hope this helps.

I am torn between 41 and 44 mag if I get a revolver. At the last minute, I have been thinking about the single shot, but haven't given much thought to caliber yet

It think the 44mag would be more versitle than the 41. My bisley in 44mag is accurate and easy to shoot. For deer you could stick with a 240SWC at around 1300fps, the recoil is mild and should do the job on any deer. I also have a TC with a bunch of barrels. I have one in 309JDJ that is a long range shooter. With the muzzle break it is painfully loud, so I don't hunt with it anymore, the last time I shot anything with it, my ears hurt for most of a week. A 30-30bbl would do nicely for longer shots. I'd get a 10" with a low power variable scope. I have also taken a deer with a .357 revolver, but many here will say it is marginal at best.
with practice you should be able to hit with a 44mag revolver out to 100yds. With a scoped TC and practice you could extend your range to 150-200yds.

One thing to remember is all the restrictions we in Tennessee have on handguns compared to lots of other places/states . . .

"Over .24 caliber
barrel over 4 inches in length".

THATS IT, anything that meets that long list of restrictions is LEGAL IN ALL GUN SEASONS!

That is it, all others including muzzleloaders are acceptable! . . .Oh-oh I goofed. muzzleloader has to be over 40 caliber.

That said . . .
First one has to decide what kind of short barreled firearm, single shot or revolver. After that, one has many choices that are limited only by whether one is a reloader or not!

41 or 44 are good starting points in revolvers with 45 LC or 454 right there also.

In the single shot arena one has to decide TC or other brand and in the TC realm, Contender or Encore. Contender it is the 6mm TCU through the gamut to 45-70. The Super 14 in 7X30 would likely be a great all around choice from what I have read about it. The 357 Max is a performer also, a 180 grain bullet at 1750 fps out of a 10 inch barrel is nothing to sneeze at.

With the Encore virtually any caliber available, is available!

So many choices and the they all start with the decision of what platform to start with.

LouisB

[ 09-14-2003, 04:05: Message edited by: TCLouis ]

Same as buying a new car- find one that suits your needs (if you plink a lot I'd say revolver), then find one that fits your hand, then wait til you find it in your price range. For me so far its a 41 mag ruger blackhawk, but their are a lot of choices out there for you. Just do it right and spend the money on one you want.

TC Contender in 44 Mag, 41 Mag, or 357 Max with a quality 2X scope would be my first pick.

Duckear, I have a pile of deer with .44 mags and .45 Colt Vaquero. Dropped a doe in her tracks last year at 100 yds with the Vaquero. I can offer one suggestion if you decide on one of these. Use the 320 gr. LBT WLNGC bullets or the Lee bullets with the big flat nose that weigh 310 gr. I have been disappointed with jacketed bullets in that they don't penetrate well. Hit with the LBT's the deer go down faster then any hit with a rifle unless you blow them up. Bullets will penetrate a deer end to end. And the best part is I can butcher right to the hole, no bloodshot messed up meat. I have never had one go out of sight hit with the revolvers.

Get the new revolver 600 NE that way you just buy 1 gun for everything ,recoil wont be to bad probably ,well maybe,uh possibly,well no need to lie It will kill on both ends .It really depends on what level of recoil you can handle well.Buy a revolver first that way you can carry it with you when you rifle hunt also.If you handload buy a 480 Ruger that way you can download and move up in power when you are ready.If you dont handload stick with the 44 mag you have plenty of factory options, Sean

There is a big difference between shooting a .44 Magnum and a .45 ACP revolver. The truth is the big .44 intimidates 9 out of 10 pistol shots. I seldom see anyone who can shoot one really well.
I suggest you borrow one and try it. If you handload, they can be loaded down. The .41 Magnum kicks about 15% less and is very effective. E

First the 44mag is about twice as effective as a 357. The recoil of the 44mag is a good bit higher than the 45acp but it's a matter of learning how to handle it .Best way is to start lightloads maybe 900 fps then gradually work with up to full.After market grips may be useful also, I use Pachmyer. Any 225 -240 gr bullet placed well will do OK.

Duckear, You don't say whether you're a reloader or not and this should figure into what you choose. If you're already a reloader then this isn't as big an issue.

As a beginner, you're going to want to practice with this gun a good deal so consider the cost of ammo. A box of 50 44s is a lot cheaper than 50 rounds of 7x30 Waters, for example, if you're buying factory loads.

Everyone has their own preferences but in 44 revolvers the Ruger super blackhawk HUNTER model is excellent. The heavy rib allows a scope to be easily mounted and with a scope the felt recoil is much less than with a bare gun. You should absolutely stay away from a 454, period. The recoil is much more severe than the 44 Mag. I have found only one gun that isn't brutal to shoot with out modifications and that's the Freedom Arms model 83. They are very expensive though.

Ammo costs & reloading issues aside, IMHO the best choice is an Encore or Contender or G2 with a bottle neck cartridge of mild recoil like a 7x30 Waters.

There are a couple articles linked below that may help your decision process.

Selecting a Hunting Handgun
Scoping your handgun

Good Luck,
Gary

If you decide to go the single-shot route, I have had very good success with my T/C Contender in .357 Maximum and recommend it.

The Remington factory ammo is pretty decent and I've taken several whitetails with it.
For small game and practice, .38 specials can be used. Loading .357 mags step it up a notch and the maximums are pretty hot.

The .44 is probably better in all ways except shooter friendliness. Using .44 specials, and/or handloading can tame it down for practice and small game.

Though there is nothing wrong with a .41 mag, ammo isn't available everywhere and there's no shorter, less potent alternate load.

357 Mag will lazer a broadside deer,at reasonable yardage, and you don't get your hands ripped off your wrists in the process.And, as a bonus, .38 Special target loads are great for targets or small game. It works for me.
Stepchild

I do reload. I have heard the 44 is a b!tch to many, and can be difficult to shoot well. The 41 seems managable and the best compromise. I have a Ruger Blackhawk in 357 and have debated using it or at least packing it along so if a 25-35yd shot presents itself, I could take it. I have been a bit skeptical about a 357 for whitetail. What about mixing up some Nosler 180 gr Partition-HG for it? Anybody use those? What is the responsible range for whitetail with a 357? (is there one?)

Right now I am leaning toward a revolver

Duckear

Remember, one can load the 44 Mag to be a 38 spl pussycat, just with a heavier bullet, but then in the right firearm they can be loaded to the rompin stompin loudenbanger also with 300 plus grain bullets providing all the recoil one could ever want.

Nothing against the 41, just that I think one can get just a little more at the top end if needed.
7.5 inch Super Redhawk has a great grip feel, 7.5 inch Redhawk has a MUCH better trigger, but less friendly grip.

357 Max in the Contender will add some range and has less recoil (to me) than the others.

Oh heck get one of each, life is short!

If you haven't tried a 44, then don't be intimidated by it before you decide for yourself. Some people can't shoot them well, and others are psyched out before they even try. Find some people in your area or go to the range and ask to try some. IF you think the 44 kicks bad, shoot a 475 Linebaugh or 45-70BFR with handloads, then you'll enjoy the light and mild recoil of the little 44maggie. I've had a few different 44's, the S&W kicked, the Ruger SBH hit my knuckle on the middle finger, the super redhawk has a comfortable grip and handles huge loads well, My Bisley seems to be the most comfortable to shoot and is much more accurate than the SRH. I like the idea of the SBH hunter model so you could mount a scope on it easily if you wanted. You could also add a Bisley grip later if you wanted. On my 4 5/8" 45colt Black Hawk I have a Houge Monogrip on it which handles recoil well with large loads.
You can alway load a larger cartrige down, but you can only push a smaller one so far before it becomes dangerous.

To me a handgun is worn in a belt holster and doesn't have a scope. A Ruger Bisley, Blackhawk or Super Blackhawk in either .44 mag or .45 Colt with a 7.5 inch barrel should serve very well.

Proper bullet selection is also critical. While I have had 240 grain Hornady XTP's perform wonderfully, I still prefer a heavy hard cast bullet with a wide meplat.

Good Shooting,
Ben H

YOu will initially have the most success with another firearm similar in grip frame, action and weight to your current .357 Blackhawk, but there is nothing to say you can't expand your horizons to a Redhawk Ruger, in .44 Magnum or .45 Colt. I'd personally pick a barrel length in keep with you hunting requirement. 5 1/2 to 7 1/2 inches will work very well. Short would be easier to pack, longer easier to shoot well, but you have to decide your goals. If you have good eyes, I assume you are young, the longer barrels with practice will give you better accuracy. Us old timers (or old eyes) need close sights to focus quickly. I love 6" S&Ws for hunting, any caliber over .40 caliber, but you're the one enjoying the ride, try a lot, buy a few.

Duckear, do not fear the .44. I have the Super Blackhawk KS411 in 10-1/2" that I used to shoot silhouette with and use it for hunting now. I won the Ohio state shoot with it, hitting 79 out of 80 targets. Two rams failed to fall because the feet were covered with mud and the suction kept them standing. They would not give me the alibi, but I beat them all anyway. It has over 55,000 full power loads through it and is as tight as the day I bought it. Aside for some forcing cone sandblasting, it will still shoot tight groups. Before I put a red dot sight on it, because my eyes are getting too old for open sights in dim light, I used to pop empty beer cans at 100 yards from Creedmore with open sights. All told, I have owned 8 .44's and could not tell you how many thousands of rounds I have put through them.
The Blackhawk hunter would be my choice for a deer gun. Get a 7-1/2" barrel for three reasons. The muzzle will be far enough from your ears for a shot or two at deer and the sight radius makes sighting in easier because each click moves the point of impact less then it would on a shorter barrel. The longer barrel also adds weight to reduce recoil.
Back in 1956 when I bought my first flat top Ruger, I mixed a cylinder with light special loads and some heavy loads, handed it to my wife and the only comment she had was some of the shots were a lot louder, nuff said?
Best I've done with a Super Redhawk was 12 straight hits on a five gallon bucket at 400 meters. Now that was fun.

I would recommend a good quality handgun in 44 Mag or a modern gun in 45 Colt. If the recoil from "hot" loads is an issue, they can always be downloaded. Just remember, shot placement is the bottom line.

The 44 mag is a the most popular caliber out there for your choice of factory offerings that will handle just about anything that you want to hunt. If you reload however, I would look at a Ruger Blackhawk/Redhawk in 45 Colt. You can load the 45 with a good heavy wieght bullet (310+) at a respectable speed and surpass the 44 mag down range with less muzzle blast and some even say less felt recoil. I personally have 2 44 mags and 2 45 Colts. Each can be loaded down for practice with cast bullets, and than practice with your hunting loads and than practice some more. In handgun hunting you cannot practice too much. As with any hunting it is your first shot that really counts, so whatever you choose just make sure that when it comes time squeeze the trigger you are thinking about the target and not the what the recoil is going to be like.

I've shot scads of ammo thru 44 & 41 mags. Currently have a Smith Hunter Classic in .41 mag that I love like a brother and would feel very comfortable hunting deer with it if I didn't have so many rifles clammering for the job.

Whatever pistol you pick, it has to fit and handle well for YOU......not me.

Whatever pistol you pick, you can most likely load it up to the point where it is an OBNOXIOUS BITCH that you don't enjoy shooting, don't shoot well and are well on the road to developing some serious flinching.

To hell with that process. Pick you a gun that fits and works good for you. Pick a 41 or 44. Load a good hard cast 215 - 240 gr bullet and then load it up to where YOU are comfortable with it and shoot it well. Everything else is mostly BS.

As someone here has already said, BULLET PLACEMENT is how the game is won or lost. Absolute power is mostly some macho psycho game we play with ourselves with the idea that the guy who blows the most fire and lead out the front end of a gun wins.

Hogwash! Look back over history and find me ANY of the great hunters who used this philosophy. Most of the legends utilized rifles we would actually consider "not up to the job" today.
Personally, I don't think the animals have gotten any tougher.

Hunting is supposed to be fun.......not torture.

Welcome to your new addiction . Can I suggest a 44 mag in the bisley hunter. Good luck

Brian

[ 09-14-2003, 09:00: Message edited by: 445 supermag ]

Like many others I my self have 2--many guns,and among them is my 44 R-Redhawk. Bought the first one in town in 1980 I think it was. Have shot 2 elk with it and always used 240 xtp and H-110 and 24grs. Until 5 years ago I read an article about the contender and 26grs of H-110. Tried the 25gr first than the 26grs, brought my groups togeather with out any sight adj. 1st elk metered 70yds with the 240 xtp and it droped and had to shoot it again before it got up. A revolver is nice gun for a 2nd fast shot. The next elk was 110 yds with 240 gold dot solid point. The xtx failed to my expectations and the gold dot held togeather. All were cows with a rifle as a back up.

Duckear - The 44 Mag is a fine cartridge. Very versatile and very accurate with enough power to get most things done.

But knowing what I do today, I'd rather have a .41 Mag. Bit of a funny story how I came to buy my .41. I went to a gunshow for the purpose of buying a .44 mag. Found a beautiful Smith, 6 inch blued in the hunter classic model, then I wandered off to let the dealer "sweat a bit" before I came back and made my final offer. While I was off dinking around, some guy came back and bought my gun out from under me!

Duhhhhhhhhh!

There was a stainless .41 Hunter Classic, however. It looked good, felt good, smooth as silk and just whimpered for me to take it home when I held it.

So I got the .41 Mag. It's turned out to be a VERY happy union.

The .41 really will do anything the .44 will do, and do it with less recoil. Keep in mind the 44 Mag is not a true 44......but the .41 is a true .41. I mention this because they are very close to the same thing to begin with.

I can't explain the affection for the .41, but I've seen it on this forum many times. The guys who HAVE .41's are simply rabid in their support of this very UNDER-rated cartridge. Everyone who shoots mine automatically shoots it well and automatically tries to buy mine or start looking for one of their own. It's that kind of gun.

Duckear,

You find yourself in an enviable position. To satisfy your needs you may well need to buy 2 or 3 new pistols!

I love my 6" S&W .41 Magnum with 220 gr. cast, and also love my 7 1/2" Ruger Blackhawk in .45 Colt with 263 gr. cast. Both work WELL.

I usually carry the S&W in a cross draw holster while in the jeep or walking for "targets of opportunity" (we occasionally find "wild" pigs while hunting deer). The Ruger is more a "purpose" hunting choice because of the longer barrel.

JMHO

Regards,

Hands down 44 mag. will handle most hunting needs you need one comes to mine Ruger Super Blackhawk Stainless w/ grooved barrel for scope. Best gun for the money!

I have owned, hunted with and done load development and target work with every decent deer revolver caliber made, and they all work from 357 Mag up under the right conditions. However, since you are a handloader, you are likely to have the most fun and the best success in the field if you get a 7 to 8.5 inch 454 Casull and work up reduced loads for it.

Forget about the name and the big recoil hype...all you want is the strong brass and the strong cylinders and good throats so you can use smaller amounts of fast burning powder to get good deer killing velocities out of 45 Cal bullets.

For example, 13 grs of Universal will drive a 260 gr bullet from a 454 just as fast as 24 grs of H110 will in a 44 Mag with less recoil and outstanding accuracy. Yes, you can pour 36 grs of H110 into the Casull and clock over 1900 fps...but for what purpose I cannot imagine. My point is that the virtue of the casull is that chambers and the brass are designed to take 65,000 PSI and this really raises the ceiling on many, many fast powders thay are rarely used in high velocity applications. This dramatically cuts down on reciol, muzzle blast and muzzle flash.

Plus, you can always shoot 45 LC factory rounds in the 454 and this is pure fun!! The gun and the brass will last forever...even if you make a reloading mistake.

[ 10-29-2003, 20:11: Message edited by: Sabot ]

I had a Contender but was not comfortable shooting it. If you like it though the 7TCU is a nice caliber and easy to make from .223 brass. Very accurate buy a .223 barrel for varmits and you have brass for both. As for revolvers I like double action revolvers. They just fit my hand better. I also recomend the .41 mag being you reload. I have a Taurus Tracker in .41 and love it. Not sure how mounting a scope on it would be but I use it for close up shots and if a deer needs finished off.

Buy a Lorcin or other 25 ACP. Bore an ear of corn with a 5/8" spade bit and set aside. Purchase a can of FFG black powder and (1) 12V flashlight bulb. Break glass of bulb, Solder 10" leads to posts of bulb, insert into cob and fill with gunpowder and attach to battery lead. Attach assembly to branch of tree where likely to be noticed by animals. Upon approach of animal, shoot in head with deer rifle. Sell Lorcin. Works every time.

[ 11-02-2003, 07:19: Message edited by: tigertate ]

I have to agree with Sabot on this one completely. Get a Casull and shoot .45 LCs through it until you are ready to step up. You'll have one handgun that will be VERY versatile. Full house Casull loads are very effective but it can be loaded down to levels that no one will find objectionable.

I have agreed with several of the replys and feel compelled to put my 2 cents worth in. I shoot mostly 41 Mag for hunging but have several TC barrels in acceptable calibers as well. I have found the 10 MM to also be acceptable if your distaces are not to great. I have to support the inclusion of 45 LC but the 41 is the most controllable with the least recoil and one of the easiest to make shoot but only if you are a reloader. For factory loaded avaliable ammo the 10 and 45 LC are both not very well represented either. I think it would be better to find something that you can obtain factory loads that will do the job if you don't reload. About the only thing out there in that catagory is the 44 Mag. and I'm not a 44 fan at all. Sooooooooo start reloading and buy a 41 Mg. For whatever that is worth ther it is. bobp2506