hangunnr

Re: Scopes on a T/C Encore-Under $200???? As usual AJ has nailed it. I did have a Weaver variable. I did not care for the clarity or more properly the lack of clarity at the higher magnifications. If I were you I'd do some serious eBay scouting as there are commonly used Burris scopes offered for auction. Since Burris has a lifetime warranty you can't really get hurt too badly. I just got a 3X for a decent price. hangunnr

Re: FFG or FFFG [ QUOTE ] Much ado has been made of "blackpowder velocities," and the so-called "blackpowder performance envelope." It does not exist, and hasn't for several years now. Some feel that blackpowder itself is only capable of producing very low pressure, apparently forgetting about the Nobel and Able tests of the 19th century that proved blackpowder could produce over 100,000 PSI. http://members.aol.com/randymagic/ballltd12.htm and this http://www.hodgdon.com/ [/ QUOTE ] Nice....... First post and it's an off topic RW quote..... .....anyway.....Welcome to the forum.... To answer the question... Switching from 2f to 3f will give you higher pressure. The 3f charge will be denser and more tightly packed than a 2f charge of the same volume. 3f will produce a faster pressure spike. If I were contemplating switching from 2f to 3f I would reduce my starting charge by 10-20%. hangunnr

Re: First Hunting Handgun I too recommend the .44mag as the caliber to have. There are a plethora of factory loads available. As stated above, you can make some really smoking reloads if you're so inclined. As far as which gun to have..... I personally like the Smith&Wesson revolvers but you can't go wrong if you have a Ruger single action or double action. You might take a look at the Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter series. They, like the double action revolvers are ready to have optics installed using Rugers integral scope ring mounts. Keep in mind there isn't really any time you'd need a double action hunting gun as you'll never likely squeeze off multiple shots while in the field. hangunnr

Re: Thinking towards next year with a long range hand. Sounds like a good choice. Give the Burris 1.5X4 and 2X7 handgun scopes a look. I have a couple of each and have been pretty impressed with the performance. hangunnr

Re: Ever See An Iceberg From Top To Bottom... [ QUOTE ] I believe this was classified as a hoax on snopes.com. Computer animated image. [/ QUOTE ] Correct.... Nice image but false none the less. Iceberg on Snopes.... hangunnr

Re: Post your entry pics here. Dang wyote, you've been busy this year...... I've been plagued with idiots and tresspassers on the farm I hunt. Haven't been seeing much. Hopefully when our general firearm season closes I'll have a chance at a buck during our muzzleloader season. hangunnr

Using a piece of tape over the muzzle is OK. The air in the barrel will remove the tape well before the bullet gets there. hangunnr

Re: I shot a deer...Finally!! Way to go Tim!!! Congrats to you on your first buck. hangunnr

Re: 2nd Annual PA get-togehter Be heading out east tomorrow. See y'all sunday... hangunnr

Re: New Project [ QUOTE ] Here ya go: [/ QUOTE ] Yep, the full sized wood sure does look better. I may have to do that to mine. hangunnr

Re: New Project I like the look of the full size forestock. The extra weight can't hurt either. What did you come up with for a ram rod retainer? hangunnr

Re: purchasing a handgun In order... -extra magazine (if applicable).....maybe, if it's a new model to me.. -range bag...............nope, got too many as it is... -padded pouch..nope, same as above... -shooting glasses.....nope, don't need them... -concealed carry holster...maybe if it's a new type of gun for me... -custom grip.......I like custom grips, so yes to this one... -training certificate (front sight training course)....nope, I prefer my own type of training... -self defense ammo....if the gun is gonna be a carry piece and I don't already have this caliber then yes I'll get fresh ammo... I'm kinda on the fence about the training schools out there. I believe there isn't anything better than just getting out there and shooting your gun. hangunnr

Re: Scope If you're wanting a standard crosshair scope the aforementioned Burris is a good choice or the Leupold 2X handgun scope. The Leupold will set you back ~$240. You may also wish to take a look at a red dot type aiming device. While you can get a magnified version of this sight, most of them are 1X or non magnified. I'd stick with either a 3 or 4 minute dot if going this route. The price range on these can run from very cheap to very expensive. I would buy the best my budget would allow. Depending on the model of your .357 will also dictate on how easy it's going to be to put a scope on it. What gun are you using? hangunnr

Re: 2nd Annual PA get-togehter I'll be there..... hangunnr

First off be sure to check the game regulations in your state to make sure your handgun and caliber choice are legal. "1. What, if any, rest do you use or would you recommend?" If you are hunting off the ground there are several companies making shooting sticks that are pretty good. I would think though that with the 25yd limit you've imposed on yourself that a rest would not be needed. "2. I am currently shooting open sights. what difference would a scope make? I have intended to shoot open sight this season but would reconsider if advised against it. I intend to keep my shots at around 25 yards or less at this time." A scope could be more of a problem at 25yds and under than the open sights. You certainly wouldn't want any magnification for distances like that. A red dot scope might work OK for you, but be aware the more complicated you make the gun the more there is to go wrong. I'd say if you are comfortable shooting the iron sights and can hold 3-4 inches at 25yds you'll be fine. "3. Recommendation on ammuntion over what I mentioned above?" You're already shooting the best factory .357 load out there IMO. No need for anything different. "4. Do you have any words of wisdom for this beginner?" Sounds like you've already got it figured out. You kinda have to look at close range handgun hunting like you would bowhunting. Practice with the hunting loads till you're proficient at putting all your shots into 3-4 inches at 25yds and you'll have no problem with hitting a deer in the kill zone. Good luck!! hangunnr

Re: New Project Did you chrono your loads? I've never gone above 70gr so I'm curious as to what you're getting with 80. Are you still using 3F? hangunnr

Re: Post your entry pics here. Nice pics wyote. Well done. I'm really digging that Smith 329. I've had one in my hands I'd bet a dozen times. Just can't make the commitment to purchase it. How's the recoil impulse with hunting level loads? I gotta believe that gun is a handful with top end loads. hangunnr

Re: Post your entry pics here. Georgia doe taken by ftw46.....

Re: Handgun harvest sign up here...... To anyone still procrastinating, tomorrow (10-31) midnight is the deadline for signing up. ftw46, I'll transfer your picture to the picture entry thread. Good job on the doe!!! hangunnr

Re: What are your jobs? Journeyman Pipefitter Local 597 Chicago hangunnr

C'mon y'all let's see them. hangunnr

Re: Handgun harvest sign up here...... [ QUOTE ] Can I still sign up? [/ QUOTE ] Sho' nuff..... hangunnr

Re: Yeah baby!! [ QUOTE ] Are ya going to put a scope on it?? [/ QUOTE ] Eventually it'll be wearing a Burris 2-7X. Most likely not until next spring though. hangunnr

Re: Encore Frame Question Here is the direct response from the Feds regarding the T/C Encore / Contender frames. Thanks to the Handgun Hunter website for this info. To break this down to nuts and bolts..... If your frame was originally sold as a handgun you may convert it to a rifle or a shotgun. If your frame was originally sold as a centerfire rifle / muzzle loader or shotgun you may not convert it to a handgun. Seems kinda silly if you ask me but unfortunately the Feds didn't consult me before making their ruling..... If I were in the market for another Encore or Contender I would purchase the firearm as a handgun and avoid the potential confusion down the road. hangunnr

Re: Yeah baby!! [ QUOTE ] Sweet gun, what kind is it? [/ QUOTE ] hangunnr