On this site, I've seen the different set ups everyone chooses to hunt with, ranging from open sighted revolvers, optic sighted revolvers, optic sighted single shots and SPs, and even a couple of optic and open sighted semi-autos. The one thing I don't recall seeing is an open sighted single shot. I know that with the calibers and accuracy you can get in them, most people would choose to scope a single shot. However, have any of you ever hunted with an open sighted Contender or Encore?

Just with my 45/410 shotgun barrel.

I killed this bull elk with a T/C 209X50 Encore ML with factory open sights. This photo appeared in an earlier T/C Catalog.

Wow, nice bull, Gregg.

I hunt pheasant and other small game with my .410 shot barrel. I do occasionally carry an 8" 44magnum contender as a belt gun although usually I choose a revolver if hunting with irons.

I did many years ago and enjoyed it alot. Just shoot revolvers now.

It's been a few years but I took a nice 7 pt. with a T/C 10" iron sights .357 max. maybe 30 yds. bang,kick,flop..

You know Gregg, I have never looked that closely at that pic until now. I assumed I was seeing some sort of reflex sight on the back in the past but that's the top of your binoc eyepiece

Great elk with a cool handgun

Thank you, Lone Wolf.

In Colorado we aren't allowed to use any type of electronic sight for muzzleloader season, Glenn. Yup, it is just the factory sight. And thank you for the compliment.

Gregg

Y'all can't use sabots either, can you?

I hunt small game with an open sighted 10" Contender 22lr barrel. I have used it on grouse, squirrel and rabbits. I have carried a 10" .44 mag barrel hunting but have not taken anything with it yet.

Correct. And no powder pellets either.

Lol, my first TC was purchased in 1984/5 it was the 357 max. I took a mulie with it while in college. 60 yard shot. It walked right to me.

Gregg, Are yall still in the "fuse ignition" era?

I have a good buddy that ONLY hunts muzzleloader and ONLY with a flintlock.

And his flintlocks are all customs...

He is into his custom flintlocks as much or more than some of us are into our custom handguns.

And I have another buddy that enjoys shooting trap with a muzzleloader double barrel shotgun...and better yet, he uses "reclaimed shotgun pellets" - ie. once fired...

And last fall his son killed a Rocky Mountain Bighorn ram with a flintlock...

Now that's dedication.

I have 8 barrels for my TC from 22 22 mag 357 44 222 223 30-30 45 and I only have a scope on the 223 it's not any fun if you use a scope that's the hole idea of hunting with a handgun if your going to use one put it on a rifle the on on my 223 is a one power and I don't shoot that one very much

Welcome aboard, Clw

I like yer attitude my friend

I thought the same thing several years ago but now my eyes need some help. I am growing to like my ultra dot red dot.

My scopes have no choice but to set on a handgun; I don't own any rifles.

It's still fun to me.

Welcome to HH!

As much as you older guys complain about your poor eyesight forcing you to put scopes and dot sights on handguns, that was a factor I considered when I decided against putting my old scope back on my 460. Heck, I'm only 21 and my eyesight is already horrible (-6.00 prescription in both), but short of laser eye surgery, it probably won't get any better.

Also, I consider an open sighted revolver more challenging than even a compound bow.

Indeed. Agree 100%

All the big game l have ever killed with a handgun were with open sights..A couple deer a year in the late 70s to early 80s when l was shooting IHMSA silhs. My silh/deer gun was a S&W Model 29 44 mag with 8 3/8'' barrel.

Fast forward 30 yrs l started shooting IHMSA silh again in 2012.. At first with my old open sighted Mod 29.. The l bought a 629 Magnum Hunter w/fact red dot site..My scores increased 50%..

2015 l will kill a deer with my 44 Hunter and red dot...For me,0pen site hunting days are over

Since getting back to shooting IHMSA silh l happened upon a Contender in 41mag w/10in octagon barrel and Super 14. l have yet to shoot it w/open sites..This is only the second Contender l have owned as l had a bad experience with the first one 30+ yrs ago. Twas a 44mag 10in 0ctagon and 22rf barrels. l just loved the 22 but the recoil was so bad with the 44 l could not hit my pond with me standing on the dike Twas the worst kicking gun l have ever owned..l guess Contender deserves another chance...