I don't know about the rest of you, but of all the people I've talked to about handgun hunting, very few of them react negatively. Most of them are amazed or fascinated by it. That said, no matter how many game animals we cleanly take with our handguns, we're always going to run into hunters like John who, despite presumably never even having hunted anything with a handgun before, will attempt to denigrate us and our pursuits as unethical, or akin to a stunt. Those aren't the people that we need to try to convince; they've already made up their mind. We have to convince the silent majority who, upon reading about our hunts and well-worded replies to the haters and doubters, are willing to open their mind a little and learn. While John may have sent a snide reply disparaging Max's hunt, how many more people read that article and likely gained a little better understanding of handgun hunters and their capabilities? I'm guessing quite a few.

With a circulation of more than a million a month I hope you are right. That said, you would be shocked at how many rifle hunters view what we do with skepticism. But, I welcome it as I believe it is an opportunity to educate. The letter I responded to was an example of conventional wisdom gone amok. So many folks believe muzzle energy is a measure of lethality. As they say, ignorance is bliss...

I have seen that a lot, esp. on the fire. I rarely go to that part of the forum now, some there know what they are talking about in scopes, longer range rifles, etc.
It appears they don't want to be objective about the 45/70, afterall the average guy can buy one.

He says he is experienced but the mere fact that he mentions the 'ballistic calculator" and doesn't consider that tissue damage, wound channel & penetration is what matters on Big Animals & mentions a round that would not have the right bullet, penetration, anything that matters, well it shows he is very ignorant. Max was VERY patient.
Hats off to you Sir, it appears my toleration level is dropping!

Energy table disciples should think a little deeper as to their assertions. At-the-muzzle energy figures are not what reaches the animal anyway. To follow their logic a rifle will fall below killing power after the energy drops to 1000 foot pounds or below. As if a .458 Winchester magnum bullet is futile after traveling more than 50 yards. That circling cycle of premise is stuck on a failure of musing. Terminal ballistics is what count. And placement is paramount in exercising terminal ballistics. Max Prasac mingled out in his response the reference to 7 feet of penetration with his revolver and the Professional Hunter quoted as saying the buffalo was dropped in a very short distance. Edifying while responding is a wise approach.
Placement of a lethal bullet design where the animal lives is WHAT BRINGS DOWN GAME EFFECTIVELY. Whether delivered by a rifle or a handgun, the bullet is the only contact that reaches the animal. Make the shot count as it is only accurate shots that are satisfying. If the animal moves just as you pull the trigger and the bullet hits too far back, then all bets are off and the lead must fly or the meat won't fry. The men and women of action know what is at stake. Keep shooting and reloading until the animal falls. And if the animal stops then place the shot accurately and keep hitting it till the animal falls. A true hunter respects the animal they hunt. And they strive, in turn, to drop it humanely. Hunters do not delight in the kill. Hunters savor the hunt and want only to bring the animal down as fast as possible with a lethal shot. Whether a neophyte or a seasoned hunter the goal is the same. Practice and practice and practice some more. No regret is more keenly and deeply felt than to miss your target and in turn, wound your quarry. Prevent regret by practicing until you are at ease in lining up the sights and squeezing the trigger consistently until the hammer falls. God Bless the Doers and God Forgive the Ones Who Give Only Lip Service to Action!!! Amen

JMHO I could care less what other hunters thing as long as they leave me alone. I am sure that a lot goes on that i don't agree with. (Sunday Hunting) Alas everyone seems like they are bound and determined to stick their nose in someone else business right down to what you can eat, drink, or say.

This is true. The internet gave everyone a voice and the ability to respond so quickly, some don?t even bother engaging their brains. That said, I?m in the business of publishing my handgun hunting exploits and am therefore attacked by the ignorant masses on occasion, and that requires a response that will hopefully open the minds of some. Hopefully...

And God Bless those of you who do! Keep at it I love reading everything that you do!

Many thanks! We all collectively need to keep fighting the good fight and educate the ignorant.