Been hunting my entire life and have been a dedicated and hardcore bowhunter for the last 20. Decided I need to expand my horizons and start hunting with a handgun / handcannon. I have a hog hunt coming up the first weekend in February and want a new pistol.

So here is the big question:

Should I start simple with a 44mag wheel gun or go all out and grab a Thompson with a 460 barrel? I tend to go all out when I start a new "hobby" and am sure I will be buying many more pistols and calibers.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

DOA

I have an Encore with a 460 S&W and 204 R barrels, two sets of grips a scope and scope base for sale if you are interested.

I guess it really depends on the kind of hunting, and the distances you are likely to shoot. If you don't reload, the 44 Mag would be a good as you can find ammo anywhere. If you do load, I would suggest the 45 Colt in a wheelgun. The Encore is a very large "handgun" and not all that easy to tote around on your belt in the bush.

I agree completely.

My immediate concern is a hog hunt in Georgia. After that I plan to hunt everything I possibly can with a handgun. I am a cohost for a well established TV hunting show and want to steer away from archery and get more focus on the handgun game. I don't currently reload but have in the past for rifles. I will more than likely start relaoding again very soon.

I, too, have a 460 S&W and will never get rid of it. Had a 14" custom barrel done by MGM and put it on a Encore Pro Hunter frame. Great gun for my application of what I consider long range hunting where I hunt. I am now picking off milk jugs at almost 200 yards with it. Not quite comfortable to take a hunting shot at that distance, but by next season, I will be.

That being said, I just got a 45 colt, and I'll be using it more than the 460 most likely. It is MUCH easier to deal with. Not as specialized, and doesn't require a wheelbarrow to tote it around!

I wasn't even interested in a 45 colt wheelgun till I started doing some research on the cartridge itself. Then it REALLY sparked my interest when I found out what it was capable of, and I had to have one. Some will even argue that it will do almost anything you need done here in North America. I don't have any actual hunting experience with mine yet, but based off my research of the cartrige, I wouldn't be surprised if it could handle ANYTHING in North America when loaded properly.

The 45 colt will do everything a 44 mag will do, but it does it easier. It can also do more than a 44 mag, but make sure you get a gun that is recommended for the full house 45 colts if you go that route. As far as revolvers go, there were three that were recommended for full house loads-- Ruger, Taurus, and Colt. I wouldn't recommend the Taurus, but that's just my opinion.

So you plan to promote handgun hunting on the TV programming? Do you currently have any firearm sponsorship? It goes without saying that you'll have some very interested viewer base right here!

Let us know and we can support you by tuning in...

Yes we have a gun sponsor but they don't make hunting handguns. I plan to promote the sport in a big way on the program and will announce when those episodes air. As long as it doesn't break any rules here.

That's great news! Welcome to the site.

IMO, a Contender or Encore chambered in something simple such as a .308 Winchester would be great. By swapping loads it will take anything from varmints to elk.

DOAGuide

The .44 mag., is a good choice, if you do not reload there are a number of commercially available specialty loads. That increase the versatility of that load, not to mention .44 Spls., for small game.

There are a lot of choices for the .44 mag, both in double action and single action guns.

As raptortrapper stated the .45 Colt will do anything the .44 mag., will, however to achieve that potential you pretty much need to be a reloader.

Best value for the dollar, I believe, is Ruger. The Ruger hunter series, make mounting some sort of optical sight much easier, and greatly increase the efficiency of your fire arm.

Whatever you decide on "enjoy", as a lifelong bow hunter, handgun hunting is easier..

Going all the way means getting both the Thompson and the wheel gun! If you are hunting a stand that affords longer shots you use the Thompson; the wheel gun gets used on those shorter stands or where you are still hunting.

The 45, and the 44 are great rounds for game, the 460 is not a round for folks starting out, around here we like to spend other people"s money, so you will have one in no time at all, WELCOME.

Nothing is really any better than a .44 Magnum revolver for hogs.
A .460 is certainly way beyond what is necessary for them.
For the economy minded, I suggest that a .44 Magnum revolver and a .308 Win. single-shot like an Encore can comfortably be used to hunt all but the largest half dozen or so animals in the world.

500WE

Well said..

I think I would go with the 460 , please guys tell me if I am wrong but , u can shoot the 45 , 454, and the 460 in the 460 encore . So that would be making the encore more versital for more game than a wheel gun u can only shoot one cartridge in.

Snake,

You can do the same with a 460 revolver. You can also shoot 44 specials, standard 44 mags and wrist wrenching 44 mags from the revolver. All bought without having to reload. We don't know if the OP intends to hunt/film in Africa or Iowa beyond the first need for the hog hunt. he did say he will probably be buying more, so no reason not to start with a solid foundation suitable for his first hunt, then expand depending upon circumstances and ability.

Craig

Bearbait
Do the 44 spls and mags perform as good in the revolver chambered for the 460, as they do in a dedicated 44 revolver ?

Jeff

I just got a T/C Contender in 45 Colt. Can't wait to get it. Now I'm looking for a bunch of new barrels. Sold some of my archery equipment and now have cash to play with. If only I had 50 posts so I could see the classifieds.

Whats your location, there may be one of us close by that could let you try out a couple of different platforms. If you're close to Rapid City I'd let you try mine out just so you get a idea on what you're looking for.
Let us know when the show airs...we all would love to see it.

I'm also a die hard bowhunter (recurve) and have handgun hunted the last 9yrs....you're gonna love it.

Tnks. I am in Oregon. Growing up I had a Dan Wesson 44 and killed a ton of hogs with it. Bought a T/C in 7-30 waters but never used it much and sold it years and years ago. Now I think its time to get back in the saddle.

That didn't take long ;-)

HAHAAA someone said they had a set of contenders or sale and I can't find it now. Got cash burning a hole in my pocket for some new toys lol.

Jeff, my post was a little misleading. I meant that you have 3 power levels withing a 44 mag revolver (roughly speaking), not that 44's can be shot in a 460. In a 460 you can shoot the 454's and 45 Colts.

Craig

Gotcha. Thanks.

Jeff

One can say they can shoot 45, 454 and 460 in the same gun but does that gun shoot all three varieties accurately? I've shot 38's and 357 Mags in my Max and they did not fare as well on the target.

DOAGuide,congratulations for wanting to hunt with a handgun. IMO, the 44 magnum is pretty hard to beat wwhen it comes to handgun hunting especially if you don't reload. you can shoot 44 specials up to Buffalo Bore ammunition for the "big ones" If you reload then that changes everything with the 45 colt. You can really custom taylor your loads to fit your needs. Good luck with your choice. You can"t go wrong with either one.

DOA you should've kept the 7-30....its a killer fore sure!!

Welcome to this addictive world:-) Look forward to seeing some shows on handgun hunting. BTW, can you tell us which show you co-host and what channel airs the show?
Thanks,
Charlie