johnf Posted December 22, 2004 Report Share Posted December 22, 2004 I would like to get a hand gun for short yardage deer hunting, but don't want to break the bank. I had a ruger blackhawk 357 but traded it for a deer rifle (seemed like a good deal at the time). I was thinking about another 357 or maybe a 1911. Does the 1911 have enough punch to effectively harvest a deer? We are talking about Arkansas, so there aren't going to be any 300 pounders. Most doe run under 125 pounds, mature bucks around 200. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZooBear Posted December 22, 2004 Report Share Posted December 22, 2004 Re: deer hunting gun I would look at a 41 or a 44 myself. The 357 is a bit on the small side but will work well with shots at reasonable yardage. I would stay away from the 45. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texan_Til_I_Die Posted December 22, 2004 Report Share Posted December 22, 2004 Re: deer hunting gun I agree that a 357 is about as small as you would want to go. Don't think a 45 ACP is suitable at all. If you don't like the idea of a 44 mag, think about a T/C in 30-30 or some other light "deer rifle" type caliber. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnf Posted December 22, 2004 Author Report Share Posted December 22, 2004 Re: deer hunting gun I'd also like to have it around the house for personal protection or for plinking. I don't the t/c single shot is what I'm looking for. What's a good 357 for the money? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnf Posted December 23, 2004 Author Report Share Posted December 23, 2004 Re: deer hunting gun Yes, I've got the book in my lap right now. I've been looking on line and found a ruger 357 mag, 41 mag and 44 Mag for around $300 each. Does it cost much more to shoot the 41 or 44 than the 357? And would they be that much better for hunting? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hangunnr Posted December 24, 2004 Report Share Posted December 24, 2004 Re: deer hunting gun Hands down the .44mag is a better all around caliber for deer hunting. The .357mag is OK if you limit yourself to short range shots. I'll assume you're not a reloader so the price of ammo can be a concern. Keep in mind if you get a .357mag you can always plink with low cost 38 special ammo. If you go with a .44mag you can shoot .44special ammo if your local shops stock them. This will help to keep the cost down. I'd stick with at least a 6" barrel on whatever gun you end up with. hangunnr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest timpat Posted December 24, 2004 Report Share Posted December 24, 2004 Re: deer hunting gun My friend hunts with a .454 Casull i think it is, he drops anything he outs his crosshairs on! has a 8in barrel its one mean gun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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