#1947541 - 06/02/10 11:46 PM
Pistol Hunting
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ThunderHead85
Spike
Registered: 06/02/10
Posts: 50
Loc: Middle,TN
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For those of you that have taken deer with a pistol i would like to know what caliber you used and what you would recommend. And also any other tips you are willing to give.
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#1947542 - 06/02/10 11:47 PM
Re: Pistol Hunting
[Re: ThunderHead85]
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ThunderHead85
Spike
Registered: 06/02/10
Posts: 50
Loc: Middle,TN
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ThunderHead85
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#1947596 - 06/03/10 05:59 AM
Re: Pistol Hunting
[Re: ThunderHead85]
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Bottom Hunter
16 Point
Registered: 12/29/06
Posts: 15480
Loc: Hatchie Bottoms
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I would like to try this as well...
BH
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Walk away; the battle they are fighting is not with you, but with themselves.
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#1947615 - 06/03/10 06:28 AM
Re: Pistol Hunting
[Re: Bottom Hunter]
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BSK
Jerkasourous of the non-typical kind
Non-Typical
Registered: 03/11/99
Posts: 59548
Loc: Nashville, TN
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Some don't consider them "pistols," but for several years, myself and my brothers only gun-hunted deer with Contenders. Our favortire calibers were .357 Herret, 7mm TCU and .357 Maximum.
_________________________
"Know where you stand, and stand there" --Jesuit Father Daniel Berrigan
"There is no reasoning someone out of a position he has not reasoned himself into." --Clive James
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#1947741 - 06/03/10 08:58 AM
Re: Pistol Hunting
[Re: BSK]
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Mr.Bro
8 Point
Registered: 08/02/09
Posts: 2350
Loc: Hendersonville Tn.
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375JDJ in an Encore.Very powerful and more accurate with TC's factory ammo,then any handloads in any caliber i have ever shot.
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Fight Organized Crime-Reelect No one.
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#1947783 - 06/03/10 09:19 AM
Re: Pistol Hunting
[Re: Mr.Bro]
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mathews338
10 Point
Registered: 11/05/09
Posts: 3974
Loc: jackson co.
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the contenders are great guns but the only deer i ever killed with a pistol was with a ruger redhawk 44mag
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#1947801 - 06/03/10 09:28 AM
Re: Pistol Hunting
[Re: mathews338]
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RecurveShooter
6 Point
Registered: 03/16/07
Posts: 631
Loc: Henderson County
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Colt 45acp
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#1947842 - 06/03/10 09:59 AM
Re: Pistol Hunting
[Re: BSK]
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stik
TnDeer Old Timer
16 Point
Registered: 03/12/99
Posts: 18423
Loc: lenoir city,tn
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Some don't consider them "pistols," but for several years, myself and my brothers only gun-hunted deer with Contenders.
count me among those that don't consider those pistols. they are just short rifles. pistols come in pistol calibers.
_________________________
experienced hunters know its not just a bushy white tail, its a big middle finger.
nothing makes a fish bigger than almost being caught
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#1947906 - 06/03/10 10:31 AM
Re: Pistol Hunting
[Re: stik]
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Winchester
Non-Typical
Registered: 12/05/03
Posts: 25229
Loc: TN
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Ruger super Redhawk in.480 with Leupold scope.
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#1947911 - 06/03/10 10:35 AM
Re: Pistol Hunting
[Re: Winchester]
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tndrbstr
16 Point
Registered: 10/06/05
Posts: 12157
Loc: knox co tn
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usually a 44 any more,...I have kille em with .357 to...
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#1947913 - 06/03/10 10:36 AM
Re: Pistol Hunting
[Re: Winchester]
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ThunderHead85
Spike
Registered: 06/02/10
Posts: 50
Loc: Middle,TN
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I am looking at a Ruger GP 100 in 357 magnum but i am concerned about that having enough power for deer.
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#1947976 - 06/03/10 11:08 AM
Re: Pistol Hunting
[Re: ThunderHead85]
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44fanatic
12 Point
Registered: 01/01/08
Posts: 6055
Loc: Clarksville, Montgomery Cnty
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I have not taken a deer with it but I carry a Ruger Super Blackhawk in 44mag. Its a heavy pistol but recoil is manageable. Not afraid to take it to the range and run through 50-100 rounds.
I have ran into one gentleman who has taken plenty of deer with a SBH chambered in 357. All of his deer were taken less than 50 yards.
For discussion purpose: I have talked with another gentleman who said that 45 long colt was great for deer as long as you reloaded. Stated that factory ammo was underpowered and not anywhere nears its full potential.
_________________________
Bill
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#1947985 - 06/03/10 11:20 AM
Re: Pistol Hunting
[Re: 44fanatic]
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ThunderHead85
Spike
Registered: 06/02/10
Posts: 50
Loc: Middle,TN
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I was just worried on the recoil of a .44 mag. How long is the barrel on your SBH?
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#1947986 - 06/03/10 11:22 AM
Re: Pistol Hunting
[Re: ThunderHead85]
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bobthebowhunter
10 Point
Registered: 11/20/07
Posts: 2997
Loc: Knoxvegas
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I am looking at a Ruger GP 100 in 357 magnum but i am concerned about that having enough power for deer.
plenty of power imo I used to hunt with a smith 357 but never got a shot.
_________________________
"I have two guns....one for each of ya."
ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!!!
ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ
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#1948028 - 06/03/10 12:02 PM
Re: Pistol Hunting
[Re: bobthebowhunter]
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ThunderHead85
Spike
Registered: 06/02/10
Posts: 50
Loc: Middle,TN
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Has anyone killed one with just iron sights or does everybody use scopes.
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#1948032 - 06/03/10 12:05 PM
Re: Pistol Hunting
[Re: ThunderHead85]
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44fanatic
12 Point
Registered: 01/01/08
Posts: 6055
Loc: Clarksville, Montgomery Cnty
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I was just worried on the recoil of a .44 mag. How long is the barrel on your SBH?
It has a 7" barrel. Pistol with scope weighs close to 4lbs. The only issue I have had with it is being able to find a scope or dot sight compatible with the Ruger rings in a price range that I could afford. Had to look at scopes less than $150 and refused to put a Simmons on it.
http://www.ruger.com/products/newModelSuperBlackhawkHunter/index.html
_________________________
Bill
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#1948034 - 06/03/10 12:13 PM
Re: Pistol Hunting
[Re: 44fanatic]
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ThunderHead85
Spike
Registered: 06/02/10
Posts: 50
Loc: Middle,TN
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Sounds like a great setup
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#1948038 - 06/03/10 12:17 PM
Re: Pistol Hunting
[Re: ThunderHead85]
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BSK
Jerkasourous of the non-typical kind
Non-Typical
Registered: 03/11/99
Posts: 59548
Loc: Nashville, TN
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If you get a scope, get a very low power scope. It can be darn hard to find a deer in scope 3x or higher as the gun is held out so far from the eye. I eventually went to 1.5x scopes on my Contenders.
_________________________
"Know where you stand, and stand there" --Jesuit Father Daniel Berrigan
"There is no reasoning someone out of a position he has not reasoned himself into." --Clive James
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#1948077 - 06/03/10 12:41 PM
Re: Pistol Hunting
[Re: ThunderHead85]
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Wes Parrish
16 Point
Registered: 06/12/02
Posts: 16955
Loc: Knoxville-Dover-Union City, TN
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Has anyone killed one with just iron sights or does everybody use scopes.
Although the only deer I've taken with a "real" pistol was with iron sights on a 4" barrel Colt Python in .357 Mag, my opinion is that a very low power scope (or Burris Fastfire) is the way to go.
Had a "wild hair" to do that, but was very unimpressed with the potential killing ability of a pistol compared to say, a 30/06 or some other traditional rifle caliber in a rifle. Even with a scope, you are generally going to significantly limit your high-probability range (compared to a scoped rifle) with even the hottest loads in a Contender or other "short rifle" type pistol. I'm sure some pistol enthusiasts are going to come up with all kinds of exceptions where they "can" kill a deer just as far with a pistol as they would be shooting with a rifle, but generally speaking, that will not be the case under most hunting circumstances.
At the end of the day, I'm more a hunter than a particular weapon enthusiast, and am usually going to hunt with the most effective legal weapon in my arsenal. Some of you may change your fascination with pistol hunting real fast when you have an easy rifle shot at the buck of a lifetime, but can't take it with a pistol. For me, it was like, why should I limit myself to a spear when I have a rifle?
But to those who prefer using pistols or long bows during rifle season, more power to you.
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#1948221 - 06/03/10 02:08 PM
Re: Pistol Hunting
[Re: bobthebowhunter]
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tndrbstr
16 Point
Registered: 10/06/05
Posts: 12157
Loc: knox co tn
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I am looking at a Ruger GP 100 in 357 magnum but i am concerned about that having enough power for deer. plenty of power imo I used to hunt with a smith 357 but never got a shot.
I killed this deer with a model 19 smith n wesson in the .357 mag...iron sights..
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#1948225 - 06/03/10 02:10 PM
Re: Pistol Hunting
[Re: tndrbstr]
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BigSatt
10 Point
Registered: 05/15/09
Posts: 3499
Loc: Northern Middle Tn.
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Good looking deer, tndrbstr.
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#1948231 - 06/03/10 02:15 PM
Re: Pistol Hunting
[Re: BigSatt]
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Winchester
Non-Typical
Registered: 12/05/03
Posts: 25229
Loc: TN
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Nice buck!
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#1948241 - 06/03/10 02:32 PM
Re: Pistol Hunting
[Re: ThunderHead85]
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Tracker
6 Point
Registered: 10/22/01
Posts: 610
Loc: South Fulton,TN. USA
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I have Ruger GP100 in .357 Magnum never taken it hunting but would not b affraid to It is a very accurate pistol with the rite load and the deer being at the rite distance you shouldnt have any problem with killing one.
_________________________
American by birth, Southern by the grace of God
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#1948286 - 06/03/10 03:34 PM
Re: Pistol Hunting
[Re: Tracker]
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ThunderHead85
Spike
Registered: 06/02/10
Posts: 50
Loc: Middle,TN
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Well thanks guys for all this info.
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#1948289 - 06/03/10 03:35 PM
Re: Pistol Hunting
[Re: ThunderHead85]
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ThunderHead85
Spike
Registered: 06/02/10
Posts: 50
Loc: Middle,TN
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tndrbstr,how far was your shot on that buck?
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#1948420 - 06/03/10 05:27 PM
Re: Pistol Hunting
[Re: ThunderHead85]
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tndrbstr
16 Point
Registered: 10/06/05
Posts: 12157
Loc: knox co tn
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tndrbstr,how far was your shot on that buck?
about 20 feet,...but I have killed em up to 30 yrds or so with the 357....the reason I started shooting the 44 was I felt a little more comfortable at stretching the distance with it...I put a scope on the 44 also...
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#1948487 - 06/03/10 06:31 PM
Re: Pistol Hunting
[Re: ]
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lung-buster
8 Point
Registered: 09/16/08
Posts: 1834
Loc: Southern Middle Tn
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357 Ruger Blachawk
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#1948634 - 06/03/10 09:19 PM
Re: Pistol Hunting
[Re: lung-buster]
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gator-n-buck
16 Point
Registered: 10/22/08
Posts: 14908
Loc: Knox, TN / Palatka, FL
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One day I might have to buy a pistol barrel for my ole encore... Sounds like fun...
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#1948719 - 06/03/10 09:56 PM
Re: Pistol Hunting
[Re: gator-n-buck]
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BowGirl
6 Point
Registered: 07/20/09
Posts: 696
Loc: Tennessee
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A couple of years ago a hung up my deer rifle for a contender pistol. Mine (no pic)has a 16" barrel, scope and this folding stock by choate tool. Its good out to 150 and almost as light as my 44 S&W revolver. Sweet rig for sho. They make a velcro bullet holder that mounts around the forearm of a contender stock that is pretty nifty. I think its 6$ sportmansguide.com
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#1948843 - 06/04/10 06:10 AM
Re: Pistol Hunting
[Re: BowGirl]
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Wes Parrish
16 Point
Registered: 06/12/02
Posts: 16955
Loc: Knoxville-Dover-Union City, TN
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But NOT EXACTLY what comes to mind when someone says PISTOL. 
Hunting with that would seem more akin to using a rifle IMO.
Certainly an "easy carry" rifle! 
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#1949287 - 06/04/10 02:50 PM
Re: Pistol Hunting
[Re: tndrbstr]
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ShaneHallum
Good ol' Boys
16 Point
Registered: 08/30/08
Posts: 11458
Loc: Belk Tennessee
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.44mag and a .454 casull here
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"Welcome to Tennessee, the patron state of shooting stuff."
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#1949311 - 06/04/10 03:27 PM
Re: Pistol Hunting
[Re: ShaneHallum]
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ThunderHead85
Spike
Registered: 06/02/10
Posts: 50
Loc: Middle,TN
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Nice deer.Is it hard to control the accuracy on that gun with the recoil?
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#1949412 - 06/04/10 04:59 PM
Re: Pistol Hunting
[Re: ThunderHead85]
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Timber Ghost
8 Point
Registered: 09/07/08
Posts: 1262
Loc: Tn. Blount
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I use a 44mag TC with a 10 inch ported barrel and a red dot scope. Pacymer grips and forearm. Comfortable out to 50 yds.
_________________________
Animal rights "What do you feel when you shoot an innocent deer?"
Hunter "A slight recoil."
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#1949608 - 06/04/10 09:20 PM
Re: Pistol Hunting
[Re: Wes Parrish]
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BowGirl
6 Point
Registered: 07/20/09
Posts: 696
Loc: Tennessee
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But NOT EXACTLY what comes to mind when someone says PISTOL. Hunting with that would seem more akin to using a rifle IMO. Certainly an "easy carry" rifle!
Well the guy at the store said it was a pistol. 
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#1949911 - 06/04/10 11:50 PM
Re: Pistol Hunting
[Re: bobthebowhunter]
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Tiny
16 Point
Registered: 02/09/02
Posts: 17602
Loc: Knoxville
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I am looking at a Ruger GP 100 in 357 magnum but i am concerned about that having enough power for deer. plenty of power imo I used to hunt with a smith 357 but never got a shot.
Agree way more than enough and I still from time to carry my old DW 357,either the blame deer won't cooperate or I get in hurry and bust em with the rifle instead.
_________________________
Have a Great Day and God Bless
God Answers Prayers Yes No or Not Yet
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#1949937 - 06/05/10 12:17 AM
Re: Pistol Hunting
[Re: Tiny]
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Whitehorse
TnDeer Old Timer
16 Point
Registered: 08/23/99
Posts: 10593
Loc: Pegram TN USA
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I've taken a couple of deer with my iron-sighted S&W model 29, 8 & 3/8" barrell. One was at about 10 feet, the other maybe 15 yards. 240gr hollow point through the lungs on one led to a 40 yard trail & the other broke the spine & led to no trail.
_________________________
The greatest among you will be servant of all
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#1951633 - 06/07/10 08:00 AM
Re: Pistol Hunting
[Re: Whitehorse]
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Longhunter
10 Point
Registered: 09/03/08
Posts: 3788
Loc: Brewstertown in Morgan County...
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I use a Ruger Blackhawk in 45 Colt. It has a 4 5/8 inch barrel. Winchester Silvertip 225 grain hollow points have given me 5 one shot, drop in their tracks, kills! These were all mature does that dressed between 90-110lbs.
I took a small six point with that pistol and a Hornady XTP 230 grain over 9 grains of Unique. Again, a one shot drop.
I took an eight point that dressed 153 lbs with the same pistol but a 300 grain Speer soft point over 21 grains of Winchester 296. The bullet passed through both shoulders and the deer pointed all four legs heavenward.
I borrowed my Dad's Super Black Hawk 44 mag 10 1/2 inch barrel once and took a 111 lb doe with a 200 grain Winchester Silvertip 44 Special load. I shot her in the neck at about twenty yards she dropped so quick I thought I had missed!
None of these shots were more than 40 yards. Most of them were under twenty. One doe was about 4 yards! I firmly believe that those heavy bullets at moderate velocities hit like sledge hammers. Only the eight point was a pass through shot but it was with a maximum load and he was only about 15 yards. Therefore the deer were absorbing 100% of the bullets power ant 100% of the energy was transferred to the target.
I heartily recommend the 45 Colt. It is a highly versatile round. If you reload you can slightly best the 44 magnum. It also shares the same bullet diameter as the 45acp so you can use 230 grain XTP's in both with good effect. They have many compatable powders as well.
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#1951639 - 06/07/10 08:16 AM
Re: Pistol Hunting
[Re: Wes Parrish]
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Rowdy
14 Point
Registered: 12/25/07
Posts: 9377
Loc: ky lake
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Some of you may change your fascination with pistol hunting real fast when you have an easy rifle shot at the buck of a lifetime, but can't take it with a pistol. For me, it was like, why should I limit myself to a spear when I have a rifle?
_________________________
Gone fish'n....be back for deer season
EARL PITTS is my HERO!
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#1951875 - 06/07/10 11:31 AM
Re: Pistol Hunting
[Re: ThunderHead85]
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Unicam
Grumpaw
16 Point
Registered: 12/13/00
Posts: 17441
Loc: Dallas, GA. & Cookeville, TN
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.45 ACP and open sights.
_________________________
"Gun Free Zones are for VICTIMS!"
John 15:13
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#1951969 - 06/07/10 12:54 PM
Re: Pistol Hunting
[Re: Unicam]
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ThunderHead85
Spike
Registered: 06/02/10
Posts: 50
Loc: Middle,TN
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Longhunter, do you like that gun being a single action?
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#1952476 - 06/07/10 07:29 PM
Re: Pistol Hunting
[Re: ]
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tndrbstr
16 Point
Registered: 10/06/05
Posts: 12157
Loc: knox co tn
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Longhunter, do you like that gun being a single action? IMO whether the revolver is SA or DA i always cock the hammer back before shooting an animal \ less trigger pull is best
yep,...there is just to much travel not to load the hammer up...
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#1952895 - 06/08/10 08:09 AM
Re: Pistol Hunting
[Re: tndrbstr]
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Longhunter
10 Point
Registered: 09/03/08
Posts: 3788
Loc: Brewstertown in Morgan County...
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Yes! The plow handle type grips found on most single actions fit my hand well. Single actions are very strong and can stand up to heavy handloads. DA is correct about less trigger pull is best.
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#1953040 - 06/08/10 10:48 AM
Re: Pistol Hunting
[Re: Longhunter]
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Mountian Man_TN
4 Point
Registered: 05/25/09
Posts: 185
Loc: EAST TN
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S&W mdl 57 6" .41 mag 210 home lead cast swc bullet. Iron sights. 5 deer
45 LC. Ruger Vaquero 7 1/2" 230gr CCI blazer JHP factory. 2 deer.
but my favorite is still my win 94 30-30 150gr BT HPBT. one in the chamber only. the rest 150 factory STHP.
_________________________
"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote."
Benjamin Franklin, 1759
LEGALIZE FREEDOM!
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