Good afternoon! I'm brand new to handgun hunting, but I have been shooting handguns for years. Recently picked up a Thompson Contender with a 12" bull barrel chambered in .357 magnum wearing a Nikon 2x scope in a trade. Also, last week got an awesome deal on a Ruger Super Redhawk in .44 magnum wearing a Leupold 4x scope. Waiting for the weather to cooperate to get them to the range. I've got Federal Fusion ammo to try in the .357. For the 44 magnum, Winchester white box to get on paper and Prvi 300 grain fodder for hunting. Will use exclusively for Whitetails.

Curious to see what you guys use for a handgun rest in a tree stand. Also, looks like my next challenge will be finding a nice holster for the scoped Ruger ( I'm a leftie)! I'm very excited to get started and can't wait to get to the range.

Welcome to the addiction. A quick search and some reading will get you several posts on loads, leather goods,and tree stand rests, even for lefties.A very knowledgeable group here with lots of real world experience. Hang on and enjoy the ride.

Welcome. For a rest I use a piece of 1" webbing with several loops my hand will fit through. I tether it with the strap for my safety vest. Then depending on distance/angle I put my left hand in the loop and extend it until it is tight. You could make same out of a piece of rope.

Welcome I'm am a new here also a great bunch of guys here with a lot of knowledge.

Welcome! Sounds like you have some nice irons to start with. I'm currently waiting on a new MGM barrel to complete my Encore.

This is a great place.

Enjoy

Welcome to the forum...Many knowledgeable and friendly people on here. I am a south paw too. Finding leather can be hard at times. PM me and I can tell you where I get me leather from.
I do not want to be seen as advertising for any business....

Now get out and burn some powder.....

Charlie

Welcome to the forum! I too hail from the first state. Left handed to boot! Your handle caught my attention. Are you affiliated with a guitar player named George by any chance? A .44 Redhawk will serve you well.

welcome aboard.

Glad to hear from a fellow First State resident! I'm a huge fan of lonesome George, but not affiliated with him. Have seen him in concert.

Looking forward to getting to the range and putting the Super Redhawk and the Contender through their paces.

Go Blue Hens!

Welcome DE and vhntr1. Glad to have new people coming aboard!

Hope you don't think those are the only hunting handguns you're going to own. This stuff is adicting!!!

As for your tree stand question, I can't help ya there as I hunt from the ground. Usually spot and stalk. But I do like the Primos Trigger Stick tripod when hunting. Or a nearby boulder with my pack on top.

DE Destroyer. As to your question about a holster, there are plenty of folks here to share experience. I ended up with the Guides Choice after suggestions here and getting to actually handle one a fellow DE shooter bought. Good Stuff!

Welcome! Sounds like you've already got a good pair of hunting handguns. I tried to look up the ambidextrous holster I use, but it seems they've quit making them. Midway currently has a similar one listed, but it's on back order: BLACKHAWK! Sportster Bandolier Scoped Handgun Holster Ambidextrous Medium, Large Double Action Revolver 10-1/2" Barrel Nylon Black

Welcome to HH. I believe you can find a holster similar to the one in this link that will suit your needs, from the same seller. HOLSTER

Welcome!
What distances do you think you are capable of shooting from a tree stand if you are steady and or in your hunting set-ups what is the typical distance for deer?

Hey Ernie!

Hunting for many years with my slug shotgun (no rifles allowed for deer in Delaware), I have rarely had a shot over 50 yards where I hunt. As far as my capabilities, I will be able to answer that question after some range time and practice from my stands with the handguns. I'm a pretty good shot with a handgun. Most of my stands are located in the woods with a view of the edge of a crop field within 25 yards.

Thanks for all of your suggestions regarding holsters. Keep em coming!

Hey DE
I started hunting with a contender a couple years ago to get away from a shotgun requirement too. Most of my shots are 50-150 yards out of a tree stand. For a rest, I use the swing down safety bar/gun rest on the stand to rest my wrists and then have a adjustable brace with a "Y" on top to support the forarm of the gun. I put the tip of the brace between my feet on the platform and tie a string to the top of the brace so I can pull the string (and brace) in or let it out to adjust height since it is leaning away from me at a good angle. It's worked well for me at 100+ yards but is slow and cumbersome at close ranges. I would think that practice would make 50 yards do-able freehand or with minimum bracing.