How many hunt with a handgun??


swohiodave

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I use a Ruger stainless Super Redhawk in 44mag. 7 1/2" barrel shooting 240gr. Hornady xtps. I have a scope but took it off a year after I got it and never put it back on. I carry it a lot when I hunt our firearm seasons with my muzzleloader or bear hunt. I shot a buck, a doe and dispatched a shoulder/spine shot archery black bear with it so far. Open sights are super easy out to 50-60 yards. I bought it in the mid 90's back when it was "reasonably" priced. Love the gun!

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It's fun. I run a ruger new model super black hawk stainless with 7.5" barrel in .44mag. It's topped with a bushnell 2-7 scope and I am running winchester platinum tip's. I started hunting with it 3 seasons ago. up till last year (first year with the scope) I had only ever dispatched a few deer. But last season I took a doe at 80yds. (It was also the first handgun I had ever shot or bought.) You will really enjoy it, and if your not going to shoot 100yds you dont need to go up to a .44 a .357 is a deadly round for deer.

The solid action of the rugers, the red hawk, super red hawk, black hawk and super black hawk make them great guns. the black hawk and super black hawk are single action only (what I like), the red hawk and super red hawk are single and double action.

Smith also make a good gun, just wasn't for me.

I do like the durability of stainless over blue.

Edited by MichiganHunter
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Thanks Michigan.

if you get something you will have to let us know what you get and toss a pic or two up, I'll have to put up a pic of mine. She a good gun, shoots better than I can make it.

I would also suggest a tri pod or atleast a bi pod. I use a trigger pod that is tall enough for me to use both standing or sitting.

OH and mine is a second option is my bolt action shot gun (it's got a 200yd range), your going to love hunting with a pistol.

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Yes, please post pictures. It really adds to the story.

Here are the the links to the two threads where I used my Ruger 44. The bear thread shows the two recovered slugs from the bear carcass. It shows pretty well that the 44mag is enough gun for black bears. Hitting them with a handgun is the key.

Hope the links help ya. I guarantee you will LOVE your new handgun.

http://www.realtree.com/forums/hand-guns-accessories/80253-handgun-doe-harvest.html

http://www.realtree.com/forums/big-game-exotics/90783-my-wisconsin-black-bear.html

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  • 3 weeks later...

I carry a handgun all the time when hunting (except on military bases)...most of the time they are for personal defense / predators and generally it is my Glock 26 in 9mm (NOT FOR USE ON DEER).

During the firearms season, I switch to a Colt Commander in .45 Auto running custom handloads (a 185 grain Gold-Dot at 1150 fps) or Remington Golden Sabers (a 185 grain BTHP at 1150 fps)...these are still mostly for personal defense / predators, but give me a backup option to my rifle.

I am considering purchasing a handgun for a "handgun" season that I am predicting will be opened within a couple of years...it will be a Ruger Redhawk 7.5 inch in .44 Rem Magnum.

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