Hello, I have been a lurker for a while and finaly decided to join the fun. The last few years I have packed a pistol for close shots deer hunting and the last 3 all my bucks have been taken with the sidearm. I am know ready to get a pure hunting handgun. I have a 2.5-8 nikon monarch eer scope and am not sure what to get to put it in so if you have a good idea that would help alot. It will be for deer and hogs mostly.

Nice to have you aboard rubicon!!! I'll tell you what, its pretty hard to beat a 44 mag, say in a blackhawk or redhawk.
That would work extremly well on hogs and deer. I'm curious whats your favorite cartrige?

Lars

I have an anaconda 44mag that I love but I was thinking a TC. I want something to take 200 yard shots after a lot of practice. Also I do reload and this will be a want not a need. Thanks.

Sorry I did not answer all your questions. As a handgun round 44 mag is right now but all the handguns I have are standered rounds 22, 9mm, 45 auto, 357, 44. I am thinking mabe a 460 S&W or 475 lin as cdnn has BFR's for $500 now. Thanks.

The BFR is an excellent gun but the only thing that is a question mark is how well you handle recoil. Recoil is perceived differently by everyone and when your talking about going from a 44 to a 475 that is a big jump in felt recoil but that doesn't mean you can't handle it or master it but you need to be ready for it. The 475 however wouldn't fit the bill for a 200 yd gun the 460 with practice can however handle those ranges but if you want long range then you should really look at the T/C stuff. For deer the 7-30 in a contender is hard to beat for the ranges your talking about and in the encore the list of cartridges is seemingly endless.

Ditto wapitirod... "T/C stuff" is so versatile (ie. accuracy, easily mountable with scopes, safe, interchangeable barrels/calibers, and just plain nice lookin') that unless you are really leaning toward a revolver, then a Contender in 7-30 or an Encore in .270 or .308 will get you off to a great start. The variable power Monarch is a good choice as far as the variable part; 2.5X for fairly close-up shots on hogs on up to 8X for longer range shots on deer...since you are already packin' a pistol that you have used for your first choice weapon on some game, then add a T/C and you'd really be ready to go for the whole shootin' match. (sorry...couldn't resist

The biggest handgun I have fired so fare is a 50 ae desert eagle and I did not find the recoil to be unpleasent but I am sure some of the revolvers will kick more. I have been looking at TC stuff on line and kind of liking a contender in 7-30, 30-30, and 6.8spc. I like the 30-30 as I already have empty brass. Thanks for the great help guys.

you are thinking the right direction with a 7-30 or 30-30 contender.if you want more range consider a encore in 308 7mm-08 or 270.

They're sold out already, at least the .475's are. I didn't ask about the 500's.

A T/C Contender in 30-30 AI is hard to beat for an all-around deer/hog getter to 200 yards.

S&W's PC sells a .460 that works well to 200 yards and farther. Extremely accurate for a revolver. The only down side is it's weight, which to some will be too much.

That Colt Annaconda you have will fit the bill for most of your hunting needs.Now for everything past 100 yards the contenders/encores/and specialty jobs will handle on out to ranges most people can't shoot with a rifle.Just look at some of bugs stuff.Good luck and welcome.

Well, it can't be a suprise that my vote would be for the T/C 30-30 Super 14.
It was too windy to find Jack Rabbits last weekend, so I went down in a old gravel pit and practiced on rocks from 30 to 200 yards with the 30-30 and the 45-70. It was a nice confidence booster.

Thanks for all the help guys. It looks like I will be getting a contender in 30-30 and I will shot a lot this summer to get ready for fall. I will post a pick when I get t set up and look forward to visiting soon.

Welcome to HH rubicon!!

The 475 is an absolute hammer on Deer and Hogs, even at 200 yards it will slap them down. With practice the 475 leaves nothing to be desired. I know that Whitworth practices with his 475 out to 200 yards and beyound.

Welcome Rubicon. Let me guess you have a Jeep?

rupe

Yeah, 200 yardsis absolutely no problem with the .475 and the terminal performance will be greater than the .460. You just have to find a load that works at all ranges and practice. The .475 is a HAMMER on game.

A jeep, what gave that away!! I am going to get a 30-30 and work up from there on power when I feel I can. Thanks for all the great help.

Welcome rubicon, I think you'll be quiet pleased with your choice.