Anyone Use a handgun for deer?

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WidowMaker77
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Anyone Use a handgun for deer?

Unread postby WidowMaker77 » Wed Nov 30, 2016 9:32 am

Recently thinking about getting a handgun to hunt deer every now and again, I strictly hunt with a bow even during gun season. Just how I am. I tend to like the challenge (reason why choose to hunt traditional with my black widow). But thought about getting a handgun for those further out shots that I typically wouldnt take with my bow 30-50 yards or so.

What's everybody recommend?

I'm trying to choose between .357 Mag, .44 Mag, and maybe since it'd be a fun big gun 460XVR


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Re: Anyone Use a handgun for deer?

Unread postby Edcyclopedia » Wed Nov 30, 2016 9:36 am

Wanted a Casul .454 (5-shot) made by Freedom Arms but couldn't afford it @ the time.
Mid 90's it went for $1,800...

Settled for a Ruger Super Redhawk in S.S w/9.5" barrel and love it.
Cost was $525 @ the time if I recall correctly, a small difference :D
Killed an 8-pt w/it in 2007 and is probably my best hunt to date other than not hearing properly for 4-days...

When I practiced, I could hit a 5-gallon pale off-hand @ 75 yards very consistently :whistle:

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Re: Anyone Use a handgun for deer?

Unread postby woodswalker » Wed Nov 30, 2016 9:44 am

If you are going to buy a handgun to hunt deer I would not buy a .357 mag. Not that the .357 will not kill deer, it will and I have done it but they are not an optimum gun for deer. I would go with a .44 mag or a .45 Colt with stout loads. If recoil is not a problem for you you could go with a .454 Casul but that is a bit of over kill. For a strictly hunting gun I would get a single action because you will probably cock the gun before you shoot anyway.
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Re: Anyone Use a handgun for deer?

Unread postby Edcyclopedia » Wed Nov 30, 2016 10:05 am

Scope or no scope?
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Re: Anyone Use a handgun for deer?

Unread postby Jackson Marsh » Wed Nov 30, 2016 10:49 am

I've killed two does with a 44 magnum....I don't use it anymore, the last time my ears rang for a week :lol:

Use ear plugs!

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Re: Anyone Use a handgun for deer?

Unread postby Tufrthnails » Wed Nov 30, 2016 11:15 am

Yeah I have used my .454 for hogs a lot and for deer twice. I wholeheartedly agree with above statement. Big bore handguns require hearing protection. I shot a doe down in a tight bottom in KY with my .454 and instantly thought I had blown my ear drums out. Luckily my stupidity was not permanent. As stated above as well .454 is quite a bit of overkill on a deer but it will flat get the job done. Hogs I wouldn't downsize at all I think it is perfect for them.
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Re: Anyone Use a handgun for deer?

Unread postby Redman232 » Wed Nov 30, 2016 11:35 am

I have a Ruger Super Blackhawk 44 mag. I really wanted to shoot one this year with it and blew a perfect opportunity by going to my rifle without even thinking on a 20 yard shot. I'm no marksman but I've found the gun very easy to shoot accurately.

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Re: Anyone Use a handgun for deer?

Unread postby woodswalker » Wed Nov 30, 2016 11:39 am

I used to go out with the intent of killing a deer with a handgun. When the moment of truth came, I would go to the rifle. The only way I found to make the handgun the weapon of choice was to only carry the handgun.
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Re: Anyone Use a handgun for deer?

Unread postby Rich M » Wed Nov 30, 2016 1:59 pm

I'm gonna second or third the get a .44 recommendation.

Some guys use contenders and shoot rifle calibers...

I went the other way and shoot deer with a handgun caliber rifle - .357 mag (started with a single shot and then bought a Ruger bolt). It is a deer killer - is a great 100 yard gun.
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Re: Anyone Use a handgun for deer?

Unread postby WidowMaker77 » Wed Nov 30, 2016 2:22 pm

44 Mag it is.

Now the question is the performance version or the standard 629
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Re: Anyone Use a handgun for deer?

Unread postby Rich M » Thu Dec 01, 2016 1:19 am

No need for performance versions - you're hunting.

I think you only need to worry about barrel length - 6 or 8 inches should give you enough velocity.

About ammo - hollow points are nice but most will not exit the deer, leaving you with 1 hole. If you can get some Swift A Frame ammo, it will expand and still go through. or look at soft points or solid lead with a large flat front.
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Re: Anyone Use a handgun for deer?

Unread postby WidowMaker77 » Thu Dec 01, 2016 1:47 am

Rich M wrote:No need for performance versions - you're hunting.

I think you only need to worry about barrel length - 6 or 8 inches should give you enough velocity.

About ammo - hollow points are nice but most will not exit the deer, leaving you with 1 hole. If you can get some Swift A Frame ammo, it will expand and still go through. or look at soft points or solid lead with a large flat front.



Ya very true, I have one in mind which is $765 S&W Talo Edition 44 Mag W/ 6.5" barrel but wondered if that was going to be good enough. While the performance center is at $1059 out the door w/ an 8 3/8" barrel

Links to both below.

http://www.gunbroker.com/item/602811431

http://www.armslist.com/posts/6028582/g ... 5--ss-wood
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Re: Anyone Use a handgun for deer?

Unread postby Horizontal Hunter » Thu Dec 01, 2016 2:57 am

Always wanted to take one with my S&W 686 but never had the opportunity.

Connecticut allows revolver hunting on private land but it is restricted to residents.

Massachusetts allows you to hunt black bear with a revolver but we are a no bait, no dogs, state so black bear hunting is pretty tough.

North Carolina allows it. I may have to make a trip one year.

Make sure that you check the regs for your state. Many states specificy that the handgun has to be a revolver.

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Re: Anyone Use a handgun for deer?

Unread postby Edcyclopedia » Thu Dec 01, 2016 3:00 am

I have a S&W .38 Special w/ a 6" - Gr8 plinking gun...

9.5" Is what I hunt with, night and day difference past 40 yards for accuracy...
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Re: Anyone Use a handgun for deer?

Unread postby WidowMaker77 » Thu Dec 01, 2016 3:35 am

Any .44 Mag I've seen recently w/ and 8" barrel has been the same price as the performance center brand new. If not more. There are the model 29-4's for around 900 but would be willing to spend a little more for brand new and the look for the performance center 629.

do most of you hunt with a scope or iron sights?


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