As stated in the subject line, I will be hunting in very close quarters this year. I know approximately where a monster whitetail has been hiding out. Past encounters have always been under 30yds. Many times less than 20ft. I don't believe I'll have time to shoulder and aim a long gun. Shoulder problems eliminate using a bow.

This leaves me with using a handgun.

While I own many more than I'll ever need, only a few of them I believe capable of being up to the task.

I like my 6" 357, but don't think I'll be able to get him in the scope fast enough. The 2" doesn't generate enough velocity/energy.

Whats left all have iron sights:

Ruger Blackhawk Hunter-45 Colt 7-1/2"

Freedom model 83 454-10"

Glock 20 10mm.


I am fairly proficient with all of my handguns.

Loads I like and have the most experience with include DoubleTap 200gr HP for the 10mm;

Hornady 240gr-454, Buffalo Bore 360gr-454, Grizzly 300gr Punch-454(little on the overkill side);

335gr Corbon cast-45 Colt, 325gr PMC JFP-45 Colt.

Wish I could get my friend David Williams to start loading 4W ammo again.

I am not interested in any caliber or combination not listed above. I will not be persuaded to run out and buy something new-unless you have a NIB S&W model 610 you'll trade me for my Hunter.

I believe there is a wealth of information here within our membership pertaining to the use of the 3-4 ctgs listed above.

I am torn between the 10mm and the 454. I love both of them for their ability to deliver pinpoint horsepower when asked. Not sure how the 200gr HP will perform.

Thoughts and suggestions? No flames please!

I carry a Glock 20SF loaded with 180 grain Nosler JHP's that I hope to one day take a deer with. Last year the closest shot opportunity was 109 yards. Hopefully this year I will have a closer shot.

Any of the pistols you listed is more than capable of harvesting a big mature whitetail. Choose the one that you can shoot the best.

My eyes aren't as good as they once was, so I mounted a JPoint reflex sight on my Glock. I can hold 3-4" groups at 50 yards with this setup.

Can't say from experience but I hope to harvest a whitetail this year with my S&W 610. I am interested in where this thread goes

FA .454, SWift 265 gr. HP. Good to 150 yds. if you are. A hammer at close range. Here's what it can do

For me, the 10" barrel would be unwieldy in a tight situation. I would go with either the 10mm or the 45 colt. Just an opinion.

Can you put a red dot sight on your 357?
Peter.

I like the 45 colt properly loaded for an abundance of my lower 48 buissnes.

20 feet to 30 yards, most anything starting with a "4", and some heavy bullet loads in a .357. Iron sights would be my choice.

I would use your .45 Colt for the circumstances you describe.

I use my FA .454 with reduced loads and a red dot and also my S&W Mod. 27 .357 with 180gr CorBons and a red dot. Either one does a fine job on whitetails, but I keep the range under 50 yds. with the .357.

Phil

quote:

Originally posted by WV Hitman:
FA .454, SWift 265 gr. HP. Good to 150 yds. if you are. A hammer at close range. Here's what it can do

Thats one heck of a Buck!!!!

quote:

Freedom model 83 454-10"

I have a Taurus Raging Bull in 454 I took a nice doe with it one year.
Your Freedom 454 will shoot 45colt Ruger only loads that would work nicely.

Either the 454 or 45 colt for me. Which ever one I shot better. The 357 would work just fine too at that range. I just like the bigger diameter.

If you haven't shot him yet, my OPINION is that if you think you can draw, aim, and accurately fire a handgun faster than a handy sized rifle while sitting in a stand AND being still to prevent spooking buck, I disagree. Not that it can't be done, just that without serious practice, I think the rifle would be a better choice. OTOH, if you want to use a pistol, that's fine with me.

That said, if I could still see iron sights and of the choices listed, I'd use the Glock, for ease of handling primarily.

454 without question.

quote:

Originally posted by Biebs:
454 without question.

Why is it without question?

If 30 yards is an average, what would be the maximum in yards for a shot opportunity?
Simply based on 30 yards and in, I would go with an iron sighted/red dot equipped handgun. I have a personal preference for revolvers and think your .45 Colt would be about a perfect rig for this application.

quote:

Originally posted by David Craig:
If 30 yards is an average, what would be the maximum in yards for a shot opportunity?
Simply based on 30 yards and in, I would go with an iron sighted/red dot equipped handgun. I have a personal preference for revolvers and think your .45 Colt would be about a perfect rig for this application.

The 45 colt properly loaded would be about perfect considerably farther than 30 yards.

quote:

Why is it without question?

More than enough penetration for a shot from any angle, and the longer sighting plane afforded by the 10" barrel....and he shoots it well.

quote:

Originally posted by Biebs:

quote:

Why is it without question?

More than enough penetration for a shot from any angle, and the longer sighting plane afforded by the 10" barrel....and he shoots it well.

Never seen a properly loaded 45 colt not be able to shoot end to end and exit any deer. In fact I have shot 325 grain LFN hard cast through 1000 pound bison in one side out the other as well as Caribou. This is a more shoot able 30,000 psi load. In fact my longest kills with a revolver have been with the 45 Colt and 310 and 325 grain LFN bullets.

There are no flies on a properly loaded 45 Colt. All but one of my revolvers are chambered in 454 but I mostly shoot 45 colts loads in them.


My approximately 100 yard shot and the bullet exited 325 grain LFN

JWP, nice job on the Bison! It is true that the 45 Colt can be loaded up in power, but the FA 454 already comes standard that way :-)

quote:

Originally posted by Biebs:
JWP, nice job on the Bison! It is true that the 45 Colt can be loaded up in power, but the FA 454 already comes standard that way :-)

Yes it does come standard with a lot of power and muzzle blast.