Deer Hunting Handgun

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Posted: 10/16/2012 4:50:41 AM EDT

For some reason in my preparation for deer season this year, I want a pistol to take with me. If I get one in close enough, I would like to try it. I bow hunt and muzzleload, so have experience and ability close in. Shots will be 30 yards or less.

Trying to decide which direction to go. GLOCK 20 is high up there, or a 21 with 10mm conversion barrel. For some reason, I'm recently intrigued by a Ruger Blackhawk with 45 Colt hotter handloads, however they would be less than full house 44 mag. LGS has a .41 mag, 4 5/8s Blackhawk for $350 that's got my attention as well.

Lets see some recommendations and pics of your setup.

Posted: 10/16/2012 4:54:09 AM EDT

[#1]

I killed a doe with a Glock 22 loaded with 180 gr. White Box FMJ. I had just shot a buck with my muzzleloader and was empty when she strolled up 15-20 yards away.

Popped both of the airbags and she went down in 40 yards or so. Looked like someone ran her through & through with a pool cue.

I'd take the 10mm.

Posted: 10/16/2012 4:54:10 AM EDT

[#2]

No pics ATM, but I use a SRH in .480Ruger pushing 410gr hardcasts at about 1350fps or so. Topped with a 1x Ultra-Dot. Works well, when I'm not being awful. That load hits like a hammer.

Posted: 10/16/2012 4:56:43 AM EDT

[#3]

I use a 4 5/8" Blackhawk in .41 mag.. If you don't reload you won't like ammo prices for it. I've never had the good fortune to get close enough to a deer while carrying it so I can't tell you how it works. I load it with Hornady XTPs over a max load of 2400. My testing tells me this bullet will expand and penetrate deeply enough for any deer at a reasonable angle.

Posted: 10/16/2012 4:57:51 AM EDT

[#4]

I use a .44 magnum super redhawk. I loaded up some 320 grain hard cast, but that was over kill. I am going to try out some factory loads this year, since I don't have time to mess with load development. I think some 10mm loads would be plenty to do the job, but my G20 is not legal for use in IL. The cartridge is, but it can't be a semi-auto.

Posted: 10/16/2012 5:00:15 AM EDT

[#5]

I just got this a couple months ago. S&W 629 44 mag with 8 3/8" barrel. I will be carrying it along when hunting this year in case a deer wants to get close enough.

Posted: 10/16/2012 5:01:15 AM EDT

[#6]

Check your state laws on caliber and ammo type restrictions.
Some states are mushrooming ammo only.

Posted: 10/16/2012 5:01:25 AM EDT

[#7]

I killed plenty of deer with my marlin and ruger carbines in .44mag with factory remington semi jacketed hollow points and semi jacketed flat nose. A .44mag with a ported barrel and some nice grips isnt all that bad. Then again I shoot my buddys .500 S&W and giggle

Posted: 10/16/2012 5:02:31 AM EDT

[#8]

The choices listed above are all excellent. I have killed two deer with my WWI 1911 in .45 ACP; those were the two most exhilarating hunting experiences I've ever had. Just treat it like bow hunting and don't shoot till you get a clean shot.

Even the .45 ACP went almost all the way through both of them.

Posted: 10/16/2012 5:05:23 AM EDT

[#9]

All would be good choices although the Glock's higher capacity would be comforting if you encounter any two legged varmints.

Posted: 10/16/2012 5:06:25 AM EDT

[#10]

My wife and I killed quite a few deer with .44 Mag . The best bullet for us was the 180 gr. Sierra. It doesn't take much to kill a 150 lb. whitetail.

Posted: 10/16/2012 5:09:23 AM EDT

[#11]

A good .44 mag revolver with some Grizzly Extreme hunting ammo.

Posted: 10/16/2012 5:09:50 AM EDT

[#12]

I've had excellent luck with a 6" .357 Colt King Cobra. So much so actually I got a matched 1894C lever carbine to go with it. Both sit in the tree stand with me when it's in tight pines. Out to about 70ish yards the long gun does the work. If Bambi walks under me to my lower right (hard shot with the long gun from a tight stand because you are all contorted) out of the holster comes the pistol and it does the work.

Pistol works fine with 158gr soft nose. In hole. Out hole. Very few run. The carbine is awesome. Light, small, easy to carry. Great gun.

Edit: Oh and PS...I know there are those that feel that .357 isn't enough "power" compared to other larger rounds. Might be true, but shot placement is everything. Just don't try to use it like a necked cartridge rifle. Shoot it short and well; it will do fine.

Posted: 10/16/2012 5:10:31 AM EDT

[#13]

I have a couple 10mms and I usually carry one with me for backup when hunting, but this year I plan to take a deer with a handgun. I will be carrying my 6" model 29 DX classic. The crisp single action trigger, better sight radius, and bigger, faster bullets make for a better hunting handgun.

Posted: 10/16/2012 5:13:26 AM EDT

[#14]

Magnum Research Lone Eagle. It has better shootitude.

Posted: 10/16/2012 5:13:39 AM EDT

[#15]

I've been meaning to ask this for a while...

What's the draw of handgun hunting?

Is it:

1) More challenging, and challenge accepted!

2) Special seasons exist for handguns alone in some states?

3) Some combination of the two?

Posted: 10/16/2012 5:14:42 AM EDT

[#16]

Question for handgun hunters.

Do you wear hearing protection when hunting?

The reason I ask is because when I was hunting, I got the idea to buy a .44 Magnum and take it with me. Never shot anything with it, but on my 4 or 5th outing, I was looking at that big hog sitting in my lap while I was up in my stand and I realized if I was to pull the trigger, I would lose a significant portion of my hearing, permanently.

Posted: 10/16/2012 5:15:43 AM EDT

[#17]

You don't need a cannon. I've killed several with a .357 Magnum.

Posted: 10/16/2012 5:16:29 AM EDT

[#18]

Quoted:
It doesn't take much to kill a 150 lb. whitetail.

Indeed. I've seen more deer put down by .40 Glocks than any other handgun.

Of course you'd need to give the assist to the car that hit 'em first.

Posted: 10/16/2012 5:26:51 AM EDT

[#19]

Quoted:
I've been meaning to ask this for a while...

What's the draw of handgun hunting?

Is it:

1) More challenging, and challenge accepted!
2) Special seasons exist for handguns alone in some states?
3) Some combination of the two?

#1 for me.

Posted: 10/16/2012 5:28:53 AM EDT

[#20]

Quoted:
I've been meaning to ask this for a while...

What's the draw of handgun hunting?

Is it:

1) More challenging, and challenge accepted!
2) Special seasons exist for handguns alone in some states?
3) Some combination of the two?

I've been in positions from a tree stand where I can't get maneuvered to get the rifle up and pointed because the damn deer is right up close and might hear or see me moving around.

Posted: 10/16/2012 5:32:12 AM EDT

[#21]

I'd use a .357 if I had one, but would prefer a .44 mag.

Posted: 10/16/2012 5:34:23 AM EDT

[#22]

Quoted:
I've been meaning to ask this for a while...

What's the draw of handgun hunting?

Is it:

1) More challenging, and challenge accepted! Yep like bow hunting.
2) Special seasons exist for handguns alone in some states? In S MI only shotguns, muzzleloaders, and handguns chambered in straight wall cartridges are legal. If I were to hunt S MI I'd use a handgun since I don't have a rifled barrel shotgun or a muzzleloader.
3) Some combination of the two? I haven't handgun hunted in years. Carrying two firearms was redundant and heavy The deer weren't coming close enough while stand hunting and when I was pushing deer in a large group the shots came too fast to switch between a rifle and a handgun. This year will be the first time my young boys are hunting. I'm thinking I'll bring the handgun instead of a rifle since I'll be doing more mentoring than hunting and the handgun will stay out of the way.

Posted: 10/16/2012 5:36:33 AM EDT

[#23]

Quoted:

I've been meaning to ask this for a while...

What's the draw of handgun hunting?

Is it:

1) More challenging, and challenge accepted!

2) Special seasons exist for handguns alone in some states?

3) Some combination of the two?

Challenging, convenient, and it gives you an excuse for buying a monster revolver. I also squirrel hunt with a .22 pistol.

Posted: 10/16/2012 5:40:21 AM EDT

[#24]

Quoted:
Question for handgun hunters.

Do you wear hearing protection when hunting?

The reason I ask is because when I was hunting, I got the idea to buy a .44 Magnum and take it with me. Never shot anything with it, but on my 4 or 5th outing, I was looking at that big hog sitting in my lap while I was up in my stand and I realized if I was to pull the trigger, I would lose a significant portion of my hearing, permanently.

That's why my 454 Casull doesn't go on any more trips with me. I tried carrying it with hearing protection but that just sucks. Besides, 454 is way overkill for whitetail.

To the OP, I killed a basket rack buck with my 10mm 1911 at 45 yards, shot him behind the shoulder. Her ran about 60 yards and collapsed. 180 Hornady XTP reloads.

Posted: 10/16/2012 5:41:42 AM EDT

[#25]

I have a BH in 45LC which I picked up for $200 a while back so that is what I often carry for a second gun. Were I starting from ground zero I'd probably pick up a SRH.

Posted: 10/16/2012 5:45:55 AM EDT

[#26]

No pics of it yet but I bought my "dream" hiking/hunting handgun a couple months ago...... a Freedom Arms 7 1/2" 44 Magnum. It's an incredilbe piece of work and shoots great.

Posted: 10/16/2012 5:47:16 AM EDT

[#27]

Quoted:
I've been meaning to ask this for a while...

What's the draw of handgun hunting?

Is it:

1) More challenging, and challenge accepted!
2) Special seasons exist for handguns alone in some states?
3) Some combination of the two?

Just the challenge, there is no special season in VA like muzzle loader and bow.

Posted: 10/16/2012 5:47:35 AM EDT

[#28]

158 gr. 357 mag soft points will flat out stone white tails.

I carry my 4" gp100 for close in contingencies in the stand.

Posted: 10/16/2012 5:53:24 AM EDT

[#29]

I shot a deer at about 7 yards with my SW 1006 using 170gr hard cast lead SWC. Boom headshot. DRT.

Posted: 10/16/2012 5:59:09 AM EDT

[#30]

I just got a 10" Thompson Contender in .44mag. It's a beast with 300gr Hornady XTP handloads. I hope to kill a deer and a hog with it.

Posted: 10/16/2012 6:10:09 AM EDT

[#31]

A scoped Contender with your cartridge of choice. .357 Maximum has a pretty good kick!

Posted: 10/16/2012 6:12:42 AM EDT

[#32]

Freedom Arms .454

Posted: 10/16/2012 6:17:05 AM EDT

[#33]

Have done this. Model 29 with Burris 2X scope. If you decide to hunt with a handgun, treat it as you would a bow hunting situation. Maybe 20-30 yards with a good rest, like your back up against a big tree and support using your knees. Unfortunately, I chose an offhand shot, and it took 3 more to seal the deal, being in the heat of the moment and not being a terribly good handgun shot.

Good luck.

Posted: 10/16/2012 6:18:21 AM EDT

[#34]

I just got a Glock 21 w/ 10mm conversion barrel for this reason and for hog hunts

.

Posted: 10/16/2012 6:21:03 AM EDT

[#35]

Quoted:
Question for handgun hunters.

Do you wear hearing protection when hunting?

The reason I ask is because when I was hunting, I got the idea to buy a .44 Magnum and take it with me. Never shot anything with it, but on my 4 or 5th outing, I was looking at that big hog sitting in my lap while I was up in my stand and I realized if I was to pull the trigger, I would lose a significant portion of my hearing, permanently.

I've never worn ear protection when hunting. I also can't hear nearly as well now as before. Four consecutive shots with a .44 Mag. leave your ears ringing for a while.

Posted: 10/16/2012 6:24:29 AM EDT

[#36]

I have a nice Mod 66 .357. Can't use in WI due to bbl length but you can in MN.

Posted: 10/16/2012 6:39:41 AM EDT

[#37]

In Illinois we are prohibited from using semi-autos for hunting. I have killed several deer with a handgun. Most of them have been with a .44 mag and 300 grain hard cast bullets. I have shot a few with hollow points, but for longer shots and the occasion when heavy bone is hit, I prefer the confidence that comes with the heavier solids.

I have used a .454 Casull on occasion and the results are impressive. If you plan on hunting anything larger than deer in the future I would recommend it or the .460 S&W.

TC Encore pistol chambered in .454 topped with a Nikon 2-7x32mm handgun scope loaded with 300 grain Hornady XTP. Shot was 70yds. The buck dropped on the spot. He field dressed just shy of 230 lbs.

S&W Performance Center 629. I took a doe on this hunt (no pics). The shot was 35 yds. The load was Winchester Supreme 250 grain Platinum Tip HP. Double lung hit. She ran about 40 yds. and piled up. The blood trail was great.

If all you are planning on hunting with the handgun is deer, a .44 mag will do just fine out to 100 yds when loaded properly and assuming you've practiced enough. Ammo is available most everywhere and in a wide variety.

Whatever you choose, good luck and have fun!

Posted: 10/16/2012 6:40:50 AM EDT

[#38]

Quoted:
I just got a 10" Thompson Contender in .44mag. It's a beast with 300gr Hornady XTP handloads. I hope to kill a deer and a hog with it.

this my handgun choice for hunting

Posted: 10/16/2012 6:43:38 AM EDT

[#39]

I use to take my annual deer with a 6" 357 loaded with 158gr SP.

This is PA, so the longest shot I ever took was 35 yards. Deer here don't get huge; never needed more than a single shot.

Posted: 10/16/2012 6:49:19 AM EDT

[#40]

Here's my setup. An iron sighted S&W Model 29-2 with 8-3/8" bbl. I'm confident with it out to 100 yards on some sort of rest/support.

Posted: 10/16/2012 6:57:15 AM EDT

[#41]

Ive killed 4 deer with my g20 10mm. It works very well.

Posted: 10/16/2012 7:14:32 AM EDT

[#42]

I don't own it anymore, and haven't handgun hunted deer in many years, but my "deer gun" was a Ruger Super Blackhawk 10.5" fitted with sling swivels.
.44 Magnum out of a 10.5" barrel is nothing to sneeze at.

If I had it to do over again (which I probably won't since I'm not physically able to shoot as well as I used to), I would probably go with a TC Contender in 7-30.
If ever I felt I couldn't drop it on the first shot, I wouldn't take the shot anyway.

Posted: 10/16/2012 7:32:39 AM EDT

[#43]

Quoted:
I've been meaning to ask this for a while...

What's the draw of handgun hunting?

Is it:

1) More challenging, and challenge accepted!
2) Special seasons exist for handguns alone in some states?
3) Some combination of the two?

Most of the serious handgunners I know just like them and prefer to use them. In this area if you spend a lot of time outdoors you spend a lot of time carrying a large Revolver and genrally become quite comfortable with them.

Posted: 10/16/2012 7:37:07 AM EDT

[#44]

xp-100. My Dad uses one in 7mm-08. I use one in 7mmBR.

Flops em over very, very, well with Sierra single shot pistol bullets.

Posted: 10/16/2012 7:51:40 AM EDT

[#45]

My deer/woods gun is a older Blackhawk in .45 Colt. I'm shooting a 270gr SWC @ around 1050. More than enough to punch through a deer but without the magnum crack/report that I find obnoxious.

Posted: 10/16/2012 8:04:08 AM EDT

[#46]

Quoted:
Question for handgun hunters.

Do you wear hearing protection when hunting?

The reason I ask is because when I was hunting, I got the idea to buy a .44 Magnum and take it with me. Never shot anything with it, but on my 4 or 5th outing, I was looking at that big hog sitting in my lap while I was up in my stand and I realized if I was to pull the trigger, I would lose a significant portion of my hearing, permanently.

You'll have to speak up I didn't hear you.

Posted: 10/16/2012 8:08:05 AM EDT

[#47]

I'm hoping to get one with my GP100 this year. I loaded 158 grain Hornady XTP's over 14.6 grains of 2400. They pack one hell of a punch.

I've been shooting this gun/load a lot and I'm very confident, If giving a chance that I can lay one in the vitals.

Posted: 10/16/2012 2:42:57 PM EDT

[#48]

Had to do some work for my friendly neighborhood gun store and had him order me a .45 Ruger Blackhawk in blue and 4 5/8s at his cost of $390. Ive had several Long Colts and like them a bit more than 44 mag––and I think I still have some brass and 250gr XTPs.