Hello all, new to site. I've been hunting for years now with a rifle and a couple with a bow. My question is this. I have a S&W Model 686-6 with a 4" barrel in .357 caliber. My hunting stands are setup for bow range -40 yards max. Is my handgun sufficient for whitetail sized game provided I put the shot where it needs to go? I would be shooting open sights. Any advice or help would be appreciated. Thanks for the help in advance!!!

In a word, yes. I personally like calibers that produce larger holes, but a .357 is adequate for deer at those ranges.

Thank you for the response. My main concern is the 4" barrel. I've been told that if I can keep the shots grouped on a paper plate at the max distance it would do fine, but it was by someone who doesn't hunt with a pistol....

If you can consistantly put 'em inside a paper plate @ 50 yards, then I say go for it. You have less margin for error with the little mag than the fortysomethings and bigger so shot placement is key.

I agree with both these guys, at bow range you should be fine. I would use a quality bullet like the partition, if you don't reload buy the winchester supreme partition gold ammo. I too prefer bigger calibers but if it's what you got then use it just practice all you can before the season.

I also caution you not to push your capabilities. Too often handguns do not leave exit holes. Animals often do not bleed much from the entrance wound. I have seen several lost because of no exit. Some with much larger calibers (one this past weekend with a 500 S&W). Choose your shot carefully. Put the bullet (heaviest you can use) in the right place. A 357 will work.

Good luck.

From whatn I have read, stick with the heavier bullets and not the ones designed for personal protection.

definitely don't use the self defense bullets they are lightly constructed and designed to expand quickly to create maximum shock on humans which are much thinner skinned than even deer. Like I said I prefer the partition but winchester makes a couple other loads with suitable hunting bullets. I would stay away from hard cast on deer as they will just make a pencil hole unless you hit big bones.

35-40yards and those Nosler partitions.......be ready to field dress.

Guys, I appreciate the input. I have not been able to look around for different loads -hope they are not impossible to find! I'm surprised that nobody has told me that the 4" barrel is too short or that it is not possible for it to group at 50 yards. I'll have to get out there and practice, practice, practice!!!

Nothing wrong with that barrel length. As with any firearm, you just need to practice -- with a handgun, a bit more. You'll do fine!

The 4" barrel makes it a little more difficult because of the shorter sight radius but it's a common misconception that just because something has a short barrel it can't be accurate, the truth is it is harder to shoot well without practice so most people relegate them to self defense or a life of shooting cans.

this critter was at 115yds on the run and luck was a major part of the deal but I also used to play around with shooting milk jugs full of water at 100yds which I'm sure helped. The gun is a 4 5/8 custom 475 Linebaugh.