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MZ84 · February 1, 2012, 03:55 AM

An entry-level handgun powerful enough to hunt deer is not an entry-level handgun, in my opinion.

You're looking at a .44 magnum Ruger Redhawk or Blackhawk, Smith 629.

But to me, a .44 magnum is a poor way to get into handgun shooting. They have a relatively steep learning curve to comfortably shoot when it comes to recoil and ammunition is harder to reload for than standard-pressure handgun rounds.

I'd consider starting with a nice .357 magnum with a six-inch barrel. It will definitely be effective against black bears. You can hunt deer, but it's certainly not an ideal caliber for the task.

Two cents. And have fun!

February 1, 2012, 03:55 AM	#6
MZ84 Member Join Date: May 30, 2010 Location: NY, NY Posts: 46	An entry-level handgun powerful enough to hunt deer is not an entry-level handgun, in my opinion. You're looking at a .44 magnum Ruger Redhawk or Blackhawk, Smith 629. But to me, a .44 magnum is a poor way to get into handgun shooting. They have a relatively steep learning curve to comfortably shoot when it comes to recoil and ammunition is harder to reload for than standard-pressure handgun rounds. I'd consider starting with a nice .357 magnum with a six-inch barrel. It will definitely be effective against black bears. You can hunt deer, but it's certainly not an ideal caliber for the task. Two cents. And have fun!