Ok, for a second year I want to hunt with a handgun. I need a lot of work. I had my 4" taurus 41mag on a deer this last season, but could not hold steady enough to feel comfortable taking the shot so I took one with my rifle instead. What would be the best way to correct this? Keep in mind I have only shot 2 deer in my life. I know if I go ahead and shoot one it will help me get over it, but that first shot is going to be difficult. Any tips? Also, I can't get to the range very often due to work and the distance I live from the range, so I need to practice as much at home as I can. Any opinions on which gun I should go with for my first big game hunt? My choices so far are a .357mag security six 6" barrel, a 41mag 4" barrel taurus, a 7.5" 44mag SBH, or a 8.325" 460XVR? Seems like I always shot best with my 44 with cast loads, but have not tried light loads in the 460.

I'd go with tha blackhawk, There good guns and plenty accurate. As for getting more steady I know what your talking about. I struggled with this concept for 2-3 years before I found what worked for me. I use a bi-pod on my super 14 contender if at all possible. If that won't work because of tall grass then I try to steady on a tree or shooting sticks. Just recently I started using a camera tri-pod. There light weight and super stable. So you just need to start with what you have and practice. You'll find what is best for you.

Lars

I second the above comment. Learn to use a rest --- any type of rest. Practice with "field" rests. Makes all the difference for me.

If you shoot the 44 well, look no further. Consider putting a dot sight or even a scope on it. But learn to use a rest, even if it is just your knees. With a scope, your movements are magnified. But when you get steady, your confidence grows. Shoot a lot.

Good hunting.

Lance,

I third the suggestion on the .44 mag. Then you just have to practice with it until you are confident in your ability to hit a target. The buck fever is just going to have to work out, but you are correct; once you a couple under your belt things should get a bit easier.

Yes practice and more practice are key. Muscle memory from practice will help with steadyness and control. There are lots of things you can do right at home to practice. Put up pictures on the wall from hunting mags. Then practice shooting positions from across the room. Use snap caps and dry fire at the pictures. Watch TV and draw on animals on hunting shows.

I recently have had to strengthen my muscles to get back my grip and steadness. I have a set of hand grips, the one that you squeeze. I also have a piece of flat latex that's about 4 feet long. I wrap that around the back of my leg and then grip both ends like a revolver stock and stretch it up to the ready position and hold it. This helps build the muscles for more control when freehand shooting.

Get a good air gun and a pellet trap to get in some practice at home. I use my sons Crosman 1377 and practice field shooting positions with it. You might want to pick up a .22lr handgun similar to the set-up you hunt with also. I have been amazed at how much practicing and hunting small game with .22s has improved my accuracy with big bore guns. When you can get to the range, a brick of .22 ammo provides a lot of practice with out putting a dent in the wallet. It will also help you focus on the shot and your form without the muzzleblast and recoil of larger rounds. You still have to practice with your main hunting rig, but the smaller guns will help. If you are able to hunt coyotes year round in your area that will give you more experience and help build confidence too. Good luck!

Tig I think you are right on. That is the first thing that came to my mind after reading the post. Practice is key, practice makes perfect. BUT, perfect practice makes perfect performance. In short, you are getting great advice all the way around Lance!

The sight radius on the Ruger (7.5) will help your shots.Building on a strong foundation will help you establish good habits and good muscle control.
Practicing is the key like these men are sharing with you.

do a lot of shooting. start off from the bench and get lot's of trigger time n see just how tight you can get those bullets to cluster on paper. then ALSO start shooting offhand from simulated field positions. see how far out you can accurately place a "kill shot".
buying a 22lr handgun to get in TONS of cheaper practice would be a nice addition also.

get the sbh! the longer barrel should be easier to shoot, and imo the 460 is way too much gun to learn on. the 44mag is plenty enough! best to start with the 22lr

If you're interested in learning some handgun shooting positions to better your aim, Gary has posted a good article on various positions you can use in the field while hunting. You might want to check that out. Also, a good sturdy bi pod like the BOG-PODS Bi-pod or Safari Stix II Magnum will immediately improve your hold on game.

That article will help lots and get into hunting positions to practice.I very seldom bench shoot.I always get in a position I will be in at that moment of truth.You can't practice enough.But the more you do the better the end results will be.I am a product of that fact.

I would also suggest that you consider a visit to a hunting preserve this year prior to deer season and take an animal with your handgun - after you've done some more practicing. With some species you can get pretty close and that will build your confidence when a deer comes along this fall.

all good advice if you follow it your long guns will get left at home to collect dust and you will still take game.Don't forget to go after woodchuck this summer. bring the .44 walking fields looking for chucks is a good way to stay in shape for deer season.After blasting a few ckucks or other small game deer sized targets will seem easy to hit.