The 2015 Challenge

I have a challenge for everyone here. Take someone out to the range and introduce them to hunting handguns in 2015. If we want to save our sport we need to actively recruit new handgun hunters. If we want to be represented in the the industry we need to be bigger. Last year this site had ~ 160,000 unique visitors according to Google but we still have not broken 10,000 users signed up. This isn't a new site... There are lurkers out there who visit the site all the time but don't sign up - WHY NOT? I don't get it. We see regularly that people sign up who say they have been coming here for years but are just joining. You know I'm not saying this to somehow line my own pockets - this site is free and always has been. As gun owners we are under constant attack and within the hunting community we are the red-headed step child. We have troubles getting bullets, powders and brass not because someone is hording it but because they are catering to the huge market for 223, 9mm, etc. We are in the third and 4th tier of manufacturing. Start emailing the bullet and powder manufacturers - hammer them till they see us as a market to be recognized. What would the response be if Hodgdon for example got 10,000 emails in January asking for H110? What would the response be if Speer got 10,000 emails asking for them to produce handgun bullets for big-bore guns. Go down the list and let's make some noise. And for all you lurkers - sign up as a member!

Good challenge, Gary, and much needed.

A new person here thinking about trying handguns for hunting or just shooting can come to believe very quickly that its out of their budget.Many older folks here started there handgun hunting life with guns like High Standard,H&R and moved up to used Colts,S&W and then new Rugers. In truth a person should be able to walk into a pawn shop and for less the two hundred come out with a small game pistol and four hundred get you into big game if a person with handgun knowledge helps them out. A hundred dollar stick bow will still take deer as well as a flintlock.
Smaller style hunting groups sometimes appear elitist for someone starting out blank on weapon knowledge. We need to make folks aware of what will work and whats top of the line and the real difference.JMOFO

Agreed SEAK. Now it was a long while ago, but I started out spending $185 on a hunting handgun.

I have managed to recruit several new Revolver shooters for our ICORE Match from our Defensive Pistol Shooters.

I am guessing you can get into handgun hunting as cheaply as using a crossbow. We just bought the grandson a use Hoyt Pro Medalist recurve for Christmas. That was the best $40 spent on hunting gear we have spent in years. Even at the $200 - $300 it was really worth it would have been a good buy. A little cleaning, and a new coat of paint on the riser, and it about as good as new.

I am sure a used 357 can be rounded up reasonable. Not my idea of perfect, but I could make a 357 work just fine.

Bob

I hunt with my handgun and have three hunting buddies that I hunt with who hunt with rifles. This 2014 I was able to convert one of them over to handgun hunting. My goal for 2015 is to convert the other two. You've got me thinking about my 14 yr. old grandson who rifle hunted with me last year and for 2015 I was going to buy him a new rifle, But now with your challenge I'll get him started on the handgun.
Good call Gary! Thanks

I'm going to keep this thread going. If you introduce someone to the sport post a pic here.

I converted two this past year: ones using 7/30 contender and the other a Bisley Hunter. I'll try for more this year.

Challenge accepted! Great idea Gary

Good friend and fellow gun aficionado Michael Bane has a very relevant blog post about what I'm talking about here.
The Michael Bane Blog

My hunting buddy has been asking about them for years. He's watched me harvest game EVERY year and wonders how I do it. I've offered him any gun in my safe to try, he says he wants to but hasn't taken the step yet. Maybe this is the year.

I helped my brother pick out a handgun and scope setup, and he got a whitetail buck with it this year! his first with a handgun! SBHH 44 mag and Leupold 2x

All you have to do is look at the selection of handgun scopes on the market compared to rifle scopes, and it will give you an idea of the difference in attention handguns are given

My most productive conversions occurred when I took fellow non-hunters, long gun, or bow hunters or their family "handgun hunting." Doesn't matter if it is for paper, small, or large game. Most returned very enthusiastic and became hand gunners / hunters themselves. Unless they get their hands "around it",so to speak, it is a difficult concept for people to grasp. They are constantly exposed to the "evils" of handguns in all of the media. Make sure they have good hearing and eye protection AND don't expose them to the heavy recoilers, like so many fools on You Tube do. A bad experience lasts a lifetime as well as a good experience. Easy does it applies. My $.02

Doc

Challenge accepted! And I'll add to it, if I may.

Get them signed up with the NRA, SCI, or SOMETHING!! Or maybe even offer to buy their membership if they get a handgun and start practicing.

Gary, I did convert one buddy to handgun hunting last fall, in my opinion, what I am seeing is people are afraid to miss, they have confidence at the bench BUT none in the woods, I tell them all you have to do is kill one deer, and your confidence level will soar, as I have said before CONFIDENCE in handgun hunting is everything, by the way happy new year to you all.

I couldn't agree more!

I totally agree with Doc. do not give a newbie a hard hitter !!! I start everyone on a SS Ruger single six. To most newbies the cowboy gun seems less "dangerous" and is also easier for you to keep under controll than a semi auto. Use a target that reacts like a clay pidgeon or cans of water. Keep it close so they can hit it. Once they are gaining ground,move up to a .38 revolver next a .357 now they can handle a hunting handgun. If they take to handguns the rest is easy!!! With this training my 10 year old gandson can shoot my 686 Smith quite well !!

I have had some success in turning rifle hunters into handgun hunters, but not in the "strictly handgun" sense. These people now use, or at least carry, a hunting handgun with them while rifle hunting, giving them the option of either weapon. Last year my then 19 year old son took a cull buck (spike), with my FA M83 in 41 mag with a 4X Leupold on top. He made a perfect broadside shot at about 40 yds from an elevated box blind. I don't know who was more excited, but this season he has carried that FA on every trip. He still carries his Browning A-Bolt in 7-08, but has the option of the 41 mag if he feels confident in the shot. He says he likes the style of FA very much. I told him he has great taste! Every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving my family has a barbeque at "the ranch". It is a tradition dating back decades, and ever since I got into guns, I have tried to provide a redneck schutzenfest. We use various targets and I bring numerous firearms, usually handguns. This year I had quite a few fireform loads to shoot in my 7-30 Waters Contender. I set up sand bags on the hood of my truck and invited anyone to try it at 50 yds. Everyone that shot it, hit what they aimed at, much to their surprise. My cousin, who was one of the shooters, told me at Christmas that he ordered an Encore in 308 Win, with a Leu 2.5-8X scope for next season. We'll see what he bags next year. Sorry for the long post, but my New Year's resolution is to be more involved with this excellent site.

Brett

I have loaned a good friend a contender in 44mag .he has really taken to hunting again this season .All because hunting is a exciting again.Thanks guys for being here.

A friend of mine just jumped in with both feet by buying and hunting with a new S&$ .460. Not sure how much influence I may have had but I sure have encouraged him with it.

I've also planted the seed for handgun inclusion into our muzzle loading season. Not an overly optimistic response but it IS a start.

Great post. If all the lurkers alone will sign up it would be great. I will try to get some more interested. I am most proud of getting my son interested. He is becomming quite the handgun hunter.reflex264

l killed a few deer with my 44 Smith after getting into IHMSA when it first started. After 30+ years l got back into those steel silhouettes with the same love l had before.

l am working on a young guy who likes to shoot and got a Lee casting pot for Christmas for fishing lures.. As a caster/shooter l am gonna do my best to get a boolet mold in that boy's hands soon..The hunting part comes after that..

I will send a copy or copies of my handgun hunting video to any of you that has a "prospective new handgun hunter" in the works for just S&H of $4.00 per.

PM me to XC addresses.

I am working on my grandson now as well as a few buddies. A lot of them still bring that rifle "just in case," but at least are bringing that handgun now where they weren't before.

Gary,

I am going to "UP THE ANTE."

For all new members that join us (Handgunhunt.com) during this month of January, I will also send you a copy of my video for $4.00. Just send me a PM.

Gregg

I picked up a ss 15 inch 7mm-08 Encore barrel for my brother last Nov. He likes the way it shoots and carried it during gun season but didn't kill anything with it. Maybe a hog or coyote sometime this year.

I think this is a great challenge and agree100%

I have been registered for a while, but have mostly been lurking on the site myself. I took a handgun doe in 2013 with my .357 blackhawk, but then reverted back to my 30-30 rifle for this past year. I did shoot a buck with the rifle but it wasn't anywhere near as satisfying. I am committed to leaving the rifle home next season (and hopefully thereafter!). I like this thread and it motivated me to post.

I agree with SEAK. I've only just begun the handgun trail, but seeing all the beautiful guns on this site, and others, it's difficult to "start out" with something "cheap". Let's face it, it's the American way to want the best, right now!

I've had a 15" 7mm-08 for just a couple years. Have yet to kill with it, but I'm trying. Got my eyes on a Ruger blackhawk as soon as I can convince the wife that I really "need" it!!!

I plan on carrying both handguns to hunt deer. Encore for the long ones and the blackhawk for "bow" ranges. I can't wait.

Thanks to this site being so top notch, and a couple other sites and individuals for guiding me in the handgun direction.

Great idea; however, there is a reason that hunting solely with a handgun is not high on the list of achievements for most hunters. I'm a member of 2 clubs in my local region. Every member from both clubs knows I hunt most seasons and species solely with a handgun these days, and I don't miss an opportunity to tout the excitement, challenge, easier-carrying qualities of a handgun, and general fun that attaches to this sport.

Out of 100 members combined, I have had admiration and curiosity, but have had not a one express a serious interest in it. The excuse tends to be that they have only a few days to hunt per year, and essentially want to carry the most efficient tool available. I suppose that this is the sentiment among most hunters.

Nonetheless, I have one close friend that might finally get on board this season.

Challenge accepted!
Joe

Hey, the guy I introduced 2 years ago now has 5 handguns including his new 5" S&W 629 Classic that he brought home last week. He has the bug big time, but alas he is not a hunter. Loves IDPA and range time shooting steel, but I can't get him in the woods. He was enamored with my collection and he has the resources...now to get him out there with us. He is a true handgun advocate though. In fact, he doesn't own any rifles, just a personal home defense shotgun.

Gary - I was a lurker - now a member.

Dave

Allright Dave! Welcome!

Welcome to the forum, Dave!

Hi All

Just joined up and really enjoy the conversations and the debates. Read the 2015 challenge from Gary and decided it was time to join. I believe we handgun hunters need more recognition and to let the manufacturers know we are out here and not just a fringe element. I look forward to reading the forums and engaging in the conversations.

Conrad

Welcome to HHM, Conrad!

Welcome Conrad! If you love handgun hunting you will love talking with this group!

I introduced my cousin to my 460 and Encore this afternoon:





He loved both of them.

Gary, I've been hammering the ammo makers, Speer, Swift and Hornady for a heavy 41mag bullet for 2 years! I've also been after them and Starline to introduce the 41 Special as a commercial round.

Until it's a SAAMI spec ctg they won't do it. They absolutely are not looking for another cartridge unless it fits in a semi pistol. We can't even get them to make sufficient quantities of 44 mag

I help teach Hunting Safety classes in Illinois and do the handgun hunting part. I always look for new ways to stimulate these student into our sport(although most kids here are a bit young for big bore handguns), as you wish, I'll give them this site's info. I believe the younger crown is more apt to join sites like this. Thanks Gary.
Steve

Gary, your on. I have 4 nephews that range 18-22yrs old. They will get a chance with uncles 41 mag this year. Jerry.

I think my 36 year old son is starting to get the bug. I just bought him a Ruger Blackhawk as a Christmas present and he plans to hunt some with one of my revolvers this season.

My daughter will take a deer come hell or high water this year. We are both bound and determined.

Got a buddy that tried handguns for the first time today. He has a smith and wesson 44 mag that was given to him by his dad years ago, and he brought it with him. He's always been afraid to use it because it is one of the only things his dad gave him before he died. He now has a greater appreciation for it, and is excited to use it again. He will be getting an over the counter tag for second or third season, and will be using ONLY his handgun! I told him I'd buy his tag for him if he'd go.

Went to my cousin's house again. I took my granddad's Ruger Mark II to let him try out, and he actually did quite well with it. I'm making a handgunner out of him.

Well I got a handgun hunter to add to the list for this year!
Only one I know . . . but little things add up . . like grains of sand on a beach. I got him going in IPSC back in the '80s and now many years later he is in pursuit of Bambi with a FA 454.

So this was my first year seriously hunting with a handgug (P-dogs and Deer). I've used a contender 45/410 on grouse for many years, but bought a 30-30 and 17HMR barrel last winter. My hunting buddy bought a Contender with a 45/410 barrel for grouse this summer as he can commute to work by bike in the north woods. After the deer season this fall, I let him take my 30-30 setup and and extra 10" 30-30 barrel home. He shot a nice ~4 inch group at 100 yards his first time out. I think I have him hooked. I'll be responsible for providing suitable handloads for a while I suspect, but that's not a problem.

I have bought my son a Ruger Blackhawk for Christmas. He is interested in doing some hunting with a revolver next year.

I have been talking about my CVA Optima V2 muzzle loading pistol to the hunters that I work with. I have one who is in the process of buying one to hunt with next year.