pistol hunters!

troy_mclure · December 1, 2009, 10:53 PM

what do you use?

ive killed a few deer, and pigs with my sbh in .44mag.
ive killed tons of pests and squirrels, and rabbits, with my sig trailside.

ive got a new 10mm 1911 that im planning on using for deer and pigs.

Doyle · December 1, 2009, 11:21 PM

This year, I bought myself a REAL hunting pistol - but I havn't had anything show up while carrying it. It is a Remington XP-100R in .260 with a 2.5-8 Leupold.

LHB1 · December 2, 2009, 12:24 AM

For the last several years I hunted deer and hogs with a S&W M629 Classic, 6.5" barrel, with 2X EER Leupold scope and custom Jordan Trooper stocks by Steve Herrett. Had shots at 2 deer and 2 feral hogs; killed same.

Old Grump · December 2, 2009, 05:21 AM

Used a Dan Wesson 357 for nearly 25 years, a few years ago I switched to a Ruger Super Black Hawk 44 mag. Both worked but I use them less as old age takes it toll on legs and eyes. Your 10 MM will be fine, think of it as a 41 magnum in a pistol instead of a revolver.

bswiv · December 2, 2009, 05:35 AM

Started off with a Ruger Blackhawk in .357. That was 33 years ago. It worked OK but I felt undergunned. Next one was a Super Blackhawk in .44 Mag. Both of these were iron sighted. Took quite a few deer and hogs in NE Fl and SE GA with them.

About 25 years ago swapped the Ruger for a Contender with a 14 inch barrel. Out a Leupold 1.5 EER on it. Still have that one even though we seldom pistol hunt anymore. In fact the wife took a hog with it a couple of seasons ago.

DiscoRacing · December 2, 2009, 07:32 AM

S&W 629 44mag with ported 8 inch barrel

Flapjack23 · December 2, 2009, 08:53 AM

Ruger Super Redhawk in .480 Ruger. BU to rifle and maybe for close shots.

Andy

jal5 · December 2, 2009, 12:06 PM

Will be using the S&W M66, 6" this weekend with my own reloads. Open sights so I will limit myself to 20-25yds max.

Joe

shortwave · December 2, 2009, 02:57 PM

Started out with .357 then 41mag next was 44 all SBH. Now its a 475/480 linebaugh from BFR.

taylorce1 · December 2, 2009, 03:05 PM

I have a 14" 7mm-08 Encore pistol. Haven't hunted anything with it yet, still trying to get my groups better at 100 yards. Had a .280 GNR (think 7mm Rem Mag performance) that thing was a beast, didn't like to shoot it at all.

Have a buddy who hunts with a whole bunch of chambers in his contender. Proably one of his favorites is the .357 Max. I've personally been with him when he got his bear with a .358 JDJ, and his pronghorn buck with a .30-30 AI. I've shot his HS Precision .308 pistol as well, that one I was able to print a .5" group at 100 with three shots.

omega · December 2, 2009, 03:23 PM

Quote:

This year, I bought myself a REAL hunting pistol - but I havn't had anything show up while carrying it. It is a Remington XP-100R in .260 with a 2.5-8 Leupold.

I'm with you, Doyle.

Years and years ago (way out in the country and before liberals and PC) used an XP chambered in .17 Mach IV for road hunting fox and pheasant. It seemed almost unfair for anything within 100 yards of the road.

cheff · December 2, 2009, 05:34 PM

S&W 460 for large game.

Encore .223 for coyotes and varmit

And I have taken several jacks and cottontails with my Beretta 9mm, love shooting them on the run with 92fs

eastbank · December 2, 2009, 05:55 PM

doyle, here are my remington xp-100R,s. a 223rem. with a 5x burris eer and a 260 rem. with a leupold 2.5x8 eer. ex long range pistols. eastbank.

infntryblu · December 4, 2009, 05:21 AM

Used a Ruger deer slayer since the mid sixties. A lot of deer all over the country, some wild pigsm and javalina. Even a moose in Alaska. Got into hand gunning in the eighties. Ruger 22 semi for rabbits and such. 14 inch 223 TC for varmints. 44 automag for deer, pigs, and a Buffalo. Was going to use a 10 inch TC in 357 maxi this year, but couldn't get in for a good kill shot. Practice a lot with your hand gun, get in range for a good killing shot, and most of all know shot placement. enjoy

Doyle · December 4, 2009, 08:20 AM

Sweet Eastbank. I decided not to put a bipod on mine. When hunting on the ground, I ususally carry one of those long bipods that expands from about 18" up to about 4'. I figured that was good enough.

Tell me, what do you transport your's in? I had a hard time finding the right sized case. The closest I could get was a case meant for a paintball marker gun.

MHbushmaster · December 4, 2009, 11:43 AM

SW 1006.

Chambered in 10mm Auto, it isn't my designated hunting firearm (I usually prefer long arms: rifles and shotguns), but its my close in/finishing a deer off firearm.

I took a 110 button buck a few weeks ago from 5 yards. Head shot. Bang flop.
Bullet placed just below the ear.

eastbank · December 4, 2009, 12:01 PM

doyle, i transport it in a case made for a scoped assult rifle, short but wide. eastbank.

Legionnaire · December 4, 2009, 02:53 PM

Over the years I've taken deer with a 9.5" SuperRedhawk .44, and a 14" T/C Encore in .243. Most recent setup, which replaced the SRH, is a 5.5" Redhawk also in .44 ... yet to be blooded.

14cm · December 6, 2009, 01:20 PM

freedom arms, m83 454 casull

tc contender in a 30 bellm.

critter44 · December 6, 2009, 03:06 PM

Started with an old Ruger Blackhawk .357 mag ->Ruger Redhawk .44 mag -> Ruger Blackhawk Hunter model (new issue) also in .44 mag.

Alternately, TC Contender super 14" 30-30 win.

Another alternate is a FA .454. I have not taken a deer with it yet.

The first two have taken quite a number of deer and hogs. I LOVE handgun hunting! It is a BLAST! (Pun intended!)

jal5 · December 6, 2009, 04:22 PM

No deer yet with the 357. Missed a nice doe yesterday, about 40 yds. a little beyond my comfortable range for accuracy with this gun. I should have waited since she was headed my way but she started looking spooky. Clean miss. I have one more weekend in 2 weeks for gun season.

Does everyone use some type of hearing protection hunting with pistol? The report with the 357 mag was tough on my hearing, a lot more than I anticipated. What hearing protection do you use?

Joe

MKII · December 7, 2009, 01:49 PM

Cabelas or any sports store has some neat era muffs that enhance the sounds around you until it detects the shot and it shuts of the sound if it exceeds a certain db level. Don't have one myself but i have used them and they are amazing. you can get them for 40 bucks or so!

Brian Pfleuger · December 7, 2009, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jal5

Does everyone use some type of hearing protection hunting with pistol? The report with the 357 mag was tough on my hearing, a lot more than I anticipated. What hearing protection do you use?

Quote:

Originally Posted by MkII

Cabelas or any sports store has some neat era muffs that enhance the sounds around you until it detects the shot and it shuts of the sound if it exceeds a certain db level. Don't have one myself but i have used them and they are amazing. you can get them for 40 bucks or so!

As stated by MkII, most of the big box sporting goods store now carry some version of electronic protection. You should never discharge any firearm of any kind without hearing protection

See this thread for information.

Now back to the regularly scheduled OP.

Legionnaire · December 9, 2009, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Does everyone use some type of hearing protection hunting with pistol?

I do. I took one shot at a buck with a ported T/C Contender in .30-30 on a Friday years ago; first and only time I shot that gun without hearing protection. My ears were ringing all weekend. Monday morning I ordered a set of Peltor Tac-7s that I now wear any time I'm hunting with a handgun. Thank God my doctor reported no perceptible hearing loss as a result of the incident; it really scared me at the time.

Joshx3 · December 9, 2009, 05:28 PM

Hey everyone! I'm really, really fascinated by the concept of pistol hunting. I love to shoot pistols and own several but I have never hunted with one.

What pistol/revolver would you guys recommend as a good starting weapon for such an endeavor?

Also, while I'm here, I'm not sure if you guys have seen my post on our new hunting magazine, HuntX3. I'm the Editor. The reason I bring it up here is because I think, after reading this thread, it would be GREAT to have some content in our magazine about pistol hunts! Would any of you be interested in writing an article about it? Maybe a story about your recent hunt with a couple of pictures, or an advice article about how to get started (which would help our readers AND me as I get into it)

Let me know and get in touch!

Happy Holidays!

Josh

December 1, 2009, 10:53 PM	#1
troy_mclure Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2008 Location: gulf of mexico Posts: 2,716	pistol hunters! what do you use? ive killed a few deer, and pigs with my sbh in .44mag. ive killed tons of pests and squirrels, and rabbits, with my sig trailside. ive got a new 10mm 1911 that im planning on using for deer and pigs. __________________ There is only one tactical principle which is not subject to change. It is to use the means at hand to inflict the maximum amount of wound, death, and destruction on the enemy in the minimum amount of time."

December 2, 2009, 12:24 AM	#3
LHB1 Senior Member Join Date: March 25, 2005 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 1,545	For the last several years I hunted deer and hogs with a S&W M629 Classic, 6.5" barrel, with 2X EER Leupold scope and custom Jordan Trooper stocks by Steve Herrett. Had shots at 2 deer and 2 feral hogs; killed same. __________________ Good shooting and be safe. LB

December 2, 2009, 05:21 AM	#4
Old Grump Member in memoriam Join Date: April 9, 2009 Location: Blue River Wisconsin, in Posts: 3,144	Used a Dan Wesson 357 for nearly 25 years, a few years ago I switched to a Ruger Super Black Hawk 44 mag. Both worked but I use them less as old age takes it toll on legs and eyes. Your 10 MM will be fine, think of it as a 41 magnum in a pistol instead of a revolver. __________________ Good intentions will always be pleaded for any assumption of power. The Constitution was made to guard the people against the dangers of good intentions. There are men in all ages who mean to govern will, but they mean to govern. They promise to be good masters, but they mean to be masters. --Daniel Webster--

December 2, 2009, 12:06 PM	#8
jal5 Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 2009 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 419	Will be using the S&W M66, 6" this weekend with my own reloads. Open sights so I will limit myself to 20-25yds max. Joe __________________ We live in the greatest country on Earth- always be thankful!

December 4, 2009, 02:53 PM	#18
Legionnaire Senior Member Join Date: July 25, 2000 Location: Central TX Posts: 1,503	Over the years I've taken deer with a 9.5" SuperRedhawk .44, and a 14" T/C Encore in .243. Most recent setup, which replaced the SRH, is a 5.5" Redhawk also in .44 ... yet to be blooded. __________________ Cogito, ergo armatus sum.

December 1, 2009, 11:21 PM	#2
Doyle Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2007 Location: Rainbow City, Alabama Posts: 7,167	This year, I bought myself a REAL hunting pistol - but I havn't had anything show up while carrying it. It is a Remington XP-100R in .260 with a 2.5-8 Leupold.

December 2, 2009, 05:35 AM	#5
bswiv Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2006 Location: NE FL....... Posts: 1,081	Started off with a Ruger Blackhawk in .357. That was 33 years ago. It worked OK but I felt undergunned. Next one was a Super Blackhawk in .44 Mag. Both of these were iron sighted. Took quite a few deer and hogs in NE Fl and SE GA with them. About 25 years ago swapped the Ruger for a Contender with a 14 inch barrel. Out a Leupold 1.5 EER on it. Still have that one even though we seldom pistol hunt anymore. In fact the wife took a hog with it a couple of seasons ago.

December 2, 2009, 07:32 AM	#6
DiscoRacing Senior Member Join Date: December 19, 2008 Location: milton, wv Posts: 3,640	S&W 629 44mag with ported 8 inch barrel

December 2, 2009, 08:53 AM	#7
Flapjack23 Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 2009 Location: Yale MI Posts: 163	Ruger Super Redhawk in .480 Ruger. BU to rifle and maybe for close shots. Andy

December 2, 2009, 02:57 PM	#9
shortwave Senior Member Join Date: December 17, 2007 Location: SOUTHEAST, OHIO Posts: 5,970	Started out with .357 then 41mag next was 44 all SBH. Now its a 475/480 linebaugh from BFR.

December 2, 2009, 03:05 PM	#10
taylorce1 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2005 Location: On the Santa Fe Trail Posts: 8,249	I have a 14" 7mm-08 Encore pistol. Haven't hunted anything with it yet, still trying to get my groups better at 100 yards. Had a .280 GNR (think 7mm Rem Mag performance) that thing was a beast, didn't like to shoot it at all. Have a buddy who hunts with a whole bunch of chambers in his contender. Proably one of his favorites is the .357 Max. I've personally been with him when he got his bear with a .358 JDJ, and his pronghorn buck with a .30-30 AI. I've shot his HS Precision .308 pistol as well, that one I was able to print a .5" group at 100 with three shots.

December 2, 2009, 05:34 PM	#12
cheff Member Join Date: June 4, 2009 Location: San Diego Posts: 25	S&W 460 for large game. Encore .223 for coyotes and varmit And I have taken several jacks and cottontails with my Beretta 9mm, love shooting them on the run with 92fs

December 4, 2009, 05:21 AM	#14
infntryblu Junior Member Join Date: December 4, 2009 Location: i'm a new snow bird south in the winter north in the summer Posts: 9	Used a Ruger deer slayer since the mid sixties. A lot of deer all over the country, some wild pigsm and javalina. Even a moose in Alaska. Got into hand gunning in the eighties. Ruger 22 semi for rabbits and such. 14 inch 223 TC for varmints. 44 automag for deer, pigs, and a Buffalo. Was going to use a 10 inch TC in 357 maxi this year, but couldn't get in for a good kill shot. Practice a lot with your hand gun, get in range for a good killing shot, and most of all know shot placement. enjoy

December 4, 2009, 08:20 AM	#15
Doyle Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2007 Location: Rainbow City, Alabama Posts: 7,167	Sweet Eastbank. I decided not to put a bipod on mine. When hunting on the ground, I ususally carry one of those long bipods that expands from about 18" up to about 4'. I figured that was good enough. Tell me, what do you transport your's in? I had a hard time finding the right sized case. The closest I could get was a case meant for a paintball marker gun.

December 4, 2009, 11:43 AM	#16
MHbushmaster Senior Member Join Date: January 25, 2007 Location: near Rochester, NY Posts: 116	SW 1006. Chambered in 10mm Auto, it isn't my designated hunting firearm (I usually prefer long arms: rifles and shotguns), but its my close in/finishing a deer off firearm. I took a 110 button buck a few weeks ago from 5 yards. Head shot. Bang flop. Bullet placed just below the ear.

December 4, 2009, 12:01 PM	#17
eastbank Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2008 Location: pa. Posts: 2,450	doyle, i transport it in a case made for a scoped assult rifle, short but wide. eastbank.

December 6, 2009, 01:20 PM	#19
14cm Senior Member Join Date: February 17, 2009 Posts: 156	freedom arms, m83 454 casull tc contender in a 30 bellm.

December 6, 2009, 03:06 PM	#20
critter44 Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2000 Posts: 247	Started with an old Ruger Blackhawk .357 mag ->Ruger Redhawk .44 mag -> Ruger Blackhawk Hunter model (new issue) also in .44 mag. Alternately, TC Contender super 14" 30-30 win. Another alternate is a FA .454. I have not taken a deer with it yet. The first two have taken quite a number of deer and hogs. I LOVE handgun hunting! It is a BLAST! (Pun intended!)

December 6, 2009, 04:22 PM	#21
jal5 Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 2009 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 419	No deer yet with the 357. Missed a nice doe yesterday, about 40 yds. a little beyond my comfortable range for accuracy with this gun. I should have waited since she was headed my way but she started looking spooky. Clean miss. I have one more weekend in 2 weeks for gun season. Does everyone use some type of hearing protection hunting with pistol? The report with the 357 mag was tough on my hearing, a lot more than I anticipated. What hearing protection do you use? Joe __________________ We live in the greatest country on Earth- always be thankful!

December 7, 2009, 01:49 PM	#22
MKII Junior Member Join Date: December 7, 2009 Posts: 5	Cabelas or any sports store has some neat era muffs that enhance the sounds around you until it detects the shot and it shuts of the sound if it exceeds a certain db level. Don't have one myself but i have used them and they are amazing. you can get them for 40 bucks or so!

December 9, 2009, 05:28 PM	#25
Joshx3 Junior Member Join Date: December 8, 2009 Posts: 4	Pistol Hunting Articles? Hey everyone! I'm really, really fascinated by the concept of pistol hunting. I love to shoot pistols and own several but I have never hunted with one. What pistol/revolver would you guys recommend as a good starting weapon for such an endeavor? Also, while I'm here, I'm not sure if you guys have seen my post on our new hunting magazine, HuntX3. I'm the Editor. The reason I bring it up here is because I think, after reading this thread, it would be GREAT to have some content in our magazine about pistol hunts! Would any of you be interested in writing an article about it? Maybe a story about your recent hunt with a couple of pictures, or an advice article about how to get started (which would help our readers AND me as I get into it) Let me know and get in touch! Happy Holidays! Josh