Which firearm whould you choose?

dosjoel · February 8, 2009, 03:59 PM

IND law requires deer hunters to only use rifles that fire pistol caliber. Otherwise it is bow, black powder or shotgun. After voting please share some particulars as to the type and caliber you would choose

armedtotheteeth · February 8, 2009, 06:20 PM

WHAT THE HECK HAS THIS WORLD COME TOO!! NO RIFLES?? I out of spite would use a 50 bMG

I GUESS I would find the biggest pistol caliber and use it. HERE http://airbornecombatengineer.typepa...under_50_.html IS ONE IN 50 BMG

dosjoel · February 8, 2009, 06:36 PM

Here is a list of some of the cartridges that will be allowed (in rifles of these calibers).

1. .41 Magnum

2. .357 Magnum

3. .44 Magnum

4. .45 Colt

5. .480 Ruger

6. .41 Special

7. ,44 Special

8. .44, 40 Winchester

9. . 454 Casull

10. . 475 Linebaugh

L_Killkenny · February 8, 2009, 06:38 PM

I'm waiting for Iowa to adopt the pistol caliber carbines. No way would I hunt with a shotty givin the choice. BTW, there are safety reasons for not allowing full power rifles.

kyle663 · February 8, 2009, 07:22 PM

you would think it would be a safety issue. here in Illinois we cant even use rifles in pistol calber. handguns bow , bp and shotgun are the choices, but, you can hunt yotes with anything.

L_Killkenny · February 8, 2009, 08:01 PM

Delete

Tom Matiska · February 8, 2009, 08:02 PM

Two of the pistol rounds you list are available from Hornady's with their LEVERevolution bullets. Their 44 MAG out of a longer rifle barrel has some legs to it.

L_Killkenny · February 8, 2009, 08:02 PM

It's a numbers game....Deer seasons are short with high numbers of hunters in the same timbers. Also, the main hunting style is "party" hunting. Coyote hunting season is long (is it ever closed there?), fewer hunters hunting much more ground and the ground is for the most part more open.

Now about the lever gun vs. shotty. Todays shotguns have just as much, if not more, range than pistol caliber carbines. There is no reason that a person shouldn't be allowed to use a .357/.41/.44 lever gun when using a shotty firing sabot slugs is legal. I'm waiting with fingers crossed........

**Art Eatman** · February 8, 2009, 08:06 PM

"Timber" to me implies relatively short distances. If around 100 yards or less is the deal, the .44 Maggie in whatever rifle suits you oughta work just fine. I'd want some version on which I could mount a scope, given my old eyes.

kyle663 · February 8, 2009, 08:13 PM

there are a few restrictions during firearm deer season i think, no night hunting comes to mind. but they'r isnt any caliber restictions , so if i can use a 308 to hunt yotes in the same woods i deer hunt in i dont see the difference. but this is nobama's home state. they dont trust us with guns too much. lol

nightwolf1974 · February 8, 2009, 10:12 PM

here in Nh just about everything goes. anyway, i would go with the Marlin 44.

ddeyo1 · February 8, 2009, 10:48 PM

12gauge 1 oz slugs make a hell of a hole and the ballistics to a 100 yards are just as good if not better than most pistol rounds. plus a box of 5 is only like 2.80.

Crankylove · February 8, 2009, 11:57 PM

I would go with a lever gun in .44 mag or .45 Colt.

Smallgame2100 · February 9, 2009, 12:01 AM

ddeyo-youre lucky that slugs are around 3 bucks.
Around here, slugs are easily $5+ for 5rds.

I wouldnt be caught dead with anything except a shotgun or a .22

B. Lahey · February 9, 2009, 12:10 AM

Quote:

there are safety reasons for not allowing full power rifles.

Not really. A miss with a shotgun slug is just as dangerous as a miss with a rifle. A deflected shot with a shotgun slug is more dangerous than a deflected shot with a rifle. The slug tends to have more energy left after striking something and bouncing.

After the DNR study came out that determined shotgun slug ricochets are more dangerous than rifle ricochets, our fine state took the half-keistered step of allowing pistol-caliber rifles. The way the trend is going I wouldn't be surprised to see regular rifles allowed within a few years.

458winshooter · February 9, 2009, 12:29 AM

Anything 357 mag or bigger will do the trick.

ReadyOnTheRight · February 9, 2009, 01:09 AM

I'd choose...

-The rifled sabot in a rifled shotgun barrel
-The SUV
-The high-paid tax attorney/accountant
-The very small 9mm and 45acp 10-round handgun
-The "For Sale" sign on your private gun at a gun show

All "loopholes" through stupid laws, rules and regulations.

50 years ago, a person could use a rifle for deer hunting, drive a cheap 8-cylinder car, do my own taxes, build and sell a 1000-round pistol (physics permitting), and buy a gun through the mail without a background check anywhere in the USA.

Have the related laws actually made anything better?

The so-called "loophole" is merely the human being excercising our inherent ability to innovate, adapt and overcome stupid laws.

As far as reality goes, I would choose a Rem 870 with a rifled barrel, a Ruger Redhawk in .44 mag, a Marlin 1894 in .44 mag, a T/C Encore w/ 209x50 barrel and a Oneida Eagle bow. All of the above. I wouls also add a nice Savage Scout in .308 with a Leupold EER scope because it gets me 3 deer seasons in 2 zones that cover the entire state here in Minnesota. YMMV.

taylorce1 · February 9, 2009, 11:06 AM

Personally I would hunt as many seasons as I possibly could. With new ML technology and some of the slug guns available I wouldn’t be afraid to use them as well or feel hindered by them in any way. As far as your pistol calibers go check out this link:

http://357maximum.com/

Daryl · February 9, 2009, 06:14 PM

I have a '92 Winchester in .45 Colt, and I'd not hesitate to use it for hunting deer. It's my saddle gun when I'm bear hunting and such, but it'd kill a deer easily enough.

Range would be similar to most muzzleloaders, with quicker follow up shots.

Shotguns are generally limited to two rounds in the chamber, and most aren't all that accurate (although they can be). Because of the weight of slugs and the pattern of shot, they don't work well for longer range shots.

I've never hunting in Indiana, so I don't know how far shots are generally taken. Even so, I think a pistol caliber rifle would work as well or better than the others.

Of course, given the chance I'd do as suggested above; just hunt with each in their respective seasons. If limited to one, then I'd go with the rifle chambered in a pistol cartridge.

Personally, I'd use a .44 mag, or .45 Colt loaded heavy. I use 300 gr bullets in mine, pushed to about 1700 fps in the rifle.

Daryl

kyle663 · February 9, 2009, 07:32 PM

I didnt think a 45 colt would be that efective at 200 yards Daryl. anything that far out is bp country with me.

Daryl · February 9, 2009, 07:59 PM

Quote:

I didnt think a 45 colt would be that efective at 200 yards Daryl. anything that far out is bp country with me.
Today 03:14 PM

Quote:

Range would be similar to most muzzleloaders,

I stand by what I said; I'd still use the handgun cartridge, and shoot out to about 150 yards.

In fact, I'd use a handgun over a muzzleloader if I had that choice.

I'm reminded of the time I stalked a bunch of javalina during a HAM (Handgun, Archery, Muzzleloader) season. I got about 20 yards from them, aimed, and my muzzleloader misfired. The cap went off, but the powder didn't. The javalinas took off, and I made a nice running shot on the largest one with my SD carry pistol, which at the time was a Star "Firestar" in .40 S&W.

Muzzleloaders don't usually do that, but it happens. It's less likely with the so-called "new" inlines, but it makes no difference to me.

I'll hunt with a ML during a ML only hunt, but given an option, I'll invariably choose something else. I'd choose a bow, given the choice, and yes, I hunt with one of those, too.

Daryl

Swampghost · February 9, 2009, 08:07 PM

My favorite all around rifle is a Marlin 1894 in .44 Mag, 18" bbl.

With old eyes and a scope zeroed @100 it shoots a little over 1" high @ 50 and 14" low @ 200 w/3" groups. Good enough to send any deer to the meat pot.

Kreyzhorse · February 9, 2009, 09:59 PM

I would think that .44 mag would do a pretty slick number on a whitetail. No brainer as far as I'm concerned.

L_Killkenny · February 10, 2009, 03:47 PM

I'd like to know who the heck is still voting "shotgun" when a neat handy rifle is legal. Nuts I tell you! Just nuts!!! If Iowa opens up deer hunting to pistol caliber rifles my slug gun is gonna go in on a trade as quick as I possibly can.

kyle663 · February 10, 2009, 05:15 PM

i feel your pain Daryl. had that happen to me back when i used a percussion cap ML. went to the 209 and no longer a problem. i just wasnt sure a 45 could do that good at that range. myself I hunt with whatever i can.

View Poll Results: In IND you can only hund deer with the following. What would you choose?
Black powder rifle	16	15.38%
Shotgun with slugs	33	31.73%
Pistol caliber rifle (ex. Marlin 44 mag)	51	49.04%
Bow and arrows	4	3.85%
Voters: 104. You may not vote on this poll

February 8, 2009, 03:59 PM	#1
dosjoel Senior Member Join Date: August 16, 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 142	Which firearm whould you choose? IND law requires deer hunters to only use rifles that fire pistol caliber. Otherwise it is bow, black powder or shotgun. After voting please share some particulars as to the type and caliber you would choose __________________ DosJoel "God and the Soldier we adore, in time of trouble but not before. When the danger's past and the wrong been righted, God is forgotten and the Soldier slighted." - Anonymous Soldier. Last edited by dosjoel; February 8, 2009 at 04:04 PM.

February 8, 2009, 06:36 PM	#3
dosjoel Senior Member Join Date: August 16, 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 142	List of approved caliber rifles Here is a list of some of the cartridges that will be allowed (in rifles of these calibers). 1. .41 Magnum 2. .357 Magnum 3. .44 Magnum 4. .45 Colt 5. .480 Ruger 6. .41 Special 7. ,44 Special 8. .44, 40 Winchester 9. . 454 Casull 10. . 475 Linebaugh __________________ DosJoel "God and the Soldier we adore, in time of trouble but not before. When the danger's past and the wrong been righted, God is forgotten and the Soldier slighted." - Anonymous Soldier.

February 8, 2009, 07:22 PM	#5
kyle663 Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2008 Location: IL Posts: 311	you would think it would be a safety issue. here in Illinois we cant even use rifles in pistol calber. handguns bow , bp and shotgun are the choices, but, you can hunt yotes with anything. __________________ NRA member 22LR,17hmr, 9mm, 9mm makarov, 38 S&W, 38/357, 41mag, 44mag, 45ACP, 7.62x39, 7.62x54, 222rem

February 8, 2009, 08:06 PM	#9
Art Eatman Staff Lead Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX, USA Posts: 20,947	"Timber" to me implies relatively short distances. If around 100 yards or less is the deal, the .44 Maggie in whatever rifle suits you oughta work just fine. I'd want some version on which I could mount a scope, given my old eyes. __________________ You're from BATFE? Come right in! I use all your fine products!

February 8, 2009, 06:20 PM	#2
armedtotheteeth Senior Member Join Date: October 3, 2005 Location: podunk, Texas Posts: 1,610	WHAT THE HECK HAS THIS WORLD COME TOO!! NO RIFLES?? I out of spite would use a 50 bMG I GUESS I would find the biggest pistol caliber and use it. HERE http://airbornecombatengineer.typepa...under_50_.html IS ONE IN 50 BMG

February 8, 2009, 06:38 PM	#4
L_Killkenny Senior Member Join Date: February 2, 2007 Location: Iowa Posts: 2,556	I'm waiting for Iowa to adopt the pistol caliber carbines. No way would I hunt with a shotty givin the choice. BTW, there are safety reasons for not allowing full power rifles.

February 8, 2009, 08:01 PM	#6
L_Killkenny Senior Member Join Date: February 2, 2007 Location: Iowa Posts: 2,556	Delete

February 8, 2009, 08:02 PM	#7
Tom Matiska Senior Member Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Wilkes-Barre, Pa Posts: 928	Two of the pistol rounds you list are available from Hornady's with their LEVERevolution bullets. Their 44 MAG out of a longer rifle barrel has some legs to it.

February 8, 2009, 08:13 PM	#10
kyle663 Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2008 Location: IL Posts: 311	there are a few restrictions during firearm deer season i think, no night hunting comes to mind. but they'r isnt any caliber restictions , so if i can use a 308 to hunt yotes in the same woods i deer hunt in i dont see the difference. but this is nobama's home state. they dont trust us with guns too much. lol __________________ NRA member 22LR,17hmr, 9mm, 9mm makarov, 38 S&W, 38/357, 41mag, 44mag, 45ACP, 7.62x39, 7.62x54, 222rem

February 8, 2009, 10:12 PM	#11
nightwolf1974 Member Join Date: January 26, 2009 Location: Unity, Nh Posts: 74	here in Nh just about everything goes. anyway, i would go with the Marlin 44. __________________ live free or die!

February 8, 2009, 10:48 PM	#12
ddeyo1 Senior Member Join Date: December 22, 2008 Posts: 195	12gauge 1 oz slugs make a hell of a hole and the ballistics to a 100 yards are just as good if not better than most pistol rounds. plus a box of 5 is only like 2.80. __________________ Beware the man with one rifle... He probobly knows how to use it.

February 8, 2009, 11:57 PM	#13
Crankylove Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2008 Location: The land of green Jello and vanilla icecream Posts: 1,197	I would go with a lever gun in .44 mag or .45 Colt. __________________ "As we know, there are known knowns. These are things we know that we know. We also know there are known unknowns. That is to say, we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns, the ones we don't know we don't know."

February 9, 2009, 12:01 AM	#14
Smallgame2100 Junior member Join Date: January 8, 2009 Location: New York Posts: 164	ddeyo-youre lucky that slugs are around 3 bucks. Around here, slugs are easily $5+ for 5rds. I wouldnt be caught dead with anything except a shotgun or a .22

February 9, 2009, 12:29 AM	#16
458winshooter Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2008 Location: Louisville,Tn Posts: 379	Your choice Anything 357 mag or bigger will do the trick.

February 9, 2009, 01:09 AM	#17
ReadyOnTheRight Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2002 Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota Posts: 372	I'd choose... -The rifled sabot in a rifled shotgun barrel -The SUV -The high-paid tax attorney/accountant -The very small 9mm and 45acp 10-round handgun -The "For Sale" sign on your private gun at a gun show All "loopholes" through stupid laws, rules and regulations. 50 years ago, a person could use a rifle for deer hunting, drive a cheap 8-cylinder car, do my own taxes, build and sell a 1000-round pistol (physics permitting), and buy a gun through the mail without a background check anywhere in the USA. Have the related laws actually made anything better? The so-called "loophole" is merely the human being excercising our inherent ability to innovate, adapt and overcome stupid laws. As far as reality goes, I would choose a Rem 870 with a rifled barrel, a Ruger Redhawk in .44 mag, a Marlin 1894 in .44 mag, a T/C Encore w/ 209x50 barrel and a Oneida Eagle bow. All of the above. I wouls also add a nice Savage Scout in .308 with a Leupold EER scope because it gets me 3 deer seasons in 2 zones that cover the entire state here in Minnesota. YMMV. __________________ "Personal weapons are what raised mankind out of the mud, and the rifle is the queen of personal weapons. The possession of a good rifle, as well as the skill to use it well, truly makes a man the monarch of all he surveys." -Jeff Cooper, The Art of the Rifle-

February 9, 2009, 11:06 AM	#18
taylorce1 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2005 Location: Colorado Springs, CO & Lubbock, TX Posts: 4,706	Personally I would hunt as many seasons as I possibly could. With new ML technology and some of the slug guns available I wouldn’t be afraid to use them as well or feel hindered by them in any way. As far as your pistol calibers go check out this link: http://357maximum.com/ Last edited by taylorce1; February 10, 2009 at 05:48 PM.

February 9, 2009, 06:14 PM	#19
Daryl Senior Member Join Date: July 11, 2008 Posts: 2,350	I have a '92 Winchester in .45 Colt, and I'd not hesitate to use it for hunting deer. It's my saddle gun when I'm bear hunting and such, but it'd kill a deer easily enough. Range would be similar to most muzzleloaders, with quicker follow up shots. Shotguns are generally limited to two rounds in the chamber, and most aren't all that accurate (although they can be). Because of the weight of slugs and the pattern of shot, they don't work well for longer range shots. I've never hunting in Indiana, so I don't know how far shots are generally taken. Even so, I think a pistol caliber rifle would work as well or better than the others. Of course, given the chance I'd do as suggested above; just hunt with each in their respective seasons. If limited to one, then I'd go with the rifle chambered in a pistol cartridge. Personally, I'd use a .44 mag, or .45 Colt loaded heavy. I use 300 gr bullets in mine, pushed to about 1700 fps in the rifle. Daryl

February 9, 2009, 07:32 PM	#20
kyle663 Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2008 Location: IL Posts: 311	I didnt think a 45 colt would be that efective at 200 yards Daryl. anything that far out is bp country with me. __________________ NRA member 22LR,17hmr, 9mm, 9mm makarov, 38 S&W, 38/357, 41mag, 44mag, 45ACP, 7.62x39, 7.62x54, 222rem

February 9, 2009, 08:07 PM	#22
Swampghost Senior Member Join Date: April 18, 2008 Location: Florida, east coast Posts: 2,106	My favorite all around rifle is a Marlin 1894 in .44 Mag, 18" bbl. With old eyes and a scope zeroed @100 it shoots a little over 1" high @ 50 and 14" low @ 200 w/3" groups. Good enough to send any deer to the meat pot. __________________ NRA Patron Member

February 9, 2009, 09:59 PM	#23
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 10,817	I would think that .44 mag would do a pretty slick number on a whitetail. No brainer as far as I'm concerned. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

February 10, 2009, 03:47 PM	#24
L_Killkenny Senior Member Join Date: February 2, 2007 Location: Iowa Posts: 2,556	I'd like to know who the heck is still voting "shotgun" when a neat handy rifle is legal. Nuts I tell you! Just nuts!!! If Iowa opens up deer hunting to pistol caliber rifles my slug gun is gonna go in on a trade as quick as I possibly can.

February 10, 2009, 05:15 PM	#25
kyle663 Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2008 Location: IL Posts: 311	i feel your pain Daryl. had that happen to me back when i used a percussion cap ML. went to the 209 and no longer a problem. i just wasnt sure a 45 could do that good at that range. myself I hunt with whatever i can. __________________ NRA member 22LR,17hmr, 9mm, 9mm makarov, 38 S&W, 38/357, 41mag, 44mag, 45ACP, 7.62x39, 7.62x54, 222rem