new to handgun hunting
#36660
10/10/2008 3:12 AM
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3
tjcolda
OP
stranger
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OP
stranger
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3 |
Hello All,
I am wanting to get into handgun hunting but first I need a powerful enough handgun to hunt with. I think I have decided on a revolver but can't decide on a cabiber. The gun will be used for whitetail, hogs, and maybe even bear. What do you think is the best choice? Right now I would say that a Ruger Super Redhawk in .44 mag is in first place, but I like the power and versitility of the .460 S&W. Do you that that the .460 is overkill and do you think the .44 mag has enough power to tackle all these jobs? I also like the cheaper price of the Ruger and .44 ammo.
Thanks for your suggestions.
-TJ
Kahr CW9 Kimber Warrior Glock 19
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Re: new to handgun hunting
[Re: tjcolda]
#36661
10/10/2008 3:15 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608
s4s4u
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608 |
Do you that that the .460 is overkill and do you think the .44 mag has enough power to tackle all these jobs? Yes.
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
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Re: new to handgun hunting
[Re: tjcolda]
#36662
10/10/2008 3:20 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 651
larry223
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addict
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welcome tj i think the 44 would be the one for you to start with i dont know anything about the 460 but that it is big to start work up to the big stuff if you plan on reloading down the road you get better service. larry
tc,s 223 35rem 7-30 waters 6.5jdj 375 30/30ai 6mm/223 22lr encores 7mm-08 308 redhawk 44mag.
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Re: new to handgun hunting
[Re: larry223]
#36663
10/10/2008 3:30 AM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 435
BINGO
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 435 |
A 44 Ruger is as good as it gets for the price, versatility, & durability. Try it you'll like it.
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Re: new to handgun hunting
[Re: BINGO]
#36668
10/10/2008 4:28 AM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,655
wapitirod
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,655 |
The 44 is an excellent round and will handle the animals you want. I would only consider the 460 if your going to be shooting much over 100yds or if your going to eventually want to tackle elk or something bigger. The 44 will also handle the bigger stuff within it's range limitations but the 460 will do it with more authority. The 460 is a heavier and bulkier gun but the weight can help with accuracy and felt recoil in the XVR isn't any worst than stout 44 loads out of the Ruger but if you don't reload the 44 has a much larger selection of factory loads to choose from. My personal revolvers are custom Blackhawks in 475 Linebaugh because I like power in a smaller package. Hope that helps. Have you thought about spliting the difference and going with the SRH in 454? Recoil will be a little more stiff but it's an excellent gun, and in my opinion better built than a Smith.
Last edited by wapitirod; 10/10/2008 4:30 AM.
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: new to handgun hunting
[Re: wapitirod]
#36670
10/10/2008 4:37 AM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,725
500WE
Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,725 |
The .44 Mag. is perfect for those game animals.
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Re: new to handgun hunting
[Re: wapitirod]
#36671
10/10/2008 4:38 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 293
SCOTTx88
enthusiast
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enthusiast
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Posts: 293 |
Welcome. I think the .44mag is great,buy it and shoot it,then shoot it some more. This site will "make" ya buy more toys.
“From each, according to his ability; to each, according to his need” Karl Marx/BHO
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Re: new to handgun hunting
[Re: SCOTTx88]
#36675
10/10/2008 12:09 PM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 813
Jeremy
old hand
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old hand
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 813 |
Hey tj, welcome the the site. I had the same problem as you last year about deciding which caliber to go with. I went for the 44mag. It is a great round for what your looking for! Also you may want to consider Wapitirods advice with the 454. A little more power could't hurt....hehe. You may also want to consider the good ole TC, your options then wouldn't be so costly!
Smith and Wesson 629 PC Magnum Hunter
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Re: new to handgun hunting
[Re: 500WE]
#36685
10/10/2008 2:29 PM
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963
KRal
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963 |
The .44 Mag. is perfect for those game animals. Welcome, tjcolda. In my opinion, it's best to learn to "crawl" before "running"...if you don't have much experience handgun hunting, it's probably not the best idea to start out with the "big boys". Bad habits can be picked up by starting out too big. I'm not saying the 460 is too big for any of those game you mentioned because, dead is dead...it just may be to big to learn with. The 44 is probably the most versitle hand gun cartridge to date...in my opinion. There is so much avalible ammo and reloading components avalible for the 44 it would be impossible to list them all. Well, that's my 2 cents...this would also give you a reason to buy a 460 later down the road...KRal
It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but only 3 for proper trigger squeeze.
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Re: new to handgun hunting
[Re: tjcolda]
#36690
10/10/2008 4:42 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,704
Tigger
Distinguished Expert
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Distinguished Expert
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,704 |
WELCOME to HH tjcolda!!
The 44 would be a great gun to start on. As everyone else has said, it's powerfull enough for the game you listed. Economical to shoot and practice with, and you need to practice alot to become proficent. The Ruger SRH is a great gun that is strong and heavy enough to keep the recoil down so you can enjoy shooting. It's easy to scope and unscope. An all around great gun.
NRA Life Member
** NEVER! Moon a Werewolf!!**
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Re: new to handgun hunting
[Re: Tigger]
#36697
10/10/2008 6:27 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 328
SS 308
enthusiast
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enthusiast
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Posts: 328 |
Welcome aboard tjcolda! I'd have to lean towards the 44 mag. I hunt with a "bolt" but I still carry a 44, "just in case".
Not as lean, Not as mean, But still a Marine!
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Re: new to handgun hunting
[Re: Tigger]
#36705
10/10/2008 10:39 PM
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 238
tred1956
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 238 |
Welcome to HH. A 44 mag is the perfect STARTING round.
Safe shooting Doug
Enjoy life but, remember we are only practicing for something better.
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Re: new to handgun hunting
[Re: s4s4u]
#36708
10/10/2008 10:56 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,222
bisleyfan44
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veteran
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Posts: 1,222 |
Do you that that the .460 is overkill and do you think the .44 mag has enough power to tackle all these jobs? Yes. x2 IMO the 460 is totally unnecessary for the tasks you list. Really no such thing as "overkill" in the field when applied to hunting, but the 44 will handily do everything you need done within it's range. The 44 is a GREAT round whether you're a beginner or expert; it can do it all without maiming the shooter. The 460s and 500s are for those who wish to start their bouts with hearing loss, arthritis, and tendonitis at an earlier than normal age or those with male inadequacy issues ;>) In all seriousness, if you're literally just starting with handguns, I'd suggest a good quality 22 that resembles the type of big-bore you plan to use. Shortens the learning curve immensely. Good luck.
I'll gladly pay you Tuesday for a handgun today.
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Re: new to handgun hunting
[Re: bisleyfan44]
#36710
10/10/2008 11:29 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,704
Tigger
Distinguished Expert
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Distinguished Expert
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Posts: 4,704 |
The 460s and 500s are for those who wish to start their bouts with hearing loss, arthritis, and tendonitis at an earlier than normal age or those with male inadequacy issues ;>)
HEY!!! I resemble that remark and I take offense!! LOL<LOL I like my big bores.
NRA Life Member
** NEVER! Moon a Werewolf!!**
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Re: new to handgun hunting
[Re: bisleyfan44]
#36711
10/11/2008 12:04 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608
s4s4u
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608 |
those with male inadequacy issues ;>) That's funny as hell right there, I don't care who you are ;-) Although I do have a 'Tender barrel in 45/70 so I may fall into that category on some level :-(
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
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Re: new to handgun hunting
[Re: s4s4u]
#36713
10/11/2008 1:51 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,461
pab1
Distinguished Expert
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Distinguished Expert
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,461 |
One more vote for the .44 mag. I have more powerful rounds, but the .44 mag is my all time favorite.
Experience is the best teacher, hunger good sauce. Osborne Russell Journal of a Trapper
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Re: new to handgun hunting
[Re: Tigger]
#36714
10/11/2008 1:57 AM
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 148
elkbelch
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member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 148 |
"I also like the cheaper price of the Ruger and .44 ammo." Now there is an important point. I like shooting all my guns but the cheaper componets do factor in. The cheaper price will allow those on some sort of a budjet to enjoy ample shooting time, at a reasonable price.
Shawn
A vote is like a rifle: its usefulness depends upon the character of the user. Roosevelt 1913
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Re: new to handgun hunting
[Re: s4s4u]
#36716
10/11/2008 2:01 AM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 454
lhunter03
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Welcome to the site !!! And Yes the 44 mag is definetly a good choice.
Lars
Last edited by lhunter03; 10/11/2008 2:01 AM.
Lars
.357 maxi, .375 win, 30-30 ackley, .450 marlin, and anything else that goes boom!!!
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Re: new to handgun hunting
[Re: lhunter03]
#36721
10/11/2008 3:43 AM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,278
rupe
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veteran
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Welcome tj, As you can see everyone is telling you to start with the .44mag , There is a reason for that. It is a great round and has killed everything on the planet. Even an Elephant. (Not advised) I hunt with the .44mag and would use it for everything that you are going to find in North America except the Grizzly Bear and Bison, unless that's all I had in my hand at the time. Then it better be life threatening. And there is no better match up then the .44mag and Ruger SBH or SRH for cost, reliablity, and fun. Again Welcome aboard you are going to learn alot from these guys. It is a great site.
SBH Hunter 44mag Ore. Chpt 4x4him.org If you don't like logging try using plastic toilet paper <><
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Re: new to handgun hunting
[Re: Tigger]
#36729
10/11/2008 7:02 AM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 21
Longstrides
stranger
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stranger
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 21 |
Welcome to the group, I think your idea of the 44 Mag is right on. It was my first serious fire power hand gun and I never plan to part with it! Larry
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Re: new to handgun hunting
[Re: Jeremy]
#36730
10/11/2008 9:12 AM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 112
AmmoHouse
member
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member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 112 |
You may also want to consider the good ole TC, your options then wouldn't be so costly! This is the route that I started out with and I have not been let down, the possibilities are endless! I have acquired a few wheelguns and I'm getting better with them. Like somebody else said, start out small and this site will make you buy more.
I don't harvest animals, I kill them...I don't take a Combine hunting!!!
USAF AMMO Retired!
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Re: new to handgun hunting
[Re: Longstrides]
#36739
10/11/2008 5:09 PM
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3
tjcolda
OP
stranger
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OP
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Joined: Oct 2008
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"In all seriousness, if you're literally just starting with handguns, I'd suggest a good quality 22 that resembles the type of big-bore you plan to use. Shortens the learning curve immensely. Good luck."
I have 'defensive' handguns in 9mm & .45 ACP. I really appreciate all the advice you guys are giving out. Usually when you post a 'beginer' question on firearm forums people eat you alive. Again thanks for all the advice.
Kahr CW9 Kimber Warrior Glock 19
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Re: new to handgun hunting
[Re: tjcolda]
#36740
10/11/2008 5:18 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,461
pab1
Distinguished Expert
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Distinguished Expert
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Posts: 4,461 |
"In all seriousness, if you're literally just starting with handguns, I'd suggest a good quality 22 that resembles the type of big-bore you plan to use. Shortens the learning curve immensely. Good luck." Thats good advise! I do the majority of my shooting with .22s and I know they have improved my consistancy and accuracy with larger caliber rounds.
Experience is the best teacher, hunger good sauce. Osborne Russell Journal of a Trapper
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Re: new to handgun hunting
[Re: Tigger]
#36758
10/12/2008 1:00 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715
jamesfromjersey
Shootist
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Shootist
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Posts: 9,715 |
"Deer, hogs or bear the 44 will always be there"......
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: new to handgun hunting
[Re: jamesfromjersey]
#36759
10/12/2008 1:49 AM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 143
Diego
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member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 143 |
Ask the sailors that went hunting polar bear with M1 grands. Sailors; 1 angry pissed off eventually dead bear. Bear; 7 dead sailors. All the fire power in the world wouldn't do you any good with out shot placement and the right bullet selection. FMJ bullets don't work to well on pissed off bears. I agree start with something that you can practice (correctly) your pistol handling,sighting,trigger control,& shooting. Most important cheap accurate ammo 22LR. Then I guess we can all say "My gun is bigger than your gun"
It's a Dry Heat
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Re: new to handgun hunting
[Re: jamesfromjersey]
#36777
10/12/2008 7:57 PM
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 237
Montanan
enthusiast
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enthusiast
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Posts: 237 |
"Deer, hogs or bear the 44 will always be there"...... Yep, I can't agree more.
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Re: new to handgun hunting
[Re: Montanan]
#36969
10/15/2008 1:00 PM
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 294
dertiedawg
enthusiast
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enthusiast
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Welcome to the site TJ, I started shooting handguns with a 9mm which was and still is my self defense Glock 26. Bought the 44 SRH for hunting and I am extremely satisfied with it. Will be purchasing an Encore soon but only for the longer shots with 270 and the 44 will become my primary "brush gun". Problem is, the folks on this site give you a bad disease called "gun envy" which is extremely contagious, and then you end up spending lots of dough on more guns. Eventually it will be handed down to my son so he can begin handgun hunting.
Scoped Satin Stainless 7.5in Ruger Super Redhawk in 44 Mag. 50 Cal CVA Optima Black Powder Pistol
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Re: new to handgun hunting
[Re: dertiedawg]
#37124
10/17/2008 3:58 AM
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3
tjcolda
OP
stranger
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OP
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Do you guys think it is worth going with the SRH in .454 for the extra power, of course at the cost of more recoil. Or should I go with the .44?
Kahr CW9 Kimber Warrior Glock 19
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Re: new to handgun hunting
[Re: tjcolda]
#37126
10/17/2008 5:54 AM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,278
rupe
veteran
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veteran
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Posts: 1,278 |
I would go with the .44mag until you get shooting a handgun that kicks down. There is a big jump between the .44mag and the .454. You get good with the .44mag then you can step upto the more powerful calibers. Just my opinion!
SBH Hunter 44mag Ore. Chpt 4x4him.org If you don't like logging try using plastic toilet paper <><
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Re: new to handgun hunting
[Re: rupe]
#37129
10/17/2008 11:30 AM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,331
TCTex.
Shootist
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Shootist
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Posts: 7,331 |
I would agree with Rupe. Particularly if you handload the 44 is has incredible potential.
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: new to handgun hunting
[Re: TCTex.]
#37137
10/17/2008 2:06 PM
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 402
hunlee
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44 mag is bad medison for doe an buck deer!!!!!!Hunlee is very proud of 7-30 water,,,,375 Windchester,,,,,but 45-70 barrel of hunlee go to TC factory!!!!!!!45-70 is big bore with high hittin power allso bad medison for doe an buck deer!!!!!!
hunlee
Hunlee is friend to all,,,Is a lover not a fighter and has fathered many children!!!!
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Re: new to handgun hunting
[Re: TCTex.]
#37141
10/17/2008 2:25 PM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 813
Jeremy
old hand
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old hand
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 813 |
I would agree with the 2 above. Since I started handloading for the 44 you will have all the power needed for what you need.
Smith and Wesson 629 PC Magnum Hunter
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Re: new to handgun hunting
[Re: Jeremy]
#37150
10/17/2008 10:40 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,704
Tigger
Distinguished Expert
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Distinguished Expert
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I'll have to sgree with the general consensus. Start with the 44 and get good with it. Then move up to the sharp recoilers. It's best to walk well before trying to run.
Looking back I remember my first handgun, a 357 Max in a heavy DW revolver. I had never shot much of any handguns. I thought the recoil was quite stout with the factory 158gr loads. I practiced alot with it and got comfortable with the recoil and the gun. As time moved on and I started getting larger and stronger calibers I grew with the recoil. I now have almost all the big bores and most are comfortable to shoot. A few can be loaded to the uncomfortable stage, but I don't generally go there.
NRA Life Member
** NEVER! Moon a Werewolf!!**
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Re: new to handgun hunting
[Re: TCTex.]
#37175
10/18/2008 2:43 AM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 454
lhunter03
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Rupe has good advice, The 44 is a better choice for those starting out. But still has the knock down for all that walks North America.
Lars
Lars
.357 maxi, .375 win, 30-30 ackley, .450 marlin, and anything else that goes boom!!!
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