I had the opportunity to go afield today to hunt Whitetail. I took the FA and my Remington 700 BDL in .270. As I began to leave the 4Runner I put the rifle back into the car and left. I was willing to try it with just a handgun. I do well off a rest at 25 yards and haven't had the chance to go to the longer range yet. After sweating and soaking myself getting the blind up, a 10 second job, I realized what an undertaking this handgun hunting really is. Looking through the scope I felt I was too close and moved the blind back a little. It really is uncomfortable trying something like this without the old standby at hand. Lots of questions. Am I good enough. Am I too far away. Too close. What if I miss or wound the deer. I made a set of shooting sticks that are rock steady and just sat there practicing. I never saw a deer but I will try to go out again today at a different location. BTW, earlier in the morning I went to a gun show and wound up buying a Ruger Scout
Rifle. If I can figure out how to post a picture again I will put one up of the FA with the new scope.

Just takes practice at all ranges and most of all perseverance. Good luck. Stick with it. It is far more rewarding knowing you did it with a handgun.

It will be easier when you get the first kill out of the way. Good luck to you and just keep doing what you are doing!

Good luck!

1911,

Many of the members on this site will agree - the way to succeed with the handgun is to practice, practice, practice...and continue leaving the long gun at home / in the truck. I have been fortunate to shoot many deer with the revolver, and would have killed a bunch more, if I had left the rifle at home earlier on. It's all too easy to reach for the rifle when the blood starts pumping! Stay with it, and develop confidence in the gun at the range, and then get after 'em...

That being said, I love my rifles too - so post us a pic of the new gun when you can, and good luck!!!

This is great advice!!

RIGHT ON!!!

Everyone I think had doubts until it happened, at least I did.In 92 I started with a Rossi 357 and a Remmy 308. After taking the first leap the leaps after became easier and easier. Be patient and let it happen. Get your first and your confidence will grow.

Get your first and you will be crazy like the rest of us. I have taken numerous whitetails with a handgun and I STILL do the Michael Jackson moonwalk or the Deion Sanders touchdown shuffle (I like to swap it up) after each kill. With other weapons, it's just a thing...