I'll begin with saying I shoot alot of rifle, but I really, really, am not good with any form of pistol. I would like a nice accurate revolver to learn to shoot well and hunt with. Deer and smaller.

What gun do you guys recommend? I prefer accuracy to anything else first, but I am also not made of money, I thought if I was lucky dad might get me one in Septemper on my birthday.

Next, what caliber? I was thinking .357/38 Special, but I've heard that's small for deer. I would most likely have a rifle with me, so it's fine if it is a real short range gun, <50 yards. Maybe 44 Mag/44 Special? Or is that too much for someone not used to shooting pistols?

Now, what "accessories"? I will reload for the gun, so I could make light loads. What holster do you recommend for carrying a hunting revolver? I don't need anything tiny, as this won't even be considered for anything except practice and hunting. Anything else I've missed?

Lastly, when I shoot pistols, not only do I shoot all over, (this can be fixed) but I shoot high compared to where the sights are set for another person. Way high, maybe 2 or 3 feet. A red dot is a bit better for me, but I find them really shaky. I got to shoot a little bit of metal human silhouette targets, and by holding what I thought was way low, I could hit them repeatedly, pretty good groups.

So, as you can tell, I know not so much about pistols...inform me.

Thanks,
Tyler

Well, in the 20's and 30's, Elmer Keith recommended starting out with a revolver chambered in .22 LR. That is still good advice to this day. However, if you are set on shooting a centerfire, you may be best served with a .44 mag. By reloading, you will be able to start with low recoil rounds and work your way up to more potent loads.

quote:

Originally posted by MS Hitman:
Well, in the 20's and 30's, Elmer Keith recommended starting out with a revolver chambered in .22 LR. That is still good advice to this day. However, if you are set on shooting a centerfire, you may be best served with a .44 mag. By reloading, you will be able to start with low recoil rounds and work your way up to more potent loads.

Ditto!!!

Is there any way to really compare rifle and pistol recoil? I can handle larger rounds in rifle, but haven't shot much pistol, and don't have any readily available to shoot.

I have shot .38 Special and it felt like shooting a .22 pocket pistol I have also shot. I shot a 500 S&W once also, which I consider much, much worse than any rifle I have ever shot, up to and including .458 Win Mag and hot-loaded 6.5 lb 45-70. I about clocked myself in the head with the red dot.

The point of starting with a low recoil round is to allow one to learn the rudiments of proper shooting technique without having to worry about dodging the business end of a muzzle.

The dynamics of recoil are different between a rifle and a handgun. Comparing one to another is difficult at best.

It all depends on gun weight. I have shot .357's that kick harder and sharper then the .44. A SBH with a 7-1/2" barrel is not bad at all. Once you get used to it, you won't want to put it down.
You won't find recoil to speak of until you get to the .454, .475 and up.

bfrshooter, this might be a bit drastic, but how is recoil with your bfr 45-70? I really like the caliber...is it worse than a 44 with factory level loads? How hot of loads can it handle also? Would it be too heavy to be a "backup" weapon, say have my 1895gs and it at the same time?

if deer is the biggest your going to hunt a 357 is plenty out to 50 yds. any caliber you shoot your going to have to group at least 4 or 5 inches at 50 yds preferably 2 to 3 at most. i would recomend a taurus tracker 7 shot or taurus 608 8 shot model with a 6 1/2 inch barrel. you could also opt for a 4 inch barrel and have it double as a concealed carry gun. rugers and S&W are also nice but not worth the extra green if your on a budget. both taurus' you can find new for around 400 and will handle heavy 357's with ease. start with 38special pussycat loads and work your way up to a 180grain xtp @1300 - 1400fps. this load will put a black bear out of its misery with a well placed shot. 44 magnums and bigger are great but not neccesary for deer sized game. 357's with commercial 158 grain loads have been killing deer reliably since its intorduction in 1935 just ask elmer keith. practice pays and no matter what caliber you shoot you have to be proficient to kill effectively.

If you're going to get good with a handgun, plan on a lot of range time. It takes a lot more practice to get good than does a rifle. It is also entirely useful to spend time with an experience pistol shooter and get coaching and feedback. 22 is the easiest and least expensive way to start and it is entirely possible to find 22 and center fire handguns with similar handling characteristics.

Try a Ruger Bisley Single Six in 22 rimfire. In time you'll be ready for a Bisley Blackhawk in 44 magnum or 45 Colt. Then you'll have about all the pistols a fella needs, unless he lives in the city.

Ruger wheelgun in any cal/configuration. Very cheap used and easy to build later if you want. I love my rugers! Very good starter revolvers. I love .44mag but .357/.38 I believe is easier to get used to as a beginner.

I think the caliber you are looking for is a .44 magnum. It will handle just about anything and as bfrshooter pointed out, isn't nearly as abusive to the shooter as some of the bigger calibers. The .45-70 BFR in my opinion is not a feasible backup weapon by virtue of it's size. The revolver has a really long cylinder to house that cartridge.

But a .22 LR may be a great starting point to learn the fundamentals of shooting a revolver......

This is my take on the whole thing. When I started looking into handgun hunting, my first gun was a Ruger Blackhawk in 357 Mag, I did a lot of practice with 38 specials. I then work with the 357 Mag loads until I became very proficient. I spent the a whole year preparing for the up coming deer season, shooting 2 to 3 times a week. My first handgun season was in Minot North Dakota and I got a deer my second day of the season, a spike buck at 35 yards. I was a rifle hunter before that.
I was hooked ever since and that was 26 years ago.

I don't think a 22 is always the best way to get started into handgun, it may be for younger shooters, but most guys and gals can shot 38 specials in a Ruger Blackhawk with little felt recoil.

I sold my Ruger 357 Mag after the first season and mover up to a 41 Mag in the same gun and within 6 months I mover up to the 44 Mag also in a Ruger Blackhawk. I use 44 specials to practice and then switch to the full 44 Mag loads and worked on my accuracy. I used a 44 Mag from that day forward. I have recently gone up to the 500 Mag about 5 years ago and also the 460 Mag. But that was my own personal wants more than a need. The 44 Mag for me has taken numerous deer, hogs and black bear.

I think Elmer Keith would of been as much of a 500 Mag nut as I am.

quote:

Lastly, when I shoot pistols, not only do I shoot all over, (this can be fixed) but I shoot high compared to where the sights are set for another person

No one has addressed this yet, but it is the most serious! Buy an MTM pistol rest and use it to practice. The top of the front sight must be level with the top of each "ear" of the rear sight. The gap between the front sight and the rear sight must equal on each side. Remember 1/8 of an inch at the gun will be many inches at 25 yards (heven't done the math, sorry). So, learn the sight picture!
Peter.

Shooting high is caused by pulling the trigger when the sights cross the target. You can cure it by just adding pressure slowly to the trigger and forgetting the sight movement.
You are trying to make the gun shoot at the instant the sight touches the target.

Also, whenever possible, use a rest when handgun hunting, I use a set of stony point bi-pod shooting sticks when ground hunting or if I am in a stand I use a shooting rail or tree limb.

As for iron sights, I use the 6 o'clock point of aim, where my target sits on top of my front sight not covered up by the sight.
As for your shooting high, that is a reason you want to practice with a gun you sight it. You can adjust your sight for your style of shooting. Getting good with a handgun takes a lot of practice, being proficient with a handgun takes a lot more practice and dedication.

well i've always said a first pistol should be a 357 mag but if your deer hunting i think the 44 mag is a better i own and love the ruger redhawk for hunting for leather i use an ole cheap hunter holster you are ahead of game all ready in my opinion as you currently reload which is my weak point i shot a deer several years ago with a 357 mag good shot but bad bullit choice and i don't remember what bullit i had so now i don't go lower then the 41 mag which is also another good choice for you but less over the counter ammo available

well that's my 2 cents

Looks like the .44 is the way to go.

Now what model for economy and accuracy?

Bang for the buck? Ruger! Super Blackhawk if you like single actions, and Redhawk or Super Redhawk if you want a DA pistol. You can find great deals on used revolvers on Gunsamerica...... Plus, I don't think there's a tougher handgun around with regards to strength.

BFRs are a wonderful choice, but the price of admission is steeper........

I wouldn't say the 44 mag is the way to go. Buy a double action Taurus (don't know the model # as I have the Raging Bull, and they didn't chamber many in 45 Colt) which basically is a S&W clone. There's lots of cowboy action ammo available for practice or lots more components available when you decide to reload. It's got as much or more power than the 44 mag once you decide on full house hunting loads.

The double action style is better adaptable to scope mounting than the old hog leg single action. And it's also better adapted for the two handed hold you'll need for those 50 yard shots. The old colt 45 model of 1873 may look cool and be nostalgic and all but it can bite your hand from recoil. Those Taurus double actions have padded rubber grips and some are even ported to tame the recoil.

For holster, get one of those like uncle mikes makes that strap across your chest inside your coat cause it's very unlikely that you'll need a quick draw at your deer. Good luck with whatever you end up with.

Although it should go without saying, let me state that you should be shooting single action whenever possible.
Peter.

well tyler i personaly like the ruger redhawk over the blackhawk myself the blackhawk's are just a little awkward for me i'm gonna convert my single six and my blackhawk 30 to a bisly grip frame both ofmy redhawks are 7.5 barrel's one is scoped one is not i hunt more with the open sighted then the scoped

Tyler Kemp, look at the Ruger's in Blackhawk and Redhawk. See which one feels better to you and decide what you like better, single action or double action. I myself use my BFR for hunting deer,hogs and black bear and never have a problem getting the hammer back ready for a follow up shot.

But you will get the most bang for your buck with a Ruger, now if you have a little more money and fancy a S&W in 44 Mag, then go that route. But it is all personal choice and you can't go wrong with any I have listed.

just to diverge a bit from the common thought here, i love the S&W .44's. another is that i highly recommend the BFR 454 casull above the ruger as you can get some mild 454 loads affordably (federal fusion 250gr loads at 1350 fps) and can reload loads waaay down the power level but mild is available as winchester has mild loads as does corbon along with the federals. hornady full power loads are quite affordable as well, and 240 grains at 1900fps + gives an awesome flat trajectory as you get better and start shooting greater than 100 yards away. the bfr is a much much better pistol imho than anything ruger is putting out at this point. they aren't as tight as freedom arms, but i've found them to be as accurate on the latest i've shot.

now, i know the 454 is known for some recoil but i think recoil is only bothersome if it hurts and i think the 454 offers more than the 44, despite my love of the 44, and the lower powered loads are just plain fun with a shooting glove and even the stout rounds from a 454 are more tolerable than 44 rounds are without a glove.


that said, if you're sold on a 44 mag, which i can't say is a bad choice, check out the ruger bisley hunter in 44 mag. sweet!

buy a bfr in .45-70 than you can use the same ammo as your rifle. j/k

i would definetly check out a taurus if your on a budget. if your hell bent on 44 mag watch out for the tracker model as the cylinder is not long enough to load out rounds to 1.710" which i believe is the second crimp groove on a 300 gr xtp. otherwise if money is no object a bisley would be cool in my book. i have a raging bull in 480 and it is a very nice gun. lock up is a tad sloppier than a ruger or SW. the grip is fantastic. and the porting does help muzzle climb. it groups very well with factory 325gr gold dots and xtps. oh, yeah i bought it slightly used for 400 bucks. check gun broker good deals do happen sometimes.

quote:

Originally posted by onefunzr2:
The double action style is better adaptable to scope mounting than the old hog leg single action.

Not if a fella picks up a Bisley Blackhawk Hunter...

I like the looks of Taurus, how are they accuracy wise, and what about the cylinder not being long enough?

I know you want a revolver, but have you considered a Contender? My first handgun was a Contender, and it worked out great. With a 10" barrel they're just as packable as a 6" revolver, typically very accurate, and easily scoped if that's what you want. You can go with a traditional revolver cartridge, or something a little less conventional. I started with a 14" 30-30, went to a 44mag, then a 7TCU, and then up to a 45-70, playing with lots of different calibers in between. I actually thought that the 44mag had the worst recoil of them all.

I think that the Contender gives you the most gun for you buck. Then, when you're ready to go bigger all you have to do is buy a new barrel. You should be able to find a whole gun for around $400, additional barrels are only $150-$200.

As far as revolver's go, I say 41mag. That way you split the difference between 357 and 44mag. Load it with 210-215gr cast bullets and Trailboss for some super light plinking load to get used to the gun. Then move up to 250gr or heavier when you're ready. Your selection of guns is more limited in 41mag, but they're out there. Mine's one of the Taurus Tracker Titaniums and was my first revolver. I love it but would be just as happy with a S&W or Ruger.

If money isn't a big deal I'd say a BFR in 454, if it's no concern at all get a Freedom Arms and down load it to 45 Colt and work you way up.

A 44 mag can be loaded with 44 specials which are really good for a beginner. 44 mag can be easily worked up to with a moderate amount of shooting and would be highly recommended for hunting purposes.

Most handgun sights are pumpkin on post and will shoot slightly higher than if held at the same site picture as rifle sites.

John

You have four choices in revolvers S&W, Freedom Arms, Dan Wesson and Ruger. Taurus revolvers are fine as back up handguns for guides who a) will hopefully never fire it in anger, and b) will never need to hit anything more than 3 foot away. I have never seen one yet that was up to scratch in the accuracy department. Pop down to your local Shilouette range and see what the top lads are using...

I shoot smiths- most accurate for the money and nicest trgger pull. I love the ruger Black Hawks and am sorry I sold my one in .41 Mag - but then again, I never cock my revolver before shooting- I always fire double action, so that ruger was just for the love of a nice gun.

Have taken elephant and buff with my Smith M58 and have moved onto a 629. Shoot about 100rnds of mild target loads a week through it.

I love the taurus raging bulls, they are easily the most shootable big bore imho, BUUUUUT.......i've had several and none were up to snuff on the reliability end. i talked to a manager at a large gunstore in alaska when i was up their in 2002 and he said they had sent back every single one to the factory that was ever sold there. i sent both of mine back twice and haven't bought one again since. i would truly love to have the 5" raging bull 454 casull but there's some terminal flaws on design around the pawl and the way it "locks" up when the trigger is pulled that will not allow it to last. def. go bfr or ruger if you're gonna go under a grand, unless it's a .44 mag then i'd consider the smith and wesson as well. (my perf. center .44 has the best firearm trigger i've ever used!)

For what its worth, Taurus was a South American company contracted by S&W to make firearms in that market, once that contracted ended, they produced their own arms using locally available materials and machinery from the S&W days. The materials used by Taurus, particularly the steel, is not what you would come to expect in an American piece. In the end, remember the adage that you can't something for nothing.

If money was of no object, go to freedom arms (as a hunting gun, not necessarily a backup piece).

For best value, go S&W.

If money is tight (and when isn't it), go Ruger.

John

i guess i didn't realize s&w and taurus were conected i thought they were once connected to berreta so i checked there history

Smith & Wesson had been purchased by a conglomerate named Bangor Punta. In 1970, Bangor Punta also purchased 54% of Taurus. Thus, the two companies became "sisters". Smith & Wesson never owned Taurus. They were both independent companies. However, during the next seven years, a great deal of technology and methodology was passed between the two. What may come as a surprise to some is that more of what was "right" in Porto Alegre was sent to Springfield than was sent from Springfield to south of the equator
1977 saw our present ownership buy 54% of Taurus outright from Bangor Punta. At once a quest to improve overall quality of Taurus product was initiated. Also, the company now began a dynamic expansion program.

Beretta had won a huge contract in 1974 to produce small arms for the army of Brazil. Part of the deal was that Beretta construct a Brazilian factory and use Brazilian labor. This they did, in the southwestern coastal city of Sao Paulo. When the contract ran out in 1980, Beretta sold the plant, literally "lock, stock and barrel," to Taurus. Taurus now owned everything that once belonged to Beretta, including drawings, tooling, machinery, and a very experienced work force. Taurus was in the pistol business, and immediately sought to improve on the Beretta design, resulting in the popular and acclaimed Taurus PT-92 and PT-99 9mm pistols

info obtained from taurus website http://www.taurususa.com/company/history.cfm

...........If you need to learn to hit with your handgun , and it sounds like you do ,,, The 22 rf is the way to go .....I have this simular situation with my wife ....And for some reason I can,t understand the only hand gun she can hit at all with is a 7 1/2 " barreled 45 Colt Blackhawk ....But she has a 22 and shoots it occasionally ...........I,m going to get her a laser gripped Ruger GP100 357 .......She doesn,t like autos ..................But back to the subject ,,, with a 22 Ruger or S&W you can move up to a medium and or large caliber revolver and have a continuity in training , handeling and fireing ...............I learned to shoot handguns with a Ruger 22 convertable and a 1911 auto ... ..........Now I hunt sometimes with a 44 mag,45 Colt and 480 Ruger .....But I can hit just as well with a combat auto pistol .......JME .................HAVE FUN

I really like the .41 Mag being I reload. However .44 mag components are easier to find. I have a Taurus Tracker in .41 and like it alot. It only has the 4 inch barrel though and I wish it had a six inch barrel. Really fond of the Ruger Blackhawks and Super Blackhawk also. I will admit I am thinking of a Super Blackhawk in .44 Mag myself.

Tyler, you'll get a lot of good advice here. I recently went through the same thing. I've owned a few hand guns, but nothing that would work for hunting. Here is what I ended up with. It's a Ruger Super Blackhawk hunter. The price was $565.00 There were some that were cheaper, but if you add in what it cost for rings and bases which are included with this gun I think it's a great deal. Not only that, but the gun shoots fantastic! With the solid rib it soaks up recoil and with the 7 1/2" barrel it's not nearly as loud as you would think. I love the looks and the barrel heavy feel of it makes it easy to aim (with 2 hands! .) I may scope it later, but I'd like to get good enough with the open sights not to need a scope. All-in-all I think it's a great gun for a begining hand gun hunter.

Terry

I like that gun! I might prefer Pachmeyer grips being new to handguns though. What caliber?

quote:

Originally posted by Tyler Kemp: What caliber?

1st clue




I bet you got it
.44 Magnum

Terry

Yes, I did, even though that movie was before my time.

I'm sorry to say that it wasn't before my era! LOL!