The thread about Gregg's video & others have (in one way or another) addressed the promotion of handgun hunting. My question is: How many of us really want handgun hunting to become "mainstream?"

Certainly, if there were more of us, certain items (guns, equipment, etc) might be readily available. However, there is also a certain appeal (at least to some of us) to operate outside the norm and not do it the way that most others do.

Thus, it seems that the issue is: #1. do you want a lot more of us, or #2. do you prefer the unique status that comes with fewer participants?

Personally I want more of us.

I don't have near the experience that most of you folks have, but I think one of the reason's that handgun hunting isn't mainstream is because of the work involved. I am the only person that I personally know in this area that handgun hunts, and a friend of mine is all set up to go this year also. There is a special feeling that comes from becoming familiar with a a handgun, and having the confidence it takes to know you can make that shot. But that feeling only comes from putting the work into it. Most aren't willing to put in that much work. I could care less about status, I do what I do for me.

I want it promoted more!

We are in no "danger" of masses of hunters abandoning rifle or other forms of hunting to come to our side. That said, we have to have enough new interest for us to even exist on some level. I am for more promotion and more numbers. It can only help and fortunately the gun manufacturers are producing some great handguns for hunting.

wtroper,

Good thought provoking question. I am sure a lot of folks will have an opinion as I have my thoughts.

I believe most of us would like to see more articles, videos, TV programs, books, magazines, ect. Not only entertainment platforms but products like handguns, scopes, and other related equipment. This is supply and demand in reverse. Lack of demand = lack of supply. I walked around the SHOT Show this year and could hardly find anything new related to handgun hunting. There was an entire floor dedicated to tactical "stuff". I spoke to one optics manufacturer about improving handgun scopes and he told me the company sells more muzzle-loading scopes than handgun scopes. With these numbers, there will be little R & D for new and improved handgun optics. The same theory applies to handguns, bullets, ammo, ect.

Yes, I do enjoy being in a niche group. But I do not think I'll live long enough to see handgun hunting ever become "mainstream", or even as popular as bow hunting. Let's hope I am wrong.

I would like it promoted more! As more and more newcomers pick up a handgun for personal defense, I think there's a great opportunity to grow our ranks!It's up to us to show these newcomers how addicting this lifestyle is. Too many,in my opinion, will buy a handgun get qualified and the put it away! We Have an obligation to our way of life to get these people involved! Case in point:Two ladys from church asked if I would accompany them to their CCW course,I agreed. Talk about an eye opener! Happy to report there are Two enthusistic lady handgunners. They are going to the range regularly,and more important encouraging others also! I think as gun owners & especilly Handgun Owners this is what we All need!

masses of handgun hunters don't harm us in the least and would just help there be even more availability.

Obviously I am in favor of it; for the above well-stated reasons. Plus I think it is worth sharing due to the personal feeling of self-accomplishment. After the succesful stalk, the actual shooting of the animal with a handgun is definitely more of a challenge, no matter which type handgun, than the same shot would be with a rifle.

I remember how thrilling my first handgun kills were, and I still get that same feeling.

I would like other hunters to experience this great feeling.

Mark, I think you're right. There are a couple of things that are going against us. The tactical stuff currently has the full attention of gun manufacturers, entertainment industry, etc. I may be wrong but my perception is that there is a group of people out there who have been heavily promoting the use of tactical guns for hunting, in some measure, to justify why we should be allowed to have them. This is where the new term Modern Sporting Rifle has come from. It was invented to get away from the term AR, which the media thinks means assault rifle. I also think it's to combat the mainstream media claims that these rifles have no purpose other than for killing people and to affect the non-gun public's perceptions.

The two sports that have seen an explosion in my lifetime are bow hunting (first) and blackpowder hunting (second). I believe the main reason for this is that they have enjoyed special seasons which created a huge demand for products and innovation.

I fully agree with silly goose that one of the other problems is that learning to shoot a handgun well enough to hunt with it is a lot of work and the average hunter just isn't looking for that much of a challenge regardless of what they say. Just think about your buddies who hunt with rifles. How many rounds do they send downrange every year before they go hunting. On average across the country I bet it's less than 30 rounds of rifle ammunition per year of deliberate practice (not counting taking their AR out and banging away at the dirt).

I have a serious concern that Mark eluded to, and that's a shrinking supply of hunting handguns. I've just about written off T/C as a handgun company. If you have one you'd better hang on to it. Ruger still makes a few but they aren't doing anything to expand their product line and they basically can't keep up with production demand for anything right now. If they can drop big bore guns to make more AR's and Scout rifles what do you think they'll do? FA, Magnum Research, and the custom guys are so small they don't really even matter much and Ruger is making their frames anyway.

I think handgun hunting is growing but very slowly. By the way I would stack up any of you guys hunting/shooting abilities with the majority of rifle hunters out there and we'd kick their butts.

Good points Gary, If you pick up any firearm magazine today you'll be hard-pressed not to see an article on the "modern sporting rifle". Gee, if I hear that term used much more I think I'm going to throw-up! No, I'm not against AR platforms either. Many firearm company's can not produce enough conceal and carry handguns for the demand. The tactical stuff is going strong.

Gary mentioned the rise in popularity of muzzleloaders. Do you think this is because everyone loves shooting a muzzleloader?? It's more than likely the extended hunting time they allow. This year Missouri is going to an alternative methods season (instead of calling it black powder season) and handguns are allowed during this portion. If more states would adopt a special season; or allow handguns to be used during the black powder portion, I do believe we would see an increase in handgun hunting.

Also, as Gary pointed out, the options for factory produced hunting handguns is not overwhelming by any means. I have communicated this to the folks at Blaser and Savage in recent months. The numbers game is working against us.

I think I've had too much coffee this morning!

Count me in the camp to see more particpants in our sport - it would drive innovation in the market and gear, offerings for the handgunner, and like Mark posted above, potentially increase handgun hunting in the "primitive" category.

I think you guys are hitting the nail on the head. And I would expound on the points about interest and seasons. State Game departments do not create special seasons or modify regulations because they are in the "mood". It takes pressure from folks or organized groups to get laws changed. Granted we have pretty good laws across the boards recognizing and allowing handgun hunting, but I am pretty sure that the good folks here can find examples that create barriers in some states.

And I agree that one of the primary reasons for expanding archery and muzzle loader seasons is the better weather, less folks in the woods, and equipment that makes it easier to start and do. But both of these groups also have lots of folks who lobby their Game Departments. Wanna guess why cross bows are generally put in firearm seasons, or places like Colorado seem to fall on the less techno side of muzzle loading rules?

The more the merrier, if you ask me and I would go further and say that without more interest it is going to continue to be a bit of a struggle for goodies and sesible seasons and laws. Things really are better than the past, but that does not address the potential.

Craig

FAs are produced in many calibers and are suited for hunting (I can't imagine too many folks are buying .500 WE and .475s for plinking), BFRs even more so as they have so many caliber choices, Smith & Wesson and Taurus both produce revolvers made for hunting (X and N-frames), as does Ruger with not only their Hunter series revolvers, but the other single-actions and the Super Redhawks. I am not talking about single-shots as that isn't my cup of tea, but for the person who wishes to purchase a new revolver for hunting, there are many choices. Also, if he/she is really serious, there are a modicum of custom revolver builders that will give you what you want. So, I don't see this perceived shortage that a couple of you have cited. Now, in order to ensure the production of such firearms in the future, it would be beneficial for handgun hunting to become more popular.

As stated above, it is more challenging and the average scoped-rifle hunter, who hunts whitetail once a year, may burn up to 30 rounds in preparation (as Gary pointed out) for the season opener and he may still be successful. Handgun hunters don't have that luxury and really need to practice more in my opinion. It is much harder which may not appeal to some, but very much attracts someone like me.

Most of the game departments don't know a damn thing about hunting handguns and don't want to know.

I would like to see it promoted as much as bowhunting is. However it always gets lumped in with rifle hunting.

although I do like being "different" which is why I also like traditional archery and flyfishing I do want there to be more participation. My reasons go even a little deeper than just more availability of products. Right now handguns are demonized and not considered usefull for anything other than killing people. The more they are put out there as a mainstream hunting and sporting weapon the more social acceptance there will be making it even harder on politicians and judges that would like to see them banished along side of semi auto rifles and shotguns.

I for one would love to see more promoting of handgun hunting. I have been at it for a long time. Nothing tickled me more than hunting with my son taking his first handgun deer and handgun hog. He is hooked. I just never could figure why he waited so long to really get interested. When he finally did carry one of my hunting rigs and saw how nice it was to climb a tree and not worry about getting the rifle up he grinned from ear to ear. Very few activities in the outdoors are as enjoyable as walking with your hands free while carrying a hunting tool in a good rig.

Same here Wapitirod-flyfishing goes right along with handgunning for critters. It aint the easiest but may be the most enjoyable way to get it done. reflex264

I'm for the promotion of handgun hunting; hell, I'm for the promotion of hunting in general. There are alot less folks hunting now than 20 years ago. For me, I could give two ****'* about AR's or tactical crap. Some folks like it, but it's not for me. I like hunting handguns - single shots or revolvers. Just hunt with them. If everybody on this site would kill 2 or more head of large game a year, we could at least generate a buzz on this site. I like being in the minority, that's why I hunt with a Competitor. Let's see their is me & well no one else besides LShull on this site that hunts with one. We will never go mainstream, it's just too difficult. I think one thing to remember is we are not pistolcollectors.com or fishfinder.com or homeprotectionpistols.com, we are handgunhunt.com, so let's all get off our butts and hunt with our handguns this year and turn the bragging board back into a place to see handgun hunting trophies!!! Varmints, deer, hogs, bear or any other game animals you can take with your handguns. Let's Hunt!!

Franchise I will do my part to put up a few! reflex264

To become a good handgun hunter is the hardest to achieve when compared to rifle, bow or black powder. We all know this... Lack of hunting opportunities throughout the US when compared to the other hunting methods is another step to climb. Add to this the fact that there are no well known hunters or high profile people who are hunting with a handgun and would be seen in your living room on the local cable channel every Saturday morning. If there were the average guy might say to himself "I just saw Brad So and So take a whitetail with his Ruger 44" and give it a try. Gentlemen
, as I see it we are at the bottom step with no where else to go but up. How???

I say promote it,anybody can kill a deer with a long gun, It"s just to easy, as far as I"m concerned there is no challenge.A long gun hunter would take that the wrong way, around here anyway,most people are not EXPOSED to the way we hunt. Our local rod & gun club has 600 members, a few of us hunt with handguns, when folks at the club see single single shot T/C,s and big revolvers that rattle your bones, they are amazed, they look for a little bit, the next thing you know it"s questions , stories of hunting, handloading and accuracy. Then I let them shoot a T/C, 50 yards at first, then clay birds at 230, when they hit their first you should see the smile on their face, promote our sport,think back to when you had that first smile.

I will always be in favor of more promotion of handgun hunting.The average joe doesnt spend much time in the woods, most of them wanna kill a deer and be done just for bragging rights. take for example two of my buddies they might start the season with handguns but after a miss or a day or two they will grab the rifle,shotguns. they enjoy shooting handguns but, they cant go back to work and tell evrybody they missed a deer because they was using a handgun(true story heard it last year). but i always fill my tags. these sport is just not for everybody.

I have to agree with most everything here, but especially Mark. I started to get into muzzle loading because it gave me more time afield, and at a later time in the season (Minnesota's black powder season is after rifle in the end of November).

I love hunting with a handgun, and I know you guys do too becasue you are on here. I hope it never goes away

I would like to see more people get into handgun hunting. I believe it would help the sport.

Some of the problem are the state regulations. I went to build a gun for IL. I think Im legal now. I know IN, Mi , NY and others have lots of regulations on pistols.

Like has been said before. Most hunters dont want to practice that much. I know most of the rifle guys that hunt around here. Wont shoot 30 shots in 5 years. I know guys that still have the first box of shells they bought 10 years ago. They shoot one shot the day before season to make sure it is sighted in.

I would love to see more folks in the sport. But, unfortunately, I don't think it is going to happen anytime soon. Heres my take on things. In my 30+ years of hunting with handguns I have tried to encourage others to take up the sport. Only a small handful have actually succeeded and carried on with it. Something else I have observed over the years of heading to the range on a regular basis to keep in practice is a large number of hunters who show up at the range literally a day or two before opening day to sight in their rifles and check their equipment. Now most of you guys who handgun hunt know that it takes practice and lots of it to become proficient enough with a handgun to be successful in your endeavors. I have come to the realization that most folks either don't have the time or the inclination to get started and or practice enough. Not to mention the ammo cost to get started and keep in practice. That is why our numbers are limited to literally a handfull of devotees to our sport. And until the economy makes a major turn around I don't see the numbers increasing anytime soon.

Well I just put down a calc book, But I don't claim to be a Hand gun hunter yet, I bow hunt more then most spending september till january in the woods. Its comes down to regulation, I can't barley find land to muzzleloader or shotgun hunt, let alone trying to get regulation in my home state to pistol hunt. So that leaves me to being a range rat who loves to shoot, I have relitives who may put 20 rounds through there rifles before they hunt just to check zero. It comes down to time, regulation and a dersire for a challange.
Off topic but relivant, I worked in in a fly fishing pro shop through my youth, and we promoted fly fishing saltwater along the coast, not easy and not rewarding if you dont have the time, especally with a inconsitent fishery, but we would see the guys who bought tackle, 90% throwing plugs or bait because they were not willing to not catch fish if they were out of casting range. Though casting range for them was 40 ft maybe 60 due to a lack or desire to practice.

Fly Fishing is like handguning a desire for a challange, not always rewarded but victory is sweet when it does come

Oh yeah, it takes a solid dedication to the craft to be a successful handgun hunter. You're right about the typical rifle deer hunter, he blows the dust off of his rifle the night before opening day and may shoot it to blow the cobwebs out.

I don't have to preach to you folks that handgunning takes a lot of discipline. Some of you may not realize it because you actually enjoy putting your time in. But not only does it take the discipline of knowing your gun, you also have to know your limitations, and accept that you may see game that you may not be able to shoot. Many people cannot handle this, there is a pressure built into hunting for many, that they must succeed. Around here its funny, almost like a competition of who can shoot the first deer and get to the local coffee shop first with the tail gate down. I know I won't get a shot every time out, but I also know that if I put my time in, I will get a nice deer for the freezer.

Land around here is getting tougher to find, clubs are forming, houses being built or whatnot. I don't have the funds to pay to hunt or to go somewhere for a hunt. I'd love to shoot a hog, I imagine they are quite tasty, but for now, I'm stuck with the game of chasing some of these chunky does around here. And that game aint that bad.

silly goose, a drive straight down I95 will put you in wild hog territory......just sayin'

I have seen plenty of scoped rifle hunters (SRH?? Not to be confused with Ruger's SRH), that have no business taking a shot at 50 yards, let alone 300.

Promote it. Seems like in my short time with this sport i have seen fewer guys with contenders around here. I remember when i was growing up at the club tons of people had them. Now just a handfull. It would be nice to see more at least try it. Im always offering up my guns at the range but not many people bite. Im the only one i know of in my area hunting for deer short gun only. Some dabble for a few days like mentioned before then go back to shotguns or mls. I think its beed a wash for me on opertunities on game. Ive only not been able to shoot a few deer because of my handgun of choice that day, but also i have shot deer well outside a shotgun or ml range because of using a handgun. Seems the easy way out is winning at this point. To bad. ,

I know exactly what you are talking about. My last season on the Navy base I took 4 pigs, 1 doe, and a coyote with my bow. I can hunt all I want for free and it is VERY close to my house, but I could not use a handgun. To use a handgun it would have cost me a lot of money and it just wasn’t worth it or cost effective at the time.

No question I would welcome more handgun hunters. I hunt with both during our gun and muzzleloader seasons here in Tennessee. For the most part not more popular would be the fact that these weapons are just plane costly, no expensive. It’s a matter of economics; every major firearms manufacturer now produces quality long guns at reasonable cost. Add a scope and you are good to go for way less then a grand. Any of the large caliber hunting hand guns will set you back almost a grand plus and then add quality optics. Considering one needs to be taught how to efficiently handle let alone practice, practice and more practice it will take dedication to the art. Not being aware of any other hunter in my county that handgun hunts exclusively. We are in the minority. Although my go to are handguns during season, I’m setting up a long gun for a specific area. A Weatherby 300 WSM with a Leupold VX-3L 4.5-14x50mm will get a check off on my 400/600 yard shot bucket list. As stated this LG is for a specific hunt, just can’t send one out that far with one of my favorite “tools”.

About everything I was gonna say! :-)

wtroper, I completely understand your question. I, too, love the uniqueness of handgun hunting and being out of the norm. However, the method of handgun hunting does need more promotion and it isn't likely to catch on to the point of being annoying because 'everyone is doing it'. So I think we're pretty safe in the case of being 'different.'

Handgun hunting is an incredible feeling. I'm so glad that through two friends i have picked it up and don't see myself ever giving it up. Only the fire getting stronger.

Thankfully I have passed on the desire to a couple more of my friends and maybe more folks will become interested in the future.

Let's hunt!

I personally would like to see handgun hunting promoted more. More handgun hunters equals a better chance of a major manufacturer bringing out a new specialty pistol or possibly resurrect the Savage Striker.

I think they should promote the begeeze's out of it because I like handguns and can't afford new ones. Convince a bunch of yahoos to invest in some nice shiny shortguns and then realize that it ain't as easy as it looks, or it kicks harder than they thought and VOILA, a glut of lightly used handguns for the rest of us to enjoy.

BT, I am luck with the fact I have my three young sons. My oldest, 7, and I went out turtle hunting and he didn't want to use the rifle. I already know that I have handgun hunting "buddies."

Duane

What a great way to turn a good into something ugly - promotions. Commercialize anything and nobody will want it. Most books are written to make money for the author. They are gathering dust and offered at discount prices. Few authors are read after 100 years. Same with music.

Thanks for your responses. I deem you to be an unselfish lot. Every post desired "more" in the niche. I find satisfaction in the fact that "we" enjoy this activity (addiction) enough that we want more to experience the same feelings. Or possibly could it be that "misery loves company?" LOL

And a great way to ensure something will die off is by not promoting it. If there is no interest, it will surely whither away and die on the vine.

Commercial support doesn't have to be a bad thing, and a spike in popularity brought us cartridges like the .480 Ruger, .500 Smith & Wesson, .460, etc.

Right on!!

I too like the exclusivity of handgun hunting. I love the responces from other hunters. "You shot it with What??" It's fun.

MN

Whitworth:



It is just the opposite. Great things don't need to be promoted. If it is truly good, it will withstand the measure of time.

Well, Frank, I expected a contrary opinion from you, but to each his own. But if you think that keeping it all underground is somehow going to keep it alive, I think you are very wrong. Like that it may survive, and it may not. The odds aren't very good. Handgun hunting needs to be supported by those who do it on a grassroots level by turning more people on to it, and it certainly helps if the gun media sheds light on it to show other more conventional hunters that it is not a stunt. Manufacturers in the industry will support it as well when they see that there is a need to be fulfilled. How can any of that be bad for handgun hunting?

Frank1, You are certainly entitled to your opinion and it's always good to hear different points of view. Personally, I must respectively disagree with your assessment. There are a lot of good things that get promoted; baseball, hot dogs, McDonalds, and Ford trucks are a few for example. Bow hunting has surely experienced vast promotion. Most any organization that seeks to be successful thrives for promotion. Heck, even sex gets promoted. I hardly doubt it needs promoted to survive. Handgun hunting, in my opinion, is either moving forward or it's falling backward. I have devoted a great deal of my time and energy to see this alternative method prevail. And will continue doing so. I sure hope it stands the test of time.

But I am a Dodge man...

The best promoting is no promotion. Advertising is an ugly word. Just do it. Tell us your experience. But don't turn it into a brand. That's the problem with those who are paid. They always have to try to capture the largest audience. Sometimes it's better if a few do it and the whole supports the few. Think of it like you are for diversity. There you go. There's your buzz word you can take to your corporate sponsor. They will eat it all up.

Have you seen a baseball or football game lately??

Even better yet, what was the last time you got on Yahoo or Google and didn't see an advertisement?

Duane

TCTex:


I'm sick of all the advertisements. I've never bought anything because something was put up in front of my face. Nobody tells me what to buy. If they bother me with advertising, I make sure I don't buy that product. Most advertisements are just a means to make somebody that is not myself money. So why would I pay attention to their need? When the commercial comes, I just change the channel. Internet ads never get clicked on.

Welcome to the new world... LOL

Do you hunt, Frank? I don't recall ever hearing about you hunting. Just curious.

If you don't, you need to get out there and do it. You don't care for seeing handgun hunting promoted, yet this is all lip service at best if you don't actually do it.

my opinion on the advertising lies somewhere between frank n whitworth. there HAS to be ads to pay the way....BUT it can be very subtle, rather that blasting it in your face. people are not stupid....well....some people are not....lol.
if regular people post their specifics on these forums about their hunts, loads, handguns, and adding pics etc is the best promotion available imo. anybody that gets FREE stuff is gonna be happy n overjoyed about what they are using. it's just not as good as info from "mr. smith" in smalltown usa.
subtle advertising will work imo, and make a much better story to read. otherwise....it's just a story....imo.

By promoting our sport through different media avenues, my thought would be people, some not all would show interest. Through interest it would create a demand for handguns, ammo, handloading components, ect.-----you"re loosing me, the Outdoor channel, and the sportsman channel are full of advertising.

So there is a fundamental question here that isn't understood. Why do more people not hunt with a handgun? Or to put it a different way, what is preventing or deterring someone from hunting with a handgun vs. another type of firearm or bow?

Certainly there are some states and localities that this is not possible but it doesn't seem to me to be a significant barrier at the macro level.

Centerfire rifles, muzzle loaders, and shotguns take very little practice to be at least somewhat successful hunting. So time is not a factor here and all of these guns have products at a price point that most anyone can afford. These non-shooters don't spend a lot annually on ammunition.

Bows fit into similar price points and while arrows are not cheap they are fairly durable and can be reused over and over with some care. Cost for practice is also low. There is significantly more time involved in becoming proficient with a bow than the classes of firearms mentioned above. So given the amount of bow hunters, the time required to be proficient wouldn't seem to be the issue and cost is on par with firearms other than handguns.

Handguns also fit into a price range where anyone who can afford either bows or other types of firearms could also afford a hunting handgun with a scope. Significant time is required to become and stay proficient with a handgun. In many cases, unless you're shooting a lot of 22 rimfires, there is also a significant cost to shooting practice and as has been said, it's hard to be really good. Not everyone will develop into an outstanding shot.

So is this the roadblock? Is it the combination of time, money and difficulty? How much of the difficulty is perceived. For all the talk about loving a hunting challenge I sometimes wonder.

I know this... I don't have the answer.

Lets face it, there is only so much time in the day, and we all have busy lives. Like has been said, handgunning is challenging, especially to be consistently successful. Some of us have found this niche, for various reasons. I am not the best shot in the world, by far, but am proud of myself, in that I feel comfortable and confident in a handgun. I found through my rifle hunting that most of the deer I killed, were shot within 60 yards. I am not comfortable to 60 yards with iron sights on a handgun, but have since killed two deer, one at 35, and one at maybe 6 yards with one. I enjoy wild game, but don't need it to survive, or to show someone what a great hunter I am, like I said, I do what I do for me. Most folks around here shoot a shot or three through their rifle before big game season, maybe hunt the first week and then ride the roads after that. I enjoy being in the woods, and usually hunt to the end. I kind of feel like a bully if I shoot one with a rifle, and I get a thrill to no end if I take one with my sixgun. Like has been said, it takes time, effort and maybe a lil money to get good with a handgun. How many people do we know who buy handguns, shoot them a time or two and put them away, disgruntled cause they can't hit anything with them? They havent done the research or know someone who can help them along. I think this is just another one of those things that strike some folks, and others just don't get it. Its not that hard, you just have to apply yourself, and hope you can fit it in with the rest of your life.

I still believe alot of it is the stigma associated with "handguns". I've talked to an unbelieveable number of hunters and gun owners that are extremely ignorant about everything associated with guns. I've even seen here where people think you can seperate any of the shooting sports from politics and it's not possible. I've had more people stare at me in amazement when they here that every animal on the planet up to and including elephants has been taken with a handgun. I constantly look at bewildered faces when people find out I'm a gunsmith and ask me about doing rifle work and I tell them I only do handguns and specifically Hunting Handguns. I think it boils down to a lack of education and too much indoctrination from the main stream media. The one hope I see is that the "black rifles" have over come their stigma to a large part so there may be hope yet for handguns.

IMHO, bows and handguns run parallel for me cost wise. 22’s are cheap to shoot as well…




A season???

The reason I bow hunt is because it extended the season for me. I bow hunted on the Navy base for four years because it was free. If you had a “handgun season” I think you would increase handgun hunting and handguners…

Tell me this Frank. If you only had a 38 special and wanted to kill a Moose with a handgun and no one ever advertised that they built larger guns then the 38 special, then how are you suppoe to know that there is anything other then a 38 special? Because there are so few handgun hunters out there how else is a manufacturer or other hunters for that matter supposed to get information about the sport? Word of mouth isn't always the best way for word to get passed around.

cfish2:


They need to do what I did and read internet forums. That's what generated my interest. No advertising or promotions got me interested. But go ahead and commercialize it. It's somebody's right. If they want to commit the money, then go for it. The question was open, "Promotion of handgun hunting - in favor or not?" I live out in California. The hunters far outnumber the animals in my region.

Do I want promotion of hunting? What would that do? I can see how advertisers would benefit. Maybe the advertisers would like to promote hunting in Spanish so when the illegals are given amnesty, they'll take up the hobby and that'll be more money for the advertisers. But what good would that do?

I am glad i could not sleep tonight and got to read this, wow, Ok so to learn about a sport you should read internet forums instead of a book or a magazine or hell walk into to a local shop and talk with the owner or employee's. Personally I have learned more from trial and error and good friends to tell me I am f#$%king up than the internet. granted its a great resource but should not be the only one.

"I live in california and the hunters out number the animals"
Well i lived and worked out there and can tell you I can call 15 diffrent vineyards and get permission to kill pigs,hmmmmmm, California has alot of game and is a beutiful country just ridculous laws,


And my personal favorite, when the illegals are given amnesty they can take my hobby, Well i am sorry they are some of the hardest working people in california, right or wrong, its a fact, You have produce on your table because of them.
And no I am not saying its right to be in the country illegally.

And what percentage of what you read on the internet do you think is truly credible? I would bet it's a very small percentage. You have to sift through a lot of BS to get to anything meaningful. Now riddle me this Frank, who pays for those websites? Advertisers? In most cases......

Do you even hunt? Again, you avoid this question.

Frank, internet forums are just another form of advertising. And had it not been for folks starting handgun hunting and posting their success( IE Advertising) folks like you would not have come to the sport. Word of mouth is one form of the sales tools out there and that is a major form of advertising. If interest isn't shown in a sport then manufacturers won't go out of their way to develp new guns or improve on old guns. Not to mention bullet development. Ya I get tired of the constant bombardment of the latest and greatest whatever is being produced. You don't see gun adds on TV only on cable gun shows and in gun magazines. If their isn't advertisement then no gunshows or magazines will succeed and information will not makes it way to the shooting world. Its a bit of a catch 22 Frank. Advertising is needed in order to get the word out. Again this forum is a form of advertisement.

Actually Henry Firearms has been advertising on FOX News channel and I believe Spike or one of the other channels, still cable but I was surprised to see the adds off the outdoor channels.

As far as hunting in CA there are a ton of animals, you have elk and mulies on Coronado, mulies on the and alot of black bear on the east side of the Sierras, blacktail and blackbear from the sierras to the coast, Tule elk, and pigs from one end of the state to the other.

Ya your right. I did see one of Henrys adds the other day. I was shocked.

Promotion of the sport can only enhance the sport. As far as ads go, doe anyone remember the Sears ad campaign of years ago featuring Ted Williams? Sears sold a boat-load of hunting and fishing equipment because of these ads. And history can and does repeat itself.

Frank what part of CA are you in and what animals do you hunt?

wapitrod:

I'm in So. California. I don't currently hunt, like I said, there are no favorable areas in my area. There are a lot of shooters here though so don't write us all off. That would be a demotion to the hobby.

You have to remember that your 'market' doesn't always depend on traditional forms of selling. Consumer products do benefit from the largest audience. That is why the internet is king over magazines and TV. The most effective approach towards advertising would be ABC Account Analysis. That means if 80% of your customers are internet, then 80% of your revenue should be spent on the internet, etc.

As far as 'internet advice' versus advertising, your internet advice is really personal selling, which in commercial industries, is the number one marketing tool. Personal selling is number one there. Advertising, trade shows, articles, probably come last, but one needs to compile the market research. Oh, what an ugly word - marketing. Don't ever tell your customer that word!

The way I see it, if you want to promote handgun hunting, and I do, you are going to have to get the manufacturers to promote it. IMO they push the mags. and TV shows with their new products for sale. Like has been said already, they have their hands busy with the AR's and Tac. stuff right now.

I would love to start ,or see someone start, a really good handgun hunting TV show. I think that is the way into more potential handgunners mines than anyway else.

Also starting up handgun hunting competition courses would be nice. Walk through courses with life like targets using different types of handguns would be nice.

Kennon

Rumors have gone around for years about that possibility.

Gary Smith was working with a group a year or so ago to do one but it didn't pan out. He may add some here.

I sort of covered that in an earlier post but yes, it went no where and if the Outdoor Channel can't get something off the ground then what chance does the regular guy have. Air time for 13 episodes (2 years ago) was roughly $250,000 and you can figure another large chunk for production expenses. So being realistic, who what's to cough up $350,000 for a show with no sponsors. And by the way you can't get a TV show with no advertising because the network has their own set of advertisers that get time on "your" show. A 30 min. show has about 15 minutes of actual content and 15 min. of advertising.

I think any positive promotion of Handgun Hunting has to help give handguns a better image. I live in N.Y. state and the regulations on handguns in the Northeast are unreal. Try hunting near the N.J. or Mass. boarder and drive across the state line for lunch and you have broken the law by having a handgun in the car. Hunter numbers around here are also dropping so we need to combat the liberal media and incourage the next generation to see hunting as a cool activity.
I'm like the rest of you, I buy every handgun hunting book, magazine and video that I can find but we need more.
I kind of understand what Frank1 might be implying, I'd hate to see handgun hunting go the way of traditional long bow and primitive black powder hunting but all the new technolgy has brought in alot of new hunters.

What is a Competitor ????? I shoot TC's like to see a pic of one

it's a single shot breach loader, I don't have any pics but several guys own them. I believe Franchise owns several.

my brain just went blank, which single shot was it that was mounted on the 1911 frame. I have an old handgun hunting video with it on there but I don't feel like watching it just get the name again.

Go on the Bragging Board and look at Franchises pictures. There are everywhere... LOL

Here is my old one:

Pachmayr Dominator

that's it, do they still make them?

I don't believe so - there was one for sale earlier in the week on the Specialty Pistols forum by our own Hawkeye...

Go figure, nobody wants to watch a handgun hunting show pursuing big game with a "Little Gun" but seems like everybody wants to watch a turkey show with shotguns or another tree-stand Black Powder or Archery or centerfire rifle deer bang. Not cutting those shows down; just making an observation; actually the observation in reality is already made by advertising $$$ and by what is on the air.

I will add one more time: GO FIGURE???

It just doesn't make any sense to me; but that is just me.

PS: What happened to people (and in this case HUNTERS, who are the "good guys," right?) wanting DIVERSITY, or CHANGE OF SCENERY, or maybe even a little "ORIGINALITY?" Or maybe (dare I say it) a bit more "CHALLENGE?"

actually watching turkey hunting bores the hell out of me and it's getting to be that way with whitetails.

They are all just re-runs of one-another. The only thing that changes is the scenery and I think most of that is repeated as well. There are a few personalities that I'll watch wherever or whatever they are doing, and some that I avoid at all costs. I enjoy the tech shows more than the hunting shows anymore.

I'm with Greg and Rod. Those shows with Jeff Foxworthy on those farmed corn fed "trophy" whitetails, with the 15 y.o. girl (in full camo) sitting in a skybox "blind" with Sako rifle snug in leather benchrest sandbags while the "wild" whitetail is eating the molasses covered corn in the middle of the freshly mowed shooting lane takes a 75 yard great shot at the head down deer.
THAT CRAP MAKES ME WANT PUKE ! I stopped watching those "hunting" shows 3 years ago. (oh, the run-on sentence was intentional).

Ernest Hemiingway said: There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games.
I would like to think Ernest would have added hundgun hunting had been around in his day.
Handgun hunting, like bullfighting, racing and mountain climbing take dedication and one has to have passion. Our SPORT, cannot be promoted. The select individuals will seek it out on thier own.

Hey y'all, stop promoting handgun hunting!

Worked for me, too.

A life-long friend introduced me to hunting handguns when I was in my teens. I thought he was so 'cool' and admired him for his ability to shoot a 44 mag. Ruger Super Redhawk, with that scope and looong barrel. I liked it, I understood the 'why', but I couldn't afford one, nor did I have enough knowledge yet to venture further into the world of hunting handguns.

Fast forward several yrs. I bought a new shotgun from my LGS, for turkey hunting. After attempting to pattern the darn thing, I discovered the barrel must be bent as it was shooting 2 feet low, and it wouldn't eject 3" shells everytime with ease. So, back to the gun shop with it I went. The owner said he couldn't refund my money in cash, but rather I could trade it in at the same value I paid for it, on another item. I thought, why not get a handgun, something with lighter recoil and a bit less expensive than my buddy's Redhawk. The gun shop owner suggested a Taurus in .357. I agreed and said 'put a scope on it!'.

I got that handgun and fell in love with it. I shot it alot, got proficient, and shot a wild boar within two yrs of purchasing it. (I probably wouldn't hunt boars with a .357 nowadays, but it worked perfectly that time and I gained confidence). A couple yrs later I traded the Taurus in on a first year Encore pistol. I fell in love with it, too, but didn't hunt with it at all for a few yrs.

Three years later I discovered the internet! And, WOW, did that open up a whole new world! I read more about the Encores, learned the Contender came first (I'd never heard of the Contender). I found out, as it seemed to me, that alot of folks were out there hunting with handguns. I discovered SP's and Handgun Hunting's forums, read even more. Got the bug even more. Made 'friends' through these sites. Some I've met in person and a few are concidered some of the closest friends I have. And they hunt with handguns! Had it not been for the internet and handgun related forums, I'm sure I'd be stuck in a dull, dark, rifle-only world.

Sure you have to sift through what might be BS or stretched truth now and then. I consider what I read here to be pretty much gospel backed by experience that I can trust to make my own purchasing decision.

If not for the internet, I would have thousands of more dollars in my bank account. I wouldn't have owned Contenders and Encores in tens of different calibers and configurations over the course of the last 10 or 12 yrs. Maybe not my first Striker and other wheel guns. And my passion and love for hunting with handguns might not be fueled like it is now (though I'd like to think it would still). A small number to many, but I'm approaching my 20th big game critter with a handgun within a 10 yr period. It could be more but I still enjoy hunting with a rifle and ML now and then, too.

We gotta stick together. Promote our method. And realize it takes more than one tactic or method to pass along this love of hunting with handguns.

There have been alot of great points brought up here in this very thought provoking thread, and I am no where near where the vast majority who have posted are in terms of my handgun hunting career, but I will add my humble opinion.

I started hunting for the challenge way back when, and like said earlier, I don't need the meat to survive, (though I love serving well cooked wild game to friends who swear its the best they've ever had). I hunt now with a handgun because I wanted the increased challenge, but my biggest fear is failure. I've read everybody's posts and books on the subject and cringe at the idea of going off to some foreign land on a paid hunt because of that fear of failure. I'm getting over it, but its taken time.

I see my hunting friends falling into that same gorge, afraid of not being able to pull off the shot with a handgun. This is especially true with the continued promotion of trophy management/hunting. I shot a nice whitetail buck last year with a Colt SAA and haven't been so giddy since, I can't remember. BUT, the first thing out of my buddies' mouths, "What does he score?" What a bummer. I have the European mount in my office and proudly tell the story every week at least twice, that's my promotion. I've given up on my core group, for now, as they want a Booner only, no matter.

Short story long, I say promote it. If I become indepently wealthy someday, I will do a handgun hunting only show, but it might be a year or two.

Pythonhunter, for me (and it sounds like you also feel this way), every animal I take with a revolver is a trophy......

For me, too.

Pythonhunter,

I will share a short story with you that will hopefully reenforce your feelings about "your core group." I have a close friend (who lives in Ohio). He is a better shot with his eyes closed than I am with mine open (He is a former competitive shooter). He has killed more animals than I can count. IMHO, he is an expert with a handgun. Many on this forum know him personally.

We have a little get-together & hunt every September at the Y O Ranch here in Texas. My friend's attitude is: "Come hunt with us. Bring whatever you want to. I do not care if it is a slingshot." We have had rifle hunters and bow hunters hunt with our "handgun" group, young and old, those that can afford the hunt and others that stuggle to be there, meat hunters & those that look only for the antlers. However, everyone has a good time.

The satisfaction from bagging an animal is personal. The animal may be a booner or not, but the experience is what is really important. I am nearing the end of my hunting career. I care less and less about "shooting one." However, I would not miss the trip, the hunt, the experience with my good friends. I can get very picky about what I shoot, since I do not really care if I shoot one or not -- often time "not" is really better for me. LOL

More is always better

Better guns, Bullets stuff

Snake

wtroper, whit and boartuff,

It is good to hear the reinforcement, and I agree that the personal satisfaction is what keeps me doing it. I don't kill something everytime either and that's okay. I also don't shoot the booner at 200 yards (straight walled pistol caliber only here in Iowa) and that too is okay. I love hunting with a handgun and that not-so-big buck is just fine by me.

Thanks again.

PH

Ditto !

I was trying to remember what got me started handgun hunting to start with. I don't know of anybody in this neck of the woods that was doing it. Most of my hunting inspiration came from my late uncle. Most of may handgun hunting inspiration came from Elmer Keith..............

I was handgun, when handgun wasn't cool or was that country when country wasn't cool?


I hunt with everything but I also feel like any critter taken with a handgun is a trophy. reflex264

I am new here, but not to handgun hunting!!
I took my first big game(caribou/S&W 41 mag) with a handgun 42 years ago while bow hunting for Dall sheep!
I have hunted exclusively with a .44 revolver since.

I am all for promoting handgun hunting,

However I do not support "Handgun Only" exclusive

seasons.

That would lead to situations like the archery only seasons!!

People pick up a bow just to take advantage of the season,

and don't devote the time to become proficient with the weapon!!

Bob

I'm not advocating for a handgun only season but it sure would be nice if we got the same respect as black powder hunters and could hunt the special seasons they enjoy. In many states the peak of the rut is smack dab in the middle of the early ML season. In a lot of cases they are shooting the same projectiles we are.

Gary a lot of game dept. dont know a damn thing about anything it looks to me. promote handgun hunting all we can it can only help. i use to shoot I.H.M.S.A. people that have never done much with a handgun but def. training look at you like ya got two heads when ya talk about the distance. people see j-frame 38spl in their minds eye when someone says handgun, not a contender/big bore revolver. hunting with a snub nose??? lets get some of those cowboy action shooter on board or anyone else.

+1

I started handgun hunting in the late 60's. In the 70's people just gave you a "look" of disbelief when you told them that you took deer and other game with a handgun. Today handgun hunting is respected by most

I agree that handgun hunters should get the same respect as primitive weapons hunters and bow hunters

In MN we do get the benifit of being able to use handguns in shotgun only zones, but there are no restrictions on the handgun other than it be centerfire and at least .223"

They don't differentiate between the 25 ACP or the .308 Winchester. A long range specialty pistol is perfectly legal in the short range shotgun zones, as a 25 ACP is legal during any firearms season. There is no thought to it whatsoever, or they just don't want to police it, go figger.

Yes,
Back then, we handgun hunters had to deal with the fact that

pursuing large game with a handgun was considered a stunt,

especially here in Alaska!!

Some still think that way!!

Bob

It takes practice to handgun hunt, i don't think 'mainstream' has what it takes to really do it right.

I encourage everyone...but it takes a special breed to hunt with short barrels