Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
First deer with the 460 Rowland 1911 #205547 02/10/2020 11:35 PM
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 808
minnesotahunter Offline OP
old hand
OP Offline
old hand
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 808
Hey guys and gals. Been a while since I posted. Have been filling my tags with the bow lately so I haven't been on as much. That along with kids and work has taken most of my time. However, one of my favorite things in the world is chasing game with a handgun!

After an exciting bow season I still hadn't taken any deer, so I got to bring out the Springfield Range Officer 1911. It has a Clark Custom 460 Rowland conversion that I have been extremely happy with. The kit includes a barrel, compensator, and a 24lb recoil spring. Recoil is stout but manageable. The gun is very accurate shooting 460 or 45acp.

Love the fully adjustable sights, and love that it still shoots the much cheaper 45acp which will cycle reliably, but does not have enough power to lock the slide back on the last round.(no big deal)

The ammo I'm shooting is Underwood 230grain Nosler jacketed hollow point at 1400fps.

Now to the story of the first deer.

I was hunting at my place, and the day began with me not hunting for myself, but for my 12 year old Cousin Ezra. He is the same age as my oldest son Christian. Ezra had never taken a deer and so we all agreed that he would be the one to take a deer if we got the chance.

The 3 of us were planning to sit together(they are too young to hunt alone)on the edge of a picked bean field behind a blind I had put up.

Just as we were heading to the woods my uncle called(Ezra's dad)and said he would come along. My son Christian wanted to sit with Ezra instead of hunting for himself, so I set the 3 of them up behind the blind and headed over to a tree stand not far away in the woods.

With around half hour of shooting light to go I let out a series of soft grunts. Couple min later I could see movement down the ravine through the trees. Sure enough it was a buck and he was making his way towards me. As he got closer I caught glimpses of his rack and determined he was a deer I wanted. I could see where he was heading and got my gun ready. I knew I would only have a second once he hit the small opening about 25 yards away. The buck was walking and I settled right behind the shoulder and squeezed off a shot. He mule kicked and took off circling my tree to head back down the hill. I took one more shot as he was running and then he disappeared over the edge and went crashing down the very steep hill.

Confident that he was down I climbed down and walked over the edge and found him about 50yards into the ravine. He was dead on his feet and fell/rolled most of that distance.

The first shot took the heart and one lung, the second took his close shoulder. The second shot was totally unnecessary. All it did was ruin some meat, but I didn't know at the time where I had hit him with the first shot. I also didn't know how well the bullet would perform as this was my first animal with the gun/load.

It was super exciting to be there with my uncle and the 2 kids who were excited to say the least. Getting him out was difficult where he ended up, but my parents came over as well as my brother to help and join in the fun.

Neither bullet exited but the insides were jelly and the shoulder was smashed. He was dead within 10 seconds of the shot. I love this gun!!! My new favorite semi auto for deer.







A couple days later I was hunting with that same gun in a different treestand. A couple does filtered out of the same ravine off to my left. They were around 20 yards away. I eased the 1911 out of a chest holster and flicked off the safety. I now had total confidence in the gun and knew I could place the shots at that distance. I decided to go for double lung shots to see if I would get pass throughs. Once they both cleared the brush I leveled the gun and aimed. The does were standing close to each other and I fired 2 quick shots through the lungs of the first and then the second doe. I flicked the safety back on and re-holstered knowing I wouldn't need follow up shots.

I watched both does fall with the gun back in it's holster. It was a surreal moment. 2 does down with my hands back in my pockets on my hand warmers and the woods quiet again as if it had never happened. I don't really know how to describe it, but it felt strange. Like I had imagined it. I think because I wasn't holding a gun or something. Not sure. One went 30 yards and the other only 20 or so. Both shots were double lung and both exited. Like the buck, neither doe lasted more than 10 seconds.

I am exceedingly pleased with the performance of the gun/load. I'm even OK that the bullets didn't exit the buck. It killed so quickly that it makes up for a lesser blood trail. I am confident that if the shots had been a double lung they would have exited the buck also.

P.S.
I made the mistake of not having ear protection in when I shot the buck. I will not make that mistake again. It was way worse than any 44 mag I have shot. My ears rang for 2 hours. I won't shoot it again without protection.
I had my electric muffs on for the 2 does, and it was totally comfortable. Relaxing even.

Thanks!


Last edited by minnesotahunter; 02/13/2020 7:37 PM.
Re: First deer with the 460 Rowland 1911 [Re: minnesotahunter] #205549 02/10/2020 11:53 PM
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 129
RSW Offline
member
Offline
member
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 129
Beautiful buck! Good shooting with that 1911!

Re: First deer with the 460 Rowland 1911 [Re: minnesotahunter] #205550 02/10/2020 11:57 PM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 259
Shortgun Offline
enthusiast
Offline
enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 259
Congrats and take care of your hearing, believe me

Re: First deer with the 460 Rowland 1911 [Re: Shortgun] #205554 02/11/2020 12:44 AM
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,556
junebug Offline
Gun Slinger
Offline
Gun Slinger
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,556
Well done! Nothing like a successful hunt to boost your confidence in your gun. Earmuffs are a required item for me,would rather leave the bino's behind than the muffs.


junebug
Re: First deer with the 460 Rowland 1911 [Re: junebug] #205556 02/11/2020 1:11 AM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,861
Franchise Offline
Distinguished Expert
Offline
Distinguished Expert
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,861
Excellent write up. You have killed some monster deer with your handguns. Looks like the 460 Rowland is a real winner....CONGRATULATIONS


The Eyes are Useless, When The Mind Is Blind
Re: First deer with the 460 Rowland 1911 [Re: Franchise] #205557 02/11/2020 1:20 AM
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 808
minnesotahunter Offline OP
old hand
OP Offline
old hand
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 808
Thanks guys!!

Re: First deer with the 460 Rowland 1911 [Re: minnesotahunter] #205558 02/11/2020 2:14 AM
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963
KRal Offline
Shootist
Offline
Shootist
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963
Fantastic! That?s a great buck and with a 1911! Congrats! I?ve always wanted to take a deer with a 1911, but just never take one to the woods.


It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but only 3 for proper trigger squeeze.
Re: First deer with the 460 Rowland 1911 [Re: KRal] #205559 02/11/2020 4:00 AM
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 543
ruger4570 Offline
addict
Offline
addict
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 543
Congrats on a great buck and a pair of Does. Very nice writeup.

Re: First deer with the 460 Rowland 1911 [Re: ruger4570] #205560 02/11/2020 9:52 AM
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209
REDHAWK1954 Offline
Pooh-Bah
Offline
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209
You had a great season.


Michael Joe Moore
Re: First deer with the 460 Rowland 1911 [Re: REDHAWK1954] #205561 02/11/2020 10:24 AM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,512
Ernie Offline
Distinguished Master
Offline
Distinguished Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,512
Congrats and excellent shooting.


Ernie the Un-Tactical
Re: First deer with the 460 Rowland 1911 [Re: Ernie] #205562 02/11/2020 1:28 PM
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 264
jcp161 Offline
enthusiast
Offline
enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 264
Great story and congratulations on all of your deer.

I have considered purchasing a .460 Rowland for some time and wondered how it would perform on deer. Also considered whether it was any better performance wise than a 10 mm. You certainly help answer some questions for me on that.

Thanks for posting the story and the info on the gun and load.

John

Re: First deer with the 460 Rowland 1911 [Re: Ernie] #205567 02/11/2020 7:01 PM
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,500
reflex264 Offline
Gun Slinger
Offline
Gun Slinger
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,500
Huge congrats. One of the least known but one of the best whitetail handgun cartridges out there. I love mine. Superbly accurate.

Last edited by reflex264; 02/11/2020 7:02 PM.

"A quiet hit in the right place is better than a loud miss in the wrong place followed by 10 more shots on the run"

I was a handgun hunter, when handgun wasn't cool.....
Re: First deer with the 460 Rowland 1911 [Re: reflex264] #205568 02/11/2020 7:42 PM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715
jamesfromjersey Offline
Shootist
Offline
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715


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"
Re: First deer with the 460 Rowland 1911 [Re: Ernie] #205572 02/11/2020 8:30 PM
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,280
Sawfish Offline
veteran
Offline
veteran
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,280
Nice deer and terrific shooting!


Good Shooting Makes Good Hunting
Patron Member NRA;
Life Member RMEF, SCI, NSRPA, CRPA: Member, FTRF, HHI #7108, CBA
Re: First deer with the 460 Rowland 1911 [Re: Sawfish] #205578 02/12/2020 3:19 AM
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 378
dave thomas Offline
enthusiast
Offline
enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 378
a wall hanger and a double on skin heads, what a season!


Ephesians 6:10-18 because we are warriors.
Re: First deer with the 460 Rowland 1911 [Re: dave thomas] #205594 02/13/2020 6:28 PM
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 808
minnesotahunter Offline OP
old hand
OP Offline
old hand
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 808
Thanks boys!!!

Re: First deer with the 460 Rowland 1911 [Re: Ernie] #205704 02/22/2020 1:56 AM
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 174
Willicd76 Offline
member
Offline
member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 174
Very nice buck!

Re: First deer with the 460 Rowland 1911 [Re: Willicd76] #205772 02/27/2020 4:50 AM
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 808
minnesotahunter Offline OP
old hand
OP Offline
old hand
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 808
jcp161,
I have the 10mm also and love that round. The 460 however is a whole other power level. Puts em down fast.

Re: First deer with the 460 Rowland 1911 [Re: minnesotahunter] #205773 02/27/2020 1:24 PM
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 264
jcp161 Offline
enthusiast
Offline
enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 264
That's what I'm looking for minnesotahunter.
I have an older Gold Cup and think I may have to pick up a conversion unit for it.

Re: First deer with the 460 Rowland 1911 [Re: jcp161] #205777 02/27/2020 4:59 PM
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 808
minnesotahunter Offline OP
old hand
OP Offline
old hand
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 808
That would make a gorgeous Rowland platform!

Re: First deer with the 460 Rowland 1911 [Re: minnesotahunter] #205848 03/04/2020 1:24 PM
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 264
jcp161 Offline
enthusiast
Offline
enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 264
Thanks. It's an older bullseye gun I picked up on the cheap as the slide was drilled and tapped for a scope base. Great shooter and the ability to mount a dot or small scope will be a plus.

I'll let you know how it turns out...

Re: First deer with the 460 Rowland 1911 [Re: jcp161] #205856 03/05/2020 12:54 AM
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 486
briarhopper Offline
addict
Offline
addict
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 486
I have a .460 Rowland kit I took off of a Springfield Operator TRP I'm thinking of moving on. If you think you might be interested, pm me


If it were supposed to be easy, they'd have sent my little sister to do it.
Re: First deer with the 460 Rowland 1911 [Re: briarhopper] #205962 03/11/2020 12:16 PM
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 264
jcp161 Offline
enthusiast
Offline
enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 264
If you ever change your mind briarhopper let me know.

Anyone else have experience using this round in a 1911 or Glock platform?

Re: First deer with the 460 Rowland 1911 [Re: jcp161] #205965 03/11/2020 2:20 PM
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,500
reflex264 Offline
Gun Slinger
Offline
Gun Slinger
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,500
I use it in a glock and I am building a blackhawk .460 Rowland right now. It is an efficient killer. Superb accuracy. With my bad eyes and open sights it will shoot 6" groups at 175 yards.


"A quiet hit in the right place is better than a loud miss in the wrong place followed by 10 more shots on the run"

I was a handgun hunter, when handgun wasn't cool.....
Re: First deer with the 460 Rowland 1911 [Re: reflex264] #205966 03/11/2020 2:22 PM
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,500
reflex264 Offline
Gun Slinger
Offline
Gun Slinger
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,500


"A quiet hit in the right place is better than a loud miss in the wrong place followed by 10 more shots on the run"

I was a handgun hunter, when handgun wasn't cool.....
Re: First deer with the 460 Rowland 1911 [Re: reflex264] #205967 03/11/2020 2:32 PM
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 486
briarhopper Offline
addict
Offline
addict
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 486
Here's mine on a Springfield Operator TRP with elk grips. I just found a place down the road where I can get ammo.


If it were supposed to be easy, they'd have sent my little sister to do it.
Re: First deer with the 460 Rowland 1911 [Re: Ernie] #205974 03/12/2020 2:07 AM
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 139
Drycreek3189 Offline
member
Offline
member
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 139
Outstanding ! There is something very satisfying about handgun hunting and bowhunting. It almost makes rifle hunting seem like grocery shopping.

Re: First deer with the 460 Rowland 1911 [Re: Drycreek3189] #205977 03/12/2020 3:50 AM
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 808
minnesotahunter Offline OP
old hand
OP Offline
old hand
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 808
Very nice Rowlands guys!!

That's awesome accuracy reflex!

I just think it's so cool to have that kind of power in a regular sized semi.

Re: First deer with the 460 Rowland 1911 [Re: minnesotahunter] #205978 03/12/2020 12:26 PM
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 264
jcp161 Offline
enthusiast
Offline
enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 264
Thanks for the photos. Very nice stuff.

So here's the next question for those who have shot both...which do you prefer, the Glock or 1911 platform?

Last edited by jcp161; 03/12/2020 12:27 PM.
Re: First deer with the 460 Rowland 1911 [Re: minnesotahunter] #208370 10/06/2020 7:36 PM
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 96
Igor Offline
journeyman
Offline
journeyman
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 96
Tnx for a lot of useful info for us who's considering buying .460 Rowland. I wonder how WFN hardcast bullets would work on game and if gun will cycle flawlessly.
Keep us informed!

Re: First deer with the 460 Rowland 1911 [Re: Igor] #208376 10/07/2020 12:52 AM
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 378
dave thomas Offline
enthusiast
Offline
enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 378
what loads are you guys running out of the Rowland.?


Ephesians 6:10-18 because we are warriors.
Re: First deer with the 460 Rowland 1911 [Re: Igor] #208390 10/07/2020 5:42 PM
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,500
reflex264 Offline
Gun Slinger
Offline
Gun Slinger
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,500
I have used Beartooth 265grs sized .451 in my Glock 460 with spectacular results.


"A quiet hit in the right place is better than a loud miss in the wrong place followed by 10 more shots on the run"

I was a handgun hunter, when handgun wasn't cool.....
Re: First deer with the 460 Rowland 1911 [Re: Ernie] #208394 10/07/2020 6:40 PM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715
jamesfromjersey Offline
Shootist
Offline
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715
MH... He`s a beauty and taking him with a 460 makes it all the better.... A good hunt all the way around....


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"
Re: First deer with the 460 Rowland 1911 [Re: jamesfromjersey] #208596 10/18/2020 8:34 PM
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 808
minnesotahunter Offline OP
old hand
OP Offline
old hand
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 808
Thanks!
Just today my 13year old took his first handgun deer with the Rowland!! I'll get pics and the story up soon.

Re: First deer with the 460 Rowland 1911 [Re: minnesotahunter] #208598 10/19/2020 12:27 AM
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 779
Okie Hunter Offline
old hand
Offline
old hand
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 779
Tell him congrats. Can't wait for details.


With God all things are possible. Matt.19:26
Re: First deer with the 460 Rowland 1911 [Re: Okie Hunter] #208603 10/19/2020 11:31 AM
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209
REDHAWK1954 Offline
Pooh-Bah
Offline
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209
CONGRATS!


Michael Joe Moore
Re: First deer with the 460 Rowland 1911 [Re: REDHAWK1954] #208609 10/19/2020 2:51 PM
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 378
dave thomas Offline
enthusiast
Offline
enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 378
Congrats to the young Man, that officially makes it his gun right?!


Ephesians 6:10-18 because we are warriors.
Re: First deer with the 460 Rowland 1911 [Re: dave thomas] #208618 10/20/2020 12:13 PM
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,500
reflex264 Offline
Gun Slinger
Offline
Gun Slinger
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,500
Awesome! Can't wait for pics.


"A quiet hit in the right place is better than a loud miss in the wrong place followed by 10 more shots on the run"

I was a handgun hunter, when handgun wasn't cool.....
Re: First deer with the 460 Rowland 1911 [Re: reflex264] #208642 10/21/2020 4:18 PM
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 192
thadf Offline
member
Offline
member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 192
Enablers...all of you!

WTG with the 460 Rowland. I think I need one of those too!!


Moderated by  Chance Weldon, Gary, Gregg Richter 

Newest Members
Redhawk41, Striker243, Sxviper, RobbieD, IRONMAN
9668 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
Who's Online Now
0 registered members (), 37 guests, and 3 spiders.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.3