The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - A reminder - If you use a revolver as a backup when hunting

Daryl · January 26, 2011, 06:22 AM

I suppose we're blessed here in Az. The law just says "centerfire handgun" under legal firearms for big game. Guess the G&F Dept expects hunters to have common sense?

But the warning is well taken. About 15 years ago I was hunting in another state and had an antelope buck down. I was considering mounting the animal, and antelope hair is fragile, so I simply finished it with a shot from a .40 S&W. It did the trick nicely, and I cleaned up the animal and headed home the next day.

It wasn't until several years later that I learned that a .40 S&W isn't legal for hunting big game in that state...or, more specifically, that it includes finishing off an animal.

So, when hunting other states (as well as my own), I now usually carry a heavy loaded SA Ruger in .45 Colt. With a 300 gr bullet giving 1200+ ft/lbs of muzzle energy, it's legal anywhere I hunt.

January 26, 2011, 06:22 AM	#7
Daryl Senior Member Join Date: July 11, 2008 Posts: 2,350	I suppose we're blessed here in Az. The law just says "centerfire handgun" under legal firearms for big game. Guess the G&F Dept expects hunters to have common sense? But the warning is well taken. About 15 years ago I was hunting in another state and had an antelope buck down. I was considering mounting the animal, and antelope hair is fragile, so I simply finished it with a shot from a .40 S&W. It did the trick nicely, and I cleaned up the animal and headed home the next day. It wasn't until several years later that I learned that a .40 S&W isn't legal for hunting big game in that state...or, more specifically, that it includes finishing off an animal. So, when hunting other states (as well as my own), I now usually carry a heavy loaded SA Ruger in .45 Colt. With a 300 gr bullet giving 1200+ ft/lbs of muzzle energy, it's legal anywhere I hunt.