To all lurkers
#172586
09/06/2016 10:27 PM
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,502
reflex264
OP
Gun Slinger
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OP
Gun Slinger
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,502 |
Pull up a log to fire and join in. Tell us about your handgun hunts successful or not. I already know there are several of you because I have talked to you. Everyone here is just one of the boys. I haven't seen any prima donnas around here lately. Its true you can read the post here and learn a lot about handgun hunting but we might learn something from you as well. I have been at it for 35 years and I still learn all the time. If you have killed a doe we want to hear about it. This is one sight that when people tell you they are glad you are here they mean it. Join in!
"A quiet hit in the right place is better than a loud miss in the wrong place followed by 10 more shots on the run"
I was a handgun hunter, when handgun wasn't cool.....
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Re: To all lurkers
[Re: reflex264]
#172589
09/06/2016 10:44 PM
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,625
Raptortrapper
Shooting Master
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Shooting Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,625 |
If you have killed a doe we want to hear about it. ...or a squirrel, coon, rabbit, chipmunk, mouse, opossum, coon, 'yote, crow, Hillary... I mean COW, prairie dog, skunk, Pelosi... I mean PIG, aardvark, platypus, badger, Obama... I mean JACKASS, cape buffalo, alligator, ox, wolf, democrat... I mean RAT, weasel, fox, elk, deer, moose... We'd love to hear the story, and have ya join the group!
A lot of people are like a slinky: Not much fun till you push them down the stairs!
Lifetime Member of the NRA! Wish I'd a done it sooner.
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Re: To all lurkers
[Re: Raptortrapper]
#172624
09/07/2016 3:33 AM
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,057
Gary
Distinguished Master
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Distinguished Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,057 |
I'll second reflex's sentiment. I honestly feel like this is one of the best sites on the net for hunting information and general camaraderie. We have always had very little troubles with trolls and other such vermin because I believe we are a cut above. Not to disparage others, but not everyone had what it takes to be a handgun hunter. Of course we've had a few issues over what has now been almost 17 years but the neerdowells don't last very long here mainly because we would rather ignore them than engage in the battle on their terms.
Well done everyone!
Gary
You can't wait any longer. Join the NRA and start writing your Congressmen and Senators.
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Re: To all lurkers
[Re: Gary]
#172626
09/07/2016 3:56 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,461
pab1
Distinguished Expert
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Distinguished Expert
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,461 |
I'll second reflex's sentiment. I honestly feel like this is one of the best sites on the net for hunting information and general camaraderie. We have always had very little troubles with trolls and other such vermin because I believe we are a cut above. Not to disparage others, but not everyone had what it takes to be a handgun hunter. Of course we've had a few issues over what has now been almost 17 years but the neerdowells don't last very long here mainly because we would rather ignore them than engage in the battle on their terms.
Well done everyone!
Gary Could not agree more! Well said!
Experience is the best teacher, hunger good sauce. Osborne Russell Journal of a Trapper
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Re: To all lurkers
[Re: pab1]
#172632
09/07/2016 9:18 AM
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Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209
REDHAWK1954
Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209 |
The guys on this site have been a big help to me since I joined!
Michael Joe Moore
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Re: To all lurkers
[Re: REDHAWK1954]
#172639
09/07/2016 12:31 PM
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Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 142
Teep
member
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member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 142 |
I've been lurking for a while. Last year I decided to get back into handgun hunting and purchased a pair of S&W revolvers, a 617 and 686. I quickly discovered my skills do not belong in the field so have been practising until I feel comfortable enough to make a clean shot on game. I think some rabbits are going to be on the table this winter though.
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Re: To all lurkers
[Re: Teep]
#172641
09/07/2016 12:56 PM
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,502
reflex264
OP
Gun Slinger
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OP
Gun Slinger
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,502 |
Very few things are more fun than chasing small game with a handgun. Have at it and post some pics.
"A quiet hit in the right place is better than a loud miss in the wrong place followed by 10 more shots on the run"
I was a handgun hunter, when handgun wasn't cool.....
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Re: To all lurkers
[Re: Teep]
#172654
09/07/2016 1:59 PM
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,057
Gary
Distinguished Master
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Distinguished Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,057 |
I've been lurking for a while. Last year I decided to get back into handgun hunting and purchased a pair of S&W revolvers, a 617 and 686. I quickly discovered my skills do not belong in the field so have been practising until I feel comfortable enough to make a clean shot on game. I think some rabbits are going to be on the table this winter though. I love squirrel hunting with a revolver. Wish we had more of them around here. Oddly in the hill-country they are not considered game animals and thus open season all year.
You can't wait any longer. Join the NRA and start writing your Congressmen and Senators.
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Re: To all lurkers
[Re: REDHAWK1954]
#172655
09/07/2016 2:52 PM
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 266
archr610
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 266 |
The guys on this site have been a big help to me since I joined!
X2
Support bacteria: It's the only culture some people have
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Re: To all lurkers
[Re: Gary]
#172656
09/07/2016 3:05 PM
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 11
guitarbob
stranger
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stranger
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 11 |
Hello, my name is Bob. And, I'm a lurker. Actually, I joined the forum a while back. Then, between all the other hunting, fishing, and guitar forums I'm a member of, I kinda forgot about it. Fortunately for me, I recently re-found the forum.
I'm 61, and didn't start hunting seriously until about 10 years ago. So, trying to make up for lost time. My primary deer hinting rifle has been my Savage 110 in .270. Love the rifle, and the caliber. And, it's done a fine job.
However, my fondness for lever action rifles, and single action revolvers brought me to the desire to hunt more with both. I have 30-30, .35 Rem, and 45/70 in the levers. And, .357, .41 Mag, .44 Mag, and .45 Long Colt in the SA revolvers. The goal this season is to set the Savage aside, and hunt with the levers, and revolvers.
Actually sat in the deer blind a couple of years ago with my Super Blackhawk with the intention of shooting a doe. However, I was interrupted when my son started texting me that he had downed his first buck, a dandy 10 point. My doe hunt was interrupted.
I have enjoyed reading all the posts in this forum, and do plan to be more involved. One thing I seem to find conflicting opinions on is handgun hunting ammo. I read of guys hunting hogs with hollow points. But, I've read a lot of opinions that hollow points don't get the penetration needed for hogs hunting. Hard cast seems to be the preferred projectile. Even for deer, I have read that hard cast is the way to go.
I'd like to hear more from the handgun hunters here regarding that argument. The proof is in the results, as they say.
Anyway, thanks for the invite reflex!
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Re: To all lurkers
[Re: reflex264]
#172659
09/07/2016 4:29 PM
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Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 89
SGalan
journeyman
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journeyman
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 89 |
If you have killed a doe we want to hear about it. You asked for it! Doe 35 yards. .44 Special. Penetrated clean through diagonally - shoulder to opposite hindquarter.
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Re: To all lurkers
[Re: guitarbob]
#172660
09/07/2016 5:28 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608
s4s4u
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608 |
Hard cast seems to be the preferred projectile. That is often a spirited discussion, haha. I prefer jacketed bullets, sometimes HP and sometimes SP, but always clad. I have been looking into powder coated of late but haven't gotten very far down that road as yet. Welcome to the forum and hopefully you won't get interupted next time on a handgun hunt ;-)
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
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Re: To all lurkers
[Re: s4s4u]
#172661
09/07/2016 5:34 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715
jamesfromjersey
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715 |
Best site in the world for a handgun hunter.....
Life member-NRA-SCI Member-HHI #2900-HHASA #067 Colt-Ruger-Freedom Arms-and S&W Collector Assoc.s "I have more guns then I need but not as many as I want" "Handgun hunters HAVE to be good"
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Re: To all lurkers
[Re: jamesfromjersey]
#172663
09/07/2016 6:57 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,512
Ernie
Distinguished Master
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Distinguished Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,512 |
I like XTP's. Every time I have used them, deer and antelope die. I have used HC as well...deer and antelope died those times too.
Ernie the Un-Tactical
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Re: To all lurkers
[Re: Ernie]
#172724
09/08/2016 8:34 PM
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 192
thadf
member
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member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 192 |
SGalan - Love the shirt and vest. Wool?
Revolver and deer are nice as well!
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Re: To all lurkers
[Re: thadf]
#172726
09/08/2016 8:47 PM
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Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 89
SGalan
journeyman
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journeyman
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 89 |
Thad,
Thanks very much. I am a bit of a wool fanatic!
Shirt: Pendelton wool -vintage Vest: Cabelas outfitters fleece Pants: German military surplus - very nice weight
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Re: To all lurkers
[Re: SGalan]
#172748
09/09/2016 6:02 AM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 818
sixshot
old hand
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old hand
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 818 |
To all you new guys, each one of us was in your shoes once too. Maybe it was a long time ago but nobody was born doing it so don't be embarrassed if you haven't shot anything but cans or paper targets, we all started somewhere pretty easy. First thing is, don't over gun yourself with heavy loads or long distance, either one will ruin your confidence & take much longer to learn the basics. Hitting is fun so use a load that is comfortable to shoot & do it at a distance that challenges you a bit but make sure you are getting 80-90% hits before moving out. A good trigger is an absolute must, without it you will chase it & flinch most of the time if you are shooting offhand. Much better to have a good gunsmith do a good trigger job on your gun, you will love it. Don't fall for the old "poor man's trigger job" hooey on a new model Ruger, get a real trigger job. Those 2 springs are on there for a reason & dropping one off is not going to give you a good trigger, lighter maybe but it will not fix a bad trigger, only a gunsmith can do that. Bullet choice is always a toss up but shooting cast is cheaper, especially if you cast your own. Some of the best hunters in the world only use jacketed so you'll have to decide when the time comes. For deer about anything works with good bullet placement. Front sight is key, for many narrowing the front helps a great deal, most factory fronts are .125" wide, maybe a friend has one that's been narrowed so you can compare. Don't play when you practice, try to make every shot count, no messing around. Good trigger, see the front sight, break the shot & hit the target, 10,000 times & you're on your way to a good start.
Dick
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Re: To all lurkers
[Re: guitarbob]
#172750
09/09/2016 6:34 AM
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Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 543
ruger4570
addict
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addict
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 543 |
Hi, decided to join after seeing this posting. Here is my first big game handgun kill. Used my TC Encore 44 with 2x Nikon scope. Distance, a whopping 18 yards.
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Re: To all lurkers
[Re: ruger4570]
#172755
09/09/2016 9:21 AM
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Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209
REDHAWK1954
Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209 |
Welcome and that is a great buck with any weapon!
Michael Joe Moore
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Re: To all lurkers
[Re: REDHAWK1954]
#172763
09/09/2016 12:57 PM
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Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4,669
Chance Weldon
Distinguished Expert
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Distinguished Expert
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4,669 |
What a great buck! Congrats!
Formerly TN Lone Wolf
"We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided." - J.K. Rowling
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Re: To all lurkers
[Re: ruger4570]
#172764
09/09/2016 1:05 PM
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Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 89
SGalan
journeyman
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journeyman
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 89 |
Ruger 4570,
That's a dandy buck! Congrats.
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Re: To all lurkers
[Re: SGalan]
#172765
09/09/2016 1:17 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836 |
Ruger 4570,
That's a dandy buck! Congrats. What he said!
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Re: To all lurkers
[Re: Chance Weldon]
#172766
09/09/2016 1:22 PM
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,048
wvhitman
old hand
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old hand
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,048 |
I started handgun hunting in the late '50s. I had an understanding dad that taught me well as a very young boy.There was no place to lurk. I wanted to kill 1 deer with a handgun and go to Africa to see a lion. I totally gave up rifles in 1978. I've done OK since then.
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Re: To all lurkers
[Re: ruger4570]
#172785
09/09/2016 9:43 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,461
pab1
Distinguished Expert
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Distinguished Expert
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,461 |
That bucks a great start to your handgun hunting! Welcome to the site!
Experience is the best teacher, hunger good sauce. Osborne Russell Journal of a Trapper
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Re: To all lurkers
[Re: wvhitman]
#172786
09/09/2016 9:46 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,461
pab1
Distinguished Expert
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Distinguished Expert
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,461 |
If you've only done "ok" then I haven't even scratched the surface yet.
Experience is the best teacher, hunger good sauce. Osborne Russell Journal of a Trapper
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Re: To all lurkers
[Re: pab1]
#172792
09/09/2016 10:19 PM
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963
KRal
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963 |
If you've only done "ok" then I haven't even scratched the surface yet.
Lol....I was thinking the same thing.
It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but only 3 for proper trigger squeeze.
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Re: To all lurkers
[Re: wvhitman]
#172794
09/09/2016 10:56 PM
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,502
reflex264
OP
Gun Slinger
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OP
Gun Slinger
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,502 |
I started handgun hunting in the late '50s. I had an understanding dad that taught me well as a very young boy.There was no place to lurk. I wanted to kill 1 deer with a handgun and go to Africa to see a lion. I totally gave up rifles in 1978. I've done OK since then. Yessiree I would say you have done OK. I wish I could say I have done as OK as you have!!!
"A quiet hit in the right place is better than a loud miss in the wrong place followed by 10 more shots on the run"
I was a handgun hunter, when handgun wasn't cool.....
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Re: To all lurkers
[Re: reflex264]
#172805
09/10/2016 8:06 AM
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 8
Charles Combs Jr
stranger
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stranger
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 8 |
1st buck Mule Deer I ever killed was with a 4 inch Ruger Security 6 4 inch revolver using a 125 grain jacketed hollow point shot in the neck and this was about 35 years ago. Now hunt with a 454 casull Ruger super redhawk Toklat
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Re: To all lurkers
[Re: Charles Combs Jr]
#172813
09/10/2016 4:47 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,461
pab1
Distinguished Expert
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Distinguished Expert
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,461 |
Welcome to the site Charles!
Experience is the best teacher, hunger good sauce. Osborne Russell Journal of a Trapper
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Re: To all lurkers
[Re: pab1]
#173065
09/19/2016 3:19 AM
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 601
PsTaN
addict
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addict
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 601 |
I'll gladly add to this thread that I find this to be the best hunting/shooting forum there is. People here are knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful in so many ways. There's always something interesting and new ... it's like supper around the fire at the hunting camp!
P
PsTaN
-Smith & Wesson Model 69 -Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter -Encore Pro Hunter
"Hold your horses, the elephants are coming, and out stamped Alabama"
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Re: To all lurkers
[Re: PsTaN]
#173084
09/20/2016 1:41 AM
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 56
glynn41
journeyman
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journeyman
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 56 |
I come here Monday thru Fri every week-- rarely post-- I hunt with my handguns-- a lot during our deer season here in TENN. sadly I seem to see deer when I have my .358 Win rifle... not my handguns-- just shooting is fun for me and not as messy as field dressing I cast both hollow points and soft points my two calibers-.500 GNR and several .41's of various kinds this is a very good forum and pleasure to read after
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Re: To all lurkers
[Re: Chance Weldon]
#173208
09/21/2016 11:11 PM
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,502
reflex264
OP
Gun Slinger
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OP
Gun Slinger
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,502 |
Alright Ron. I know you have read this thread by know. Pull up a log and join in. We don't bite. Well maybe some do but they probably don't have rabies.
"A quiet hit in the right place is better than a loud miss in the wrong place followed by 10 more shots on the run"
I was a handgun hunter, when handgun wasn't cool.....
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Re: To all lurkers
[Re: reflex264]
#173213
09/21/2016 11:29 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,461
pab1
Distinguished Expert
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Distinguished Expert
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,461 |
Well maybe some do but they probably don't have rabies. To be fair I'm still waiting on my test results.
Experience is the best teacher, hunger good sauce. Osborne Russell Journal of a Trapper
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Re: To all lurkers
[Re: pab1]
#177449
01/12/2017 10:46 PM
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Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 164
rougerocco
member
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member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 164 |
I know this is an old topic, but I am a lurker! I check this site every day! Now a little about me, I have owned handguns and carried them hunting for 30 yrs. A couple of years ago I decided I really want to shoot a deer with my SRH .480. So I quit carrying my long gun here in Michigan. No deer yet, but I am going on a hog hunt in Ohio in March. I have been reading and OVER analyzing bullets and loads for this up coming hunt. But I enjoying reading and learning about this like this. Thank You All for your input.
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Re: To all lurkers
[Re: rougerocco]
#177453
01/12/2017 11:39 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,556
junebug
Gun Slinger
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Gun Slinger
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,556 |
Welcome to the madness.Just hang in there and keep practicing and it will happen.And remember there are no dumb questions, if you want to learn just ask.
junebug
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Re: To all lurkers
[Re: sixshot]
#177528
01/14/2017 7:27 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,155
Gregg Richter
Distinguished Expert
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Distinguished Expert
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,155 |
To all you new guys, each one of us was in your shoes once too. Maybe it was a long time ago but nobody was born doing it so don't be embarrassed if you haven't shot anything but cans or paper targets, we all started somewhere pretty easy. First thing is, don't over gun yourself with heavy loads or long distance, either one will ruin your confidence & take much longer to learn the basics. Hitting is fun so use a load that is comfortable to shoot & do it at a distance that challenges you a bit but make sure you are getting 80-90% hits before moving out. A good trigger is an absolute must, without it you will chase it & flinch most of the time if you are shooting offhand. Much better to have a good gunsmith do a good trigger job on your gun, you will love it. Don't fall for the old "poor man's trigger job" hooey on a new model Ruger, get a real trigger job. Those 2 springs are on there for a reason & dropping one off is not going to give you a good trigger, lighter maybe but it will not fix a bad trigger, only a gunsmith can do that. Bullet choice is always a toss up but shooting cast is cheaper, especially if you cast your own. Some of the best hunters in the world only use jacketed so you'll have to decide when the time comes. For deer about anything works with good bullet placement. Front sight is key, for many narrowing the front helps a great deal, most factory fronts are .125" wide, maybe a friend has one that's been narrowed so you can compare. Don't play when you practice, try to make every shot count, no messing around. Good trigger, see the front sight, break the shot & hit the target, 10,000 times & you're on your way to a good start.
Dick Guess I missed this the first time around...I was hunting muzzleloader season heavily with my Encore 209X50 pistol. I think Dick said it well...
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Re: To all lurkers
[Re: Foolish]
#178089
01/23/2017 2:26 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 42
bowmag
newbie
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newbie
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 42 |
I've been around for a few years but was primarily a bow hunter, so I never had much to contribute. But as I have gotten older the injuries are adding up and taking a toll on my ability to shoot traditional hunting weight bows. I have always had handguns around but only recently have I gotten more serious about shooting enough to be able to hunt with them. I have learned a lot from y'all and do appreciate your willingness to share.
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Re: To all lurkers
[Re: bowmag]
#181261
06/06/2017 1:32 PM
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Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 66
Newt
journeyman
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journeyman
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 66 |
I know this is an old thread, but here goes nothing. Been a member here for a while and have done a lot of reading. I bought a Ruger SBH for a Christmas present a couple years ago. Topped it with a Leupold 2X scope. Shot it a lot with 240 gr XTPs. Killed a hog with it. Then I took it deer hunting, but for some reason, I just couldn't pull the trigger on the deer. Lack of confidence i suppose. Rediculous, I know. Anyway, I got frustrated with it. I picked it back up this spring and have practicing from field positions a lot. I've decided to leave the rifles at home this year and hunt exclusively with my .44 mag.
I have done quite a bit of squirrel hunting with my Ruger Mark III. Also took it with me on a prairie dog hunt this spring and shot a couple at 25 to 50 yards. Great fun.
I agree with everyone else, this is a great site.
Pat
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Re: To all lurkers
[Re: Newt]
#181262
06/06/2017 2:02 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608
s4s4u
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608 |
If you are hitting rodents @ 50 yards I'd say you are up to the task when it comes to bigger targets like deer. Do as you said and leave the long gun in the rack. I look forward to seeing the pic of your harvest ;-)
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
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