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 Short barrel hunting?
#128119
02/12/2013 11:29 PM
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 84
Recoil Junkie
OP
journeyman
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OP
journeyman
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 84 |
I fully understand the drawbacks to a shorter barrel like reduced sight radius and less velocity. The balance is also normally better, though. What is the shortest barrel you would feel comfortable hunting with?
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Re: Short barrel hunting?
[Re: Recoil Junkie]
#128121
02/12/2013 11:33 PM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,655
wapitirod
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,655 |
as far as what I would carry deliberately I've carried a 4.5-4.75" gun many times. I also built myself a 3.5" 500 Linebaugh that would stop anything on the planet in a pinch so the question is one that depends on the particular situation you find yourself in.
I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them. John Wayne-The Shootist
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Re: Short barrel hunting?
[Re: wapitirod]
#128127
02/12/2013 11:42 PM
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 84
Recoil Junkie
OP
journeyman
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OP
journeyman
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 84 |
as far as what I would carry deliberately I've carried a 4.5-4.75" gun many times. I also built myself a 3.5" 500 Linebaugh that would stop anything on the planet in a pinch so the question is one that depends on the particular situation you find yourself in. I mean as a primary hunting weapon, not defensive or backup.
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Re: Short barrel hunting?
[Re: Recoil Junkie]
#128131
02/12/2013 11:46 PM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,655
wapitirod
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,655 |
I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them. John Wayne-The Shootist
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Re: Short barrel hunting?
[Re: wapitirod]
#128134
02/12/2013 11:49 PM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,331
TCTex.
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,331 |
My choice would be 4.5-5in.
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb deciding what to have for dinner. Liberty is a well armed lamb Benjamin Franklin 
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Re: Short barrel hunting?
[Re: wapitirod]
#128138
02/12/2013 11:57 PM
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 84
Recoil Junkie
OP
journeyman
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OP
journeyman
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 84 |
So you like your Linebaugh, but wouldn't feel comfortable hunting with it. How far would you feel comfortable with it, if you don't mind me asking?
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Re: Short barrel hunting?
[Re: Recoil Junkie]
#128140
02/13/2013 12:06 AM
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963
KRal
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963 |
I hunt with a 4 3/4" fairly often.
It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but only 3 for proper trigger squeeze.
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Re: Short barrel hunting?
[Re: KRal]
#128142
02/13/2013 12:16 AM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,655
wapitirod
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,655 |
It's a short range gun, I'm capable of hitting further out with it than I am willing to shoot at game with if used as a primary hunting weapon. If push came to shove I'd go 50yds but the extra inch of sight radius by going up to a standard barrel length makes a big difference in accuracy, especially in hunting conditions.
I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them. John Wayne-The Shootist
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Re: Short barrel hunting?
[Re: wapitirod]
#128153
02/13/2013 1:00 AM
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 830
rlb
old hand
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old hand
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 830 |
Well short, 4-4.5", would be considered a snubby to others. 
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Re: Short barrel hunting?
[Re: Recoil Junkie]
#128154
02/13/2013 1:01 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608
s4s4u
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608 |
I like the way a 6" barreled revolver handles, but would have no qualms about hunting with a shorter gun. I use optics on most now so sight radius is moot, to me it is all about how it shoots and handles.
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
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Re: Short barrel hunting?
[Re: s4s4u]
#128155
02/13/2013 1:07 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 |
4 5/8 to 4 3/4. For the uninitiated, that translates into Ruger and Freedom Arms single actions respectively. 
You can't wait any longer. Join the NRA and start writing your Congressmen and Senators.
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Re: Short barrel hunting?
[Re: Gary]
#128157
02/13/2013 1:15 AM
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 830
rlb
old hand
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old hand
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 830 |
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Re: Short barrel hunting?
[Re: s4s4u]
#128171
02/13/2013 2:32 AM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836 |
My preferred barrel length in a single action revolver is 5 1/2-inches. The barrel on my SRH in .500 Linebaugh was 5-inches and it was a primary hunting piece.
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 Re: Short barrel hunting?
[Re: Recoil Junkie]
#128176
02/13/2013 4:09 AM
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 35
Zebadi'ah
newbie
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newbie
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 35 |
What gun and what caliber? I have head shot Mule Deer with my 4 5/8 44mag at over 70 yards. It's all about knowing what your max accurate shooting distance is in a hunting situation and don't shoot over that. I have also killed Buffalo with that same pistol. On the other end of the spectrum I have also head shot dear at 165 yards with my 8 3/8. It's all about fine sites, good shooting form and practice, practice practice!
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Re: Short barrel hunting?
[Re: Zebadi'ah]
#128177
02/13/2013 4:11 AM
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 35
Zebadi'ah
newbie
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newbie
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 35 |
Oh and pick the correct bullet for type of animal.
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Re: Short barrel hunting?
[Re: s4s4u]
#128197
02/13/2013 1:22 PM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 63
llhunter
journeyman
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journeyman
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 63 |
I carry a 6" glock 10mm. does the job just fine.
357MAX, 30-30 ACKLEY, 375 WIN, 41 MAG.
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Re: Short barrel hunting?
[Re: Zebadi'ah]
#128317
02/14/2013 5:04 PM
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 84
Recoil Junkie
OP
journeyman
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OP
journeyman
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 84 |
What gun and what caliber? I just picked up an Alaskan .454 this week... I know it's not meant to be a primary hunting weapon, but I used to be laser accurate with a S&W 27 with a 3.5" which is very similar to the Alaskan in that it's bulky with a short barrel. The lack of barrel combined with bulk really helps my accuracy due to the increased balance even though I've grown used to 7.5" barrels through owning three of them. In all honesty though, I'm better with a 7.5" on a rest. Anyway, I just wanted to get some opinions. I know it's going to be a challenge, but that's half the fun of handgun hunting
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Re: Short barrel hunting?
[Re: Recoil Junkie]
#128320
02/14/2013 5:59 PM
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 3,020
tradmark
Shooting Expert
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Shooting Expert
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 3,020 |
i'd hunt with my alaskan but really the shortest primary weapon would be my 4 3/4" FA, but my preference for a do it all primary is anything from 6" to 7.5"
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Re: Short barrel hunting?
[Re: tradmark]
#128336
02/15/2013 12:07 AM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 345
Festus
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 345 |
I would love if Ohio would allow 4 3/4 inch barrels
Id buy one tommorow
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Re: Short barrel hunting?
[Re: Festus]
#128344
02/15/2013 1:52 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 430
HoggHunter
addict
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addict
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 430 |
I have a 3" 629 that shoots amazingly well for me, and have caried it several times, but never had the opportunity to collect with it, I also have several 7 1/2 and eight inch revolvers that also work quite well for me. mostly
I would say I am blessed to be able to have to decide what I want to carry on any particular day.........try 'em all before you find it necessary to disqualify any one group.
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Re: Short barrel hunting?
[Re: HoggHunter]
#128453
02/16/2013 6:44 PM
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 244
Mad Dog 1954
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 244 |
Indiana has a 4" law for handguns. My revolver shooting skills suck and that's my fault never invested the time to practice.
Sometimes it is entirely appropriate to kill a fly with a 12 pound sledgehammer!
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Re: Short barrel hunting?
[Re: Mad Dog 1954]
#128464
02/16/2013 9:26 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715
jamesfromjersey
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715 |
Shot SChunters 4 5/8" FA`s 500WY with a Leupold Delta and big rubber grips. I had extra heavy shooting glove and it was really nice to shot. We ranged the paper targets at 59yds that were no problem to hit. That would make an excellent pig gun... Naturally, iron sight shooting is more difficult.
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: Short barrel hunting?
[Re: jamesfromjersey]
#128506
02/17/2013 4:31 PM
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,757
cottonstalk
Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,757 |
My preference are in the shorties. In the lighter calibers as short as 3.5" are fine and accuracy is dependant on the shooter and weapons capabilities. In the bigger calibers 475 linebaugh and bigger for me the minimum is 4.5". For me a 5.5" would be a max, after that they become cumbersome for me to practically carry in most of my hunting situations, unless I am packing to a stand. Barrel length like calibers comes down to personal preference.
"If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence,try orderin' someone else's dog around" unknown cowboy
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Re: Short barrel hunting?
[Re: cottonstalk]
#128521
02/17/2013 6:37 PM
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 119
Aaron Proffitt
member
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member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 119 |
I agree . I bought a handgun for a reason , I expect it behave like one. But to each their own.
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Re: Short barrel hunting?
[Re: Aaron Proffitt]
#128538
02/17/2013 10:48 PM
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 35
Zebadi'ah
newbie
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newbie
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 35 |
Ok now that you have all settled down over my 165yard comment. I just wanted to say I never said anything about shooting a minute of brain or anything of the like....others said that. The truth is I have head shot deer over 160 yards and so far I do like the reaction it has when a 240 or 300 grain whacks them upside the head. Have I missed absolutely, but I don't hunt because I need the meat or more antlers and mounts.....cheaper to buy it in the store if that was the case. It adds a degree of difficulty to the equation. I'm not commenting on this anymore. I enjoy listening to you seasoned pros's on bullets loads testing etc.
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Re: Short barrel hunting?
[Re: Zebadi'ah]
#128541
02/17/2013 11:24 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 |
Oh boy....
I believe you better run for the hills. I think you just pissed of a lot of people again.
Last edited by raptortrapper; 02/17/2013 11:26 PM.
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: Short barrel hunting?
[Re: Raptortrapper]
#128543
02/17/2013 11:30 PM
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 554
ratgunner
addict
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addict
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 554 |
I'm wondering if it's a good idea to take such far shots if we can't be pretty certain of making a clean kill. I'd hate to try a head shot and end up just blowing a deers jaw off so it can run off. Not knocking anyone,just a thought. And I see no reason why a 4.5" barrel wouldn't work. But I prefer 5.5" or more.
Last edited by ratgunner; 02/17/2013 11:37 PM.
Hunt hard,Shoot straight,Kill clean,Apologize to no one.
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Re: Short barrel hunting?
[Re: ratgunner]
#128545
02/17/2013 11:35 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 |
I'm wondering if it's a good idea to take such far shots if we can't be pretty certain of making a clean kill. I'd hate to try a head shot and end up just blowing a deers jaw off so it can run off. Not knocking anyone,just a thought. Well, you put it nicely. Just wait till some of the other guys get on here and respond. You're gonna want ear muffs...
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: Short barrel hunting?
[Re: Raptortrapper]
#128546
02/17/2013 11:40 PM
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 554
ratgunner
addict
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addict
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 554 |
Haha,I'll go make some popcorn.
Hunt hard,Shoot straight,Kill clean,Apologize to no one.
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Re: Short barrel hunting?
[Re: ratgunner]
#128548
02/17/2013 11:48 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608
s4s4u
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608 |
Haha,I'll go make some popcorn. Mind if I join you? 
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
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Re: Short barrel hunting?
[Re: ratgunner]
#128550
02/17/2013 11:50 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 |
Yeah, it aint gonna be pretty. Here's my predictions...
Wapitirod will have a coniption and have to go in for back surgery again.
TCTex will have a stroke.
s4s4u will pull his hair out and say, "You just don't get it!"
Jamesfromjersey will first shake his head, then go off.
Dan will be thinkin to himself, "You idiot!!" but will have a "Nice way of putting it."
Whitworth will pistol whip him with some sort of big bore.
Kyode is absolutely gonna call B.S., and rightfully so.
I myself have to bite my tongue so that everything I say isn't censored, then I will respond later.
Last edited by raptortrapper; 02/17/2013 11:55 PM.
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: Short barrel hunting?
[Re: Raptortrapper]
#128551
02/18/2013 12:10 AM
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 408
Seasons44
addict
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addict
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 408 |
Yeah, it aint gonna be pretty. Here's my predictions...
Wapitirod will have a coniption and have to go in for back surgery again.
TCTex will have a stroke.
s4s4u will pull his hair out and say, "You just don't get it!"
Jamesfromjersey will first shake his head, then go off.
Dan will be thinkin to himself, "You idiot!!" but will have a "Nice way of putting it."
Whitworth will pistol whip him with some sort of big bore.
Kyode is absolutely gonna call B.S., and rightfully so.
I myself have to bite my tongue so that everything I say isn't censored, then I will respond later. Lol....Get the popcorn!
Simple, Elegant, but always Approachable
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Re: Short barrel hunting?
[Re: Raptortrapper]
#128552
02/18/2013 12:11 AM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836 |
For me, and I only speak for myself, the whole idea behind handgun hunting (in my case revolvers) is getting as close as possible to my game. This is what tests your hunting skills as far as I am concerned. If I want to take a long shot, I will break out a rifle (okay, I'll have to borrow one, actually). Head shots at 160 yards? I don't think so, unless I have a variable scope and a rock solid rest, and then I still probably wouldn't go for the head. Way too risky and we owe the game a quick kill and not blowing their jaw off so that they can die a slow and painful death. But what I know?? JMHO.
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Re: Short barrel hunting?
[Re: Raptortrapper]
#128553
02/18/2013 12:12 AM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,331
TCTex.
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,331 |
LOL...
Zeb just hasn't learned forum educate. Zeb would do better to start new threads instead of posting off "topic posts" and hijacking threads...
As for me, "Oh, no! Don't take me. Wait a little till the big Billy Goat Gruff comes. He's much bigger."
Duane
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb deciding what to have for dinner. Liberty is a well armed lamb Benjamin Franklin
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Re: Short barrel hunting?
[Re: ratgunner]
#128559
02/18/2013 12:36 AM
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 35
Zebadi'ah
newbie
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newbie
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 35 |
I don't shoot long range with short barrels.
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Re: Short barrel hunting?
[Re: TCTex.]
#128560
02/18/2013 12:38 AM
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 35
Zebadi'ah
newbie
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newbie
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 35 |
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Re: Short barrel hunting?
[Re: Zebadi'ah]
#128561
02/18/2013 12:38 AM
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 35
Zebadi'ah
newbie
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newbie
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 35 |
Chit I still forgetting how to reply to someones question.
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Re: Short barrel hunting?
[Re: s4s4u]
#128563
02/18/2013 12:54 AM
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 35
Zebadi'ah
newbie
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newbie
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 35 |
Whit don't worry it's not often I make long shots but have been capable when I have and it was in a situation they had no way to run off since it was on ranch land and I had wheels and a rifle as back up in case something bad happened. I agree I like getting close which is why I also bow hunt for the last 32 years. You've seen those guys make 1000 yard shots on animals too and I have always said they can drive closer than that. You also see guys shooting compounds at 100 yards now and all it takes is an animal to take one step at that disance and bad stuff happens. Though I'm good with a bow too at 60 yards I won't shoot over 40 hunting if that. We've all been in different conditions whether it light, snow, hillside, trees, back drop, rest etc. that can make or break a shot and one has to know when and when not. I've been in situations 20 yards was too far it just depends on the conditions. Time to eat
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Re: Short barrel hunting?
[Re: Zebadi'ah]
#128564
02/18/2013 1:05 AM
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 425
linebaugh
addict
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addict
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 425 |
Whit don't worry it's not often I make long shots but have been capable when I have and it was in a situation they had no way to run off since it was on ranch land and I had wheels and a rifle as back up in case something bad happened. I agree I like getting close which is why I also bow hunt for the last 32 years. You've seen those guys make 1000 yard shots on animals too and I have always said they can drive closer than that. You also see guys shooting compounds at 100 yards now and all it takes is an animal to take one step at that disance and bad stuff happens. Though I'm good with a bow too at 60 yards I won't shoot over 40 hunting if that. We've all been in different conditions whether it light, snow, hillside, trees, back drop, rest etc. that can make or break a shot and one has to know when and when not. I've been in situations 20 yards was too far it just depends on the conditions. Time to
eat Buddy, you really don't know when to stop. I don't care what kind of backup fire power you have, if you ever pulled a stunt like that on my hunting grounds, you would never be welcomed back. My friend arrogant hunters like you give the rest of us bad names...
//Psalms 42:1//
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Re: Short barrel hunting?
[Re: linebaugh]
#128568
02/18/2013 1:20 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,375
Dan B.
Distinguished Expert
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Distinguished Expert
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,375 |
Buddy, you really don't know when to stop. I don't care what kind of backup fire power you have, if you ever pulled a stunt like that on my hunting grounds, you would never be welcomed back. My friend arrogant hunters like you give the rest of us bad names... This pretty much sums it up. We've locked one thread because of Zeb already.....and don't want to do it again. So if he goes on to continue this non-sense which is all on his part...we will do it again even though the forum members are trying to give him hints to SHUT UP but doesn't seem to get it!! We need a smiley for shaking my head in disgust..........
Exodus 20:5-11
Matthew 5:18
Revelation 22:14
ISPBS--Expert Level
Please don't use e-mail, contact me w/ PM.
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