Hunting with DE
I am in the market for a handgun for whitetail hunting.
My normal hunting location has limitted shooting distances and I thought I would look into handgun hunting for a change.
My first thought was a S&W PC revolver with a scope (.44 mag or .357, 6 1/2" minimum barrel).
Someone suggested I look into a DE becasue it compares favorable to the S&W's.
So I am researching.
Who has hunted with a DE?
Do I need a newer model to be able to mount a scope?
I am looking into the legalities of a semi-auto for hunting in my state as well.
I have hunted with a Desert Eagle.
1) Regardless of whether or not your DE has scope mounting slots machined in, you will want to use a mount... The mount keeps the brass off of your scope and out of (doesn't bounce back into) the action.
2) I have been happiest with 44 as my hunting caliber... Plenty of off the shelf hunting load choices.
3) You will want a nice chest holster for field carry.
May be a no go.
State regulations restrict number of rounds in a semi auto weapon to 6 maximum for deer.
I would need a 5 round magazine to use this
Originally Posted By SperlingPE:
May be a no go.
State regulations restrict number of rounds in a semi auto weapon to 6 maximum for deer.
Do they restrict the number of rounds in the gun, or the capacity of the magazine?
If you're not sure, just make a plug for the magazine using a cut piece of wooden dowel. Be sure to test the mag for function before taking it in the field.
6 rounds
so a 6 round revolver is okay
for a semi auto - one in the pipe and 5 in the magazine
5 round magazine maximum
Originally Posted By GarrettJ:
Originally Posted By SperlingPE:
May be a no go.
State regulations restrict number of rounds in a semi auto weapon to 6 maximum for deer.
Do they restrict the number of rounds in the gun, or the capacity of the magazine?
If you're not sure, just make a plug for the magazine using a cut piece of wooden dowel. Be sure to test the mag for function before taking it in the field.
It shouldn't be too hard to modify a magazine, or have one modified, with some sort of capacity stop.
Are you sure that the capacity restriction applies to handguns?
It applies to handguns
Regulations state all semi auto weapons are limited to 6 rounds
This is for deer
No distiction is made between rifle and handgun
I shot a doe with mine in .50AE back in 2008. It made one heck of a mess of her right shoulder, but the bullet managed to reach the heart and make a complete pass through. This was at 20yds or so.
ETA: Nevermind, I guess it's illegal in your state
Not illegal - just need the right capacity magazine
I have harvested about 6 deer with mine. Longest shot was around 90-100 yards. I was always able to shoot from a stable platform (once sitting down with my boots as a prop for the barrel) and place a single shot through the ribcage. I have always used the same .50 ammo since I bought the pistol in 1998...325gr. Speer Gold Dot. It works pretty well, I must say. Ears ring like hell afterwards!
