I would like to start hunting whitetails here in michigan wiht a handgun. Shots would all be limited to probably 30yds or less as thats what i normally shoot bowhunting and would more than likely be hunting from the same stands. So I was wondering what would be a good starter gun for me (preferably a revolver) and could I pick one up for 3bills or less?


I'm a 59year old male of medium build in good shape. If that helps.

Any of a number of 44 Mag's would be great. Good luck finding one for less than $300.

Zatback, Glad to here from you. 30yds or less you could use a 357 with good ammo and shot them broadside just like you would hit them with your arrows. If handguns are new to you the 357 is a really good place to start and it gives you the option of practicing with 38 spec ammo. With the range that bowhunters use
(I assume 4oyds max) and a double lung broadside shot you will have no problems with any of the good brands of 357`s. I started with a Colt Python using 158gr JHP ammo on Pennsey whitetails. Good luck and always ask if anything is on your mind.James
PS small bore for Franchise starts at .40cal.....

I agree. Single action or double action is a personal preference. I like single's. Als on the table would a 10" Contender...that's be my choice.

As do for most of us ;-)

Agree that the 357 is a good gun for usual bow ranges. If new to shooting a handgun, the recoil is much less intimidating than the big 40's. The main thing is to be proficient with it, whatever it is.

The $300 mark is going to be tough tho. You can find Ruger GP100's in the $350 range quite often, but not much for $300 unless you get lucky.

Welcome to HH! I would first start my baseline a little higher ($450); as others have stated, it's gonna be tough finding a $300 hunting revolver. I prefer single actions, but that's just personal preference. I would suggest starting with a good (Ruger, S&W, or FA's) chambered in the finest cartridge ever designed (45 Colt).

It's been around over a hundred years and sees no end. You can load it from mild to wild and take most any game in NA. It's not as much factory ammo available, but that's just more reason to start reloading.

These guys give great advice. You might be better to save up a little more and look at a used ruger blackhawk if single action is appealing to you. I would recommend getting together with a friend who has some that you can shoot to see what caliber is comfortable. A 44 may not be too much and that would give you a little more range.

Thanks guys. Wasn't sure if I would be able to find anything in that price range but now I know where to start!

Where are you from? We've got guys scattered all over the states that are willing to burn powder with beginners!

[quote=Dan B.]Where are you from? We've got guys scattered all over the states that are willing to burn powder with beginners! [/quote


Oceana county Michigan

I think there are some Michiganders around the ranch house here somewhere.

Too bad you are not closer.....I have the most handguns and knowledge around this here farm!

oboy... ;-)

Hehehehehe!!!!

Keep your eyes open for something. I let a SBH 44 leave here the other day for 275. It had been drilled and tapped for a leupold mount and the finish was only about 75%. It shot good enough but wasn't mutch to look at.

Thanks I would love to find somethin like that!

Consensus is You be da man on this here forum LOL

Save up your money and get a ruger super blackhawk 44 mag there are running around 600 to 700 bucks. They will last forever and they are very accurate.

There's a lot of good advice here and keep reading the old posts too. Good luck with the search. A lot of gun shops around here will turn a gun quick for a little less profit if it turns fast. I guess that's my "enabler" speech to go hang out in gun shops more.

PH

Yeah....I got street cred 'round deez parts!

There are Bisley Hunter's around for $500...I know of one locally. That would be the only handgun a I would ever need....well, maybe!

Alot of good advice. The Super Blackhawk in stainless is my personal choice. Bought mine for $375 used in very good condition. Look around and a good deal will present itself. Good luck and happy hunting.

Careful Dan, or ya might lose all that street cred ;-)

Check pawn shops, I still see Blackhawks and Super's for 300.00-400.00. I passed on a three screw in 100% condition in the original box for 500.00. AHHHHH, I'm still kicking myself.

Now Dan said "need" s4s4u he didn't say want or own.

No one else read this....I'm whispering to Rod.

Dude...he's new and doesn't know the joy of having MANY! So the less he buys, the more there is for the rest of us.

That logic I can comprehend ;-)

That's to funny, Dan that sounds like something Tigger would say.

I would stay away from the 357 since them Michigan deer can be big. Its not like down south where a 200 pound deer makes the paper. I would say a 41 magnum minium. You might want to hit your local pawn shops regularly. You can come across some good deals. Good luck.
WARNING: Once you shoot that first deer with a pistol you are hooked. It's just as addictive as bowhunting.

I second deer dad, shot a doe this year and don't know if I need my rifle any more : )

I would look for a good used Ruger 44 mag revolver. A little patience and you'll find a good deal. I am very fond of used Dan Wesson's with the interchangeable barrels and I have seen and actually purchased one for $375.00 and the DW trigger is sweet and the guns are very accurate. Good luck on your search.