Pick your five
#81749
01/24/2011 4:14 AM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,037
wtroper
OP
old hand
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OP
old hand
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,037 |
The thread on the "top ten hunting handguns" has caused me to reflect. If I counted my single shots (maybe a dozen or more -- from 223 to 375) and my revolvers (plenty -- from 22 to 454) and seriously analyzed them, I have a lot of overlap and duplication. However, these have been acquired over the years and without the advantage of certain configurations that are now available.
This thought crossed my mind while I was in the shower. If you had no hunting handguns today, but with your current knowledge and experience and with the current available options, what would you choose if you could have anything that you want but could have only five? Let's limit our choices to those that would be most useful in the lower 48 (which will also cover most of the rest of the game animals in the world).
As I considered this question, the answer, for me, was very easy. Mine are listed below. I am anxious to see yours. (BTW -- I have no intention of getting rid of my small accumulation and I know that many of you have a lot more than I have. I also make no inference on yours)
My five are:
223 TC 260 Rem FA single shot 338 Federal FA single shot 454 M83 FA 41 mag M83 FA
I did not list a 22 and I do not expect you to do so. I will let everyone have one of them in addition to the five. Neither do I expect you to include your defense handguns or your packin pistols. Let us hear from you.
Last edited by wtroper; 01/24/2011 4:21 AM.
It's more important where you hit 'em, than what you hit 'em with.
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Re: Pick your five
[Re: wtroper]
#81751
01/24/2011 4:31 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 662
Larry in SD
addict
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addict
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 662 |
Actually that is easy for me.
In hunting handguns my list looks like this:
.22 LR .223 Remington 7-30 Waters .44 Magnum .45 Colt / .410
Actually those represent Contender Barrels I either have (currently have 4 of those) or am in the process of acquiring. In my native South Dakota those cartridges / barrels will allow me to hunt everything I want to hunt.
For me the .22 LR is a must have for the dispatching for small vermin (namely Gophers). The .223 Remington is used for Varmints larger than Gophers on up to and including Coyotes. The 7-30 Waters would get the nod for Whitetails and Pronghorns. The .44 magnum for Whitetails in thick cover or for shorter ranges. The .45 Colt / .410 would mosly get used as a .410 with the main objective being Pheasants.
Now if you add in defensive cartridges I would have to make it 7 instead of 5 and add the 9mm and .45 ACP.
Larry
Last edited by Larry in SD; 01/24/2011 4:37 AM.
T/C Handguns, One good shot for your moment of truth !
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Re: Pick your five
[Re: Larry in SD]
#81754
01/24/2011 5:42 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,512
Ernie
Distinguished Master
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Distinguished Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,512 |
MOA 22 Long Rifle Charger Clone (semi-auto) 5.56 AR-15 handgun 6.5-284 MOA Maximum 7mm Dakota XP-100 FA 44 Mag Since I didn't have to list the 22lr: I would add my 338AX (338 Lapua Magnum Improved) XP-100.
Ernie the Un-Tactical
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Re: Pick your five
[Re: wtroper]
#81755
01/24/2011 5:50 AM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,556
junebug
Gun Slinger
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Gun Slinger
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,556 |
Ruger or F.A..45 colt 4 5/8th or 5 1.2 inch [iron sights] Contender .223 14 inch 2x8 Weaver or Leupold Encore, Sav.,or REM xp 6.5x55 15 inch 2x8 Weaver or Leupold Savage or Remington XP .338 Federal or .350 Rem mag.2x8 Wea.or L Ruger or F.A. 475 Lin. 6 1/2 to 7 1/2 Ruger .45 has been my favorite short gun for years 6.5x55 would cover deer ,Have 2 in rifle ,dont have in pistol yet. .350 rem mag or .338 federal would cover elk nicely.
junebug
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Re: Pick your five
[Re: junebug]
#81756
01/24/2011 8:48 AM
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 56
the terminator
journeyman
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journeyman
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 56 |
I would pick the following.
1. .454 in FA 83 with one of those small red dots that I am seeing around. 6" barrel on it. 2. .41 in FA 83 4 5/8" barrel, for packing around. 3. .500 mag in a 6" magnaported, BF$, with iron sights. which I have. Thank You, Lord. 4. .223 in a Contender. with a scope. 5. .22 lr/mag in a Ruger with a 7 1/2" barrel, and a scope.
For me, the .22 for squirrels. The .454 would probably get hunted with the most. Deer and pigs, which I do get to hunt a lot. Can't seem to make time for squirrels, that may change. Best -
Ted John 3:16
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Re: Pick your five
[Re: the terminator]
#81757
01/24/2011 11:04 AM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836 |
Let's see, top five (revolver cartridges):
.500 JRH .475 Linebaugh .45 Colt .44 Mag .22 LR
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Re: Pick your five
[Re: Whitworth]
#81763
01/24/2011 2:33 PM
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963
KRal
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963 |
My top five pick for lower 48; in no particular order;
1. 22lr T/C (I had to list it, it's a valuable hunting tool) 1.1. 44 mag FA 2. 308 win T/C 3. 20ga T/C 4. 454 casull FA 5. 475 linebaugh FA
It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but only 3 for proper trigger squeeze.
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Re: Pick your five
[Re: KRal]
#81767
01/24/2011 3:28 PM
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 138
zac0419
member
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member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 138 |
I'm a little Jealous. I don't have five yet! I just caught this addiction last year so for me it's
45 Colt Ruger Bisley 5.5 45 Colt Redhawk 5.5 45 Colt SBH Hunter 44 Special TBD
Last edited by zac0419; 01/24/2011 3:30 PM. Reason: Added other 45's
Zac CO
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Re: Pick your five
[Re: zac0419]
#81768
01/24/2011 3:57 PM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 66
whywait
journeyman
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journeyman
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 66 |
In no particular order: 1. FA model 83 .454 2. FA model 83 .475 3. Ruger blackhawk .45 Colt 4. T/C encore 7mm-08 5. XP100 6.5 WSM and Ruger single-six in 22/22mag
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Re: Pick your five
[Re: wtroper]
#81769
01/24/2011 4:05 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608
s4s4u
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608 |
.480 Ruger SRH .45LC Ruger Bisley 7-30 Waters 'Tender .410 'Tender .22LR in many formats.
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
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Re: Pick your five
[Re: s4s4u]
#81773
01/24/2011 5:11 PM
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,755
johnwilliams
Shooting Master
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Shooting Master
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,755 |
Browning Buckmark .22,SRH .454 Casull,RBH .357 magnum,Encore .500 magnum,RH .44 magnum
H.H.I.#8190 Colossians 1:17 And He is before all things,and by Him all things consist!
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Re: Pick your five
[Re: s4s4u]
#81775
01/24/2011 5:31 PM
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,359
SChunter
Shooting Expert
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Shooting Expert
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,359 |
454 Casull - FA M83 (10" barrel with 2.5x8 Leupold) 41 Mag - FA M97 (7.5" barrel with 4X Leupold) 500 WE - FA M83 (4 3/4" barrel) 6.5/270 JDJ Encore (2.5x8 Leupold) 257 JDJ Contender (2.5x8 Leupold)
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Re: Pick your five
[Re: SChunter]
#81777
01/24/2011 5:56 PM
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 808
minnesotahunter
old hand
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old hand
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 808 |
The 3 I have.
1. SBH 44mag 5.5. 2. S&W model 422 semi-auto 22lr with 6 inch barrel. 3. Encore 7mm 08 scoped 15inch.
The 2 I need to get.
4. Custom Redhawk in 475 six inch barrel. 5. 20 gauge encore.
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Re: Pick your five
[Re: s4s4u]
#81778
01/24/2011 6:13 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,155
Gregg Richter
Distinguished Expert
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Distinguished Expert
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,155 |
Single Shots: .17 HMR .223 Rem 6.5 JDJ .308 .375 JDJ
Revolvers: .22 LR/Mag .44 Mag .454 Casull .475 Linebaugh .500 Wyoming Express
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Re: Pick your five
[Re: s4s4u]
#81781
01/24/2011 6:30 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,399
Vance in AK.
Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,399 |
I hate to say it, but I would probably want just one for a LONG time. My 7.5" 480 SRH. With the right loads (right now I see a need for only one. 400gr hardcast @ 1150-1175fps) there is simply nothing it won't do & do well with a minimum of fuss & recoil. I know you said to focus on the lower 48, but Alaska is home. The 480 will take care of our costal brown bear, black bear, moose,& caribou if I decide to hunt them & don't mind the challenge (don't have any locally & in my mind they aren't worth driving 4-600 miles one way to hunt). Any lower 48 critter will also be fine with appropriate loads.
I'm into revolvers right now & while I have nothing against single shots (I've owned Encores, Contenders, XPs, & Wichita) I just have no desire to own one at this time.
I am in the unenviable position of being satisfied with one gun. I just need to use it enough to be shooting it at the top of my abilities & know it as well (or better) as I know my wife of 20+ yrs. Means my dreaming & searching turns to accessories I guess.
In long guns I've found that I'm satisfied with my worked over Marlin Guide Gun in 450 Marlin with scout scope. With a 420 hardcast at 1825 & minute of paper plate accuracy at 200yds (actually all rounds touching at 50yds.) there is simply nothing it won't handle for me here. I have a 90% completed plain jane Mauser project rifle in 358 Norma Mag that I haven't touched in 3 yrs & may never finish. Just don't see a need.
Am I getting old???
Vance in AK.
Matthew 6:33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."
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Re: Pick your five
[Re: wtroper]
#81788
01/24/2011 8:44 PM
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,001
mikefrompa
old hand
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old hand
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,001 |
454 Casull 460 S&W 44 mag. 357 mag. 22 lr.
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Re: Pick your five
[Re: wtroper]
#81789
01/24/2011 9:44 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,205
KYODE
Shooting Expert
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Shooting Expert
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,205 |
i'll take the FREE 22lr
....a ruger mk3 fluted hunter 22lr XP-100 in 260 rem, rear grip, heavy barrel TC contender in 357 maximum, 14" bull TC contender in 6x47, 15" fluted TC contender in 358JDJ, 14" bull Ruger super blackhawk hunter in 44mag
those should allow me to do about anything i'd ever do(and some things i may never). it sure woulda been nice to had the .223 for prarie dogs, but the 6x47 would suffice for sure. i would need the 357 max for straightwall restrictions in nearby ohio, should i choose. in this dream world choice i chose the 260rem xp over an encore in 7mm-08. i guess an moa in 7mm-08 could be a nice option. there are some variances i could pick/change n still be happy. i did skip my great 35rem in favor of the big JDJ....n i sure hate not having a 6BR in there, along with a 30-30AI
Kentucky….no place like home.
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Re: Pick your five
[Re: KYODE]
#81793
01/24/2011 10:29 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,037
wtroper
OP
old hand
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OP
old hand
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,037 |
Vance ----
WOW!!!! My father always said "Beware of the man with only one gun. He knows how to use it!"
Gregg ---
You cheated!!!!! --- 5 revolvers & 5 single shots ????????????? LOL
It's more important where you hit 'em, than what you hit 'em with.
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Re: Pick your five
[Re: wtroper]
#81795
01/24/2011 11:03 PM
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 349
240
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 349 |
A handgun shopping spree?... Awesome!
1. 4" Redhawk in 45 lc ... worked over by Bowen, with his interchangable front sight system.
2. 9" G2 in 41 Rem Mag w/ 2x Leupold
3. 8" full bull Encore in 45 lc w/ ultradot
4. FA 83 in 454 with a 45lc spare cyl, 4 3/4" barrel & micarta grips.
5. Ruger Bisley Blackhawk in 480 Ruger with 5.5" barrel w/barrel band, ... blued with Ivory grips.
Man, it's fun to dream!
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Re: Pick your five
[Re: 240]
#81799
01/24/2011 11:32 PM
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,757
cottonstalk
Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,757 |
Since the 22 is covered I could be fine with 4 1.A custom built(bisley)500JRH or Linebaugh(4 3/4"bl) 2.Same caliber as above only with a 7 1/2" bl and a ultra dot. 3.A Ruger blackhawk bisley in 45colt(already have) 4.Same as above only 7 1/2"bl and a ultra dot. X 2
"If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence,try orderin' someone else's dog around" unknown cowboy
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Re: Pick your five
[Re: cottonstalk]
#81812
01/25/2011 1:21 AM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 194
DAHLTAILS
member
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member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 194 |
500 S and W 454 FA 44mag Redhawk 45 Blackhawk 45 ACP Kimber
44 MAG RUGER REDHAWK
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Re: Pick your five
[Re: KYODE]
#81815
01/25/2011 1:33 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608
s4s4u
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608 |
Well, if the 22LR is "free" I will ammend my list to include a centerfire 22. Maybe a center grip XP in 223.
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
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Re: Pick your five
[Re: 240]
#81817
01/25/2011 1:58 AM
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,057
Gary
Distinguished Master
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Distinguished Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,057 |
In no particular order:
1. Contender 309JDJ 2. Contender 375JDJ 3. FA 454 Casull 4. FA 475 Linebaugh 5. Contender .22 LR
You can't wait any longer. Join the NRA and start writing your Congressmen and Senators.
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Re: Pick your five
[Re: Gary]
#81871
01/25/2011 8:16 PM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,378
Darrell H
veteran
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veteran
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,378 |
1) 15" .223 in a bolt action pistol (HS or XP) 2) 14" .309 JDJ Contender 3) 14" .375 JDJ Contender 4) 7.5" .44 Mag FA 5) 7.5" .475 Linebaugh FA
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Re: Pick your five
[Re: Darrell H]
#81913
01/26/2011 12:47 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,303
Jeffx
veteran
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veteran
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,303 |
Super 14" .22 LR Match Contender ( A must Have )
1) 14" .22 "Hornet" 2) 14" .44 Mag Contender 3) 14" 375 JDJ Contender 4) 15" .260 Rem Encore-Custom Barrel 5) 15" .460 S&W Encore
ONE SHOT - ONE KILL
T/C HANDGUN HUNTER
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Re: Pick your five
[Re: Jeffx]
#82088
01/29/2011 2:05 AM
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 36
TheDave
newbie
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newbie
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 36 |
Single six 22-22mag 223 TC 308 win TC 44 mag SBH hunter 500 S&W revolver
Squirrels and rabbits with the 22 Varmits with the 223 Longer range deer and prong with 308 tc Close deer and elk with the scoped 44 And a double action 500 for things with teeth
Love me or hate me. Either way your thinkin about me.
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Re: Pick your five
[Re: s4s4u]
#82672
02/09/2011 12:52 PM
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 51
WM5L
journeyman
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journeyman
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 51 |
7mm-08 15" Encore 44mag 4" S&W 327PD 357mag 4" S&W 586 22 mag 6" single six Ruger 45 ACP 4" model
MAN that is a big hole,what did you shoot him with?
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Re: Pick your five
[Re: wtroper]
#82682
02/09/2011 4:41 PM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 285
WyoJoe
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 285 |
This is a fairly easy exercise.
1. Ruger Super Blackhawk in .44 mag 2. .221 Fireball on an Encore 3. .243 Win on an Encore 4. .30-06 on an Encore 5. .376 Steyr (custom from Match Grade Machine) on an Encore
I could get by #'s 1, 3, & 4 if I had too
There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor polite, nor popular -- but one must ask, "Is it right?"
Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Re: Pick your five
[Re: WyoJoe]
#82949
02/13/2011 8:59 PM
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 425
pter1020k
addict
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addict
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 425 |
contender 30-30 22 45/410
revolvers single six sbh .44 mag
all i need
Genesis chapter 1 verse 26
When shooting a single shot their are no warning shots.
Keith
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Re: Pick your five
[Re: wtroper]
#83204
02/17/2011 5:15 AM
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 69
Redhawk500
journeyman
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journeyman
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 69 |
Five hunting handguns (.22 semi-autos already for small game and .45 ACP can be used for deer size game and below): 1) S&W Model 57 in .41 Magnum, first deer gun, but any 6" N frame in .40 caliber or above would do, including 10 MM, .44 Special, .44 Magnum, .45 ACP, .45 Colt. 2) Ruger Redhawk in 500 Linebaugh 3) Ruger Redhawk in .45 Colt (custom conversion by Clement) 4) Contender in 7mm TCU (what scope? decisions, decisions... Dream Gun: 5) Encore in 376 Steyr.
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Re: Pick your five
[Re: Redhawk500]
#83578
02/23/2011 8:45 PM
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,276
cfish2
Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,276 |
1. RSBH 44mag been worked over by JD. 2. Contender in 6.5 JDJ 3. Encore pro hunter(I won) 308 worked over by JD 4. Taurus Raging bull 480 Ya YA I know! 5. BFR 45-70 topped with 4 power leuapold!
Life Member NAHC HHI Member #7149 NRA Member
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Re: Pick your five
[Re: cfish2]
#83601
02/24/2011 4:00 AM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 62
Roger308
journeyman
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journeyman
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 62 |
1. Encore .308 w/Burris 3-12 2. Encore .338-06 JDJ w/Burris 3-12 3. Encore 6.5 MIni Dreadnought w/Burris 3-12 4. S&W 6" 586 .357 Open Sights 5. Ruger Super Blackhawk 10-1/2" barrel (open sights or 4x Leupold)
* 1 through 3 are a tie for first-depends on the hunt ** I love & hate the .500 S&W, depends on the day
Roger 308... Handgunner forever
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Re: Pick your five
[Re: Roger308]
#83619
02/24/2011 12:35 PM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,331
TCTex.
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,331 |
...1 through 3 are a tie for first-depends on the hunt... In that scenario I go with my larger calibers. If I could only pick 5, which I am still not going to do... LOL, I would make sure that I could hunt everything on the face of God’s earth with it. You would see a lot of rounds like 338-06 AI, 35 Whelen AI and even my 375 H&H AI. My squirrel gun would end up being a 270 Win. (Well, at least I wouldn’t have to use explosive bullets.) Its an interesting and provocative post, I just feel like if “I” get in this mind set I am already letting my second amendment rights slip threw my fingers. Sorry about that, I just wanted to get that out. With that being said it is fun to poll the favorites of users. I would do better if “I” got to pick my top five: 1. Revolver rounds 2. TC rounds 3. A mix of varmint calibers 4. A mix of large game calibers 5. Mr. Ernie’s long range favorites. LOL My your powder stay dry and your shoots placed true Duane
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: Pick your five
[Re: TCTex.]
#83631
02/24/2011 2:52 PM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 285
WyoJoe
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 285 |
Its an interesting and provocative post, I just feel like if “I” get in this mind set I am already letting my second amendment rights slip threw my fingers. I hear you Duane. I have enough guns to satisfy my needs but hope we never get down to a situation where we can only have X amount. For myself I don't need more guns. I have somewhere between 40 & 45 at the house I think, with most of them belonging to my brother. What I need is more time to shoot. Between working a 40 hour week & being involved in the ministry I don't have a lot of spare time.
There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor polite, nor popular -- but one must ask, "Is it right?"
Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Re: Pick your five
[Re: s4s4u]
#83637
02/24/2011 4:09 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 848
magman
old hand
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old hand
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 848 |
I am even easier. If I had to pick it would be only 3
Ruger 22/45 for small games T/C Contender in 309JDJ Freedom Arms 44 mag
NRA LIFE MEMBER NAHC LIFE MEMBER
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Re: Pick your five
[Re: s4s4u]
#83770
02/27/2011 5:58 AM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 122
Infantryhammer
member
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member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 122 |
I'll just go with what I have, this combo serves me well. I do most of my hunting with my M25 though.
Ruger Bisley Blackhawk, 7.5", 44mag S&W M25-7, 5", 45 Colt S&W M28, 6", 357 mag S&W M17, 6", 22lr
Aut Pax Aut Bellum
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Re: Pick your five
[Re: Infantryhammer]
#84670
03/13/2011 6:31 PM
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 178
geojanitor
member
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member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 178 |
My pick would be easy and I don't think there would be too much of a compromise for what I do.
Ruger or Browning 22 target pistol (I just use a 22 too much not to list) 223 Rem or 22-250 Winchester on T/C Contender or Encore 6.5x30-30 or 260 Rem on T/C Contender or Encore 35x444 or 35x308 on T/C Contender or Encore 44 Mag Revolver, single or double action Ruger w/ 6" to 8" barrel
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