Looks like I have to hunt deer with a revolver this year. I've killed two with revolvers before, but I have nothing suitable in the safe right now. The deer are small and shots should be inside 100m. Lots of things would work, and I'd take my trusty 1911 if it were legal. State law says 4" barrel and .24 caliber or larger. My first thought is an 8.375" Smith M-27 or a 7.5" Ruger Bisley in 357, loaded with Keith-style bullets and zeroed for about 60 yards. I prefer iron sights.

I won't use it on elk and I'd rather avoid the blast of the 44's, 454's and 5-shot 45 Colts. Been there, done that.

Any thoughts?


Okie John

okie,
Go with the 41 Rem. mag. It has a very good power to recoil/blast ratio. You get the best of both worlds.

Woody

Ruger blackhawk in .41mag. I love mine.

I'd use the Bisley Blackhawk in 44 magnum or 45 Colt but with a handloaded 240 gr .429 or a 255 gr .452 SWC @ 900-1000 fps. Such loads turn deer into venison just fine and are easier on the ears (mine at least) than a full speed 357 magnum.

The .357 has a sharper blast then the .44 or .45. In fact the .475 does not bother me as much as a .44 when hunting. It is loud but not as sharp. I would sure choose a larger caliber then the .357 to hunt with. I would say the .41 is the best place to start but you are very limited for boolits and loads. It is much better then the .357.

IMO get a Redhawk or even better a SuperBlack hawlk in 44 mag and down load it to the levels you want .
I went with a Hunter
I have found a 200 gr SWC at 1100 fps is light on both recoil and muzzel blast .

Then if you ever want to you could load a hoter load .

Johnch