If you only had ONE handgun to hunt with..........
#114379
07/27/2012 11:03 PM
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 463
Boot
OP
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OP
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 463 |
If you were limited to one handgun (heaven forbid), but just for the threads sake, humor me, AND you didn't handload, therefore were limited to factory ammo, what would you choose? And why?
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Re: If you only had ONE handgun to hunt with..........
[Re: elwood kirby]
#114383
07/27/2012 11:47 PM
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 52
BuddyB
journeyman
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journeyman
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 52 |
Just about any 6" barreled 357 or 44 magnum.
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Re: If you only had ONE handgun to hunt with..........
[Re: BuddyB]
#114394
07/28/2012 4:56 AM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 110
bearskinner
member
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member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 110 |
my 7 1/2" scoped FA83 in 454 casull. It is the go to gun in my arsenal. I have shot ground squirrels to moose, coyotes to bears. it feels great in my hands, and holsters well or rides in a bandoleer in a boat or horseback. I would probably be happier if it were down to only one, and I have never felt undergunned
You cant shoot a big one, if you shoot a little one first.......
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Re: If you only had ONE handgun to hunt with..........
[Re: bearskinner]
#114398
07/28/2012 5:18 AM
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 143
nuclearweasel
member
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member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 143 |
14inch Contender in 30-30 win. with a 2x8 glass.
Did you know that there are magical animals roaming wild, converting vegetables into bacon as we speak?
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Re: If you only had ONE handgun to hunt with..........
[Re: Boot]
#114402
07/28/2012 10:05 AM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,097
jwp475
old hand
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old hand
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Posts: 1,097 |
If you were limited to one handgun (heaven forbid), but just for the threads sake, humor me, AND you didn't handload, therefore were limited to factory ammo, what would you choose? And why? I would go with a 5 1/2 or 6 inch 45 Colt and shoot either a 325 grain LFN or 335 ELFN. The 45 Colt properly loaded and there or a few manufacturers of properly loaded 300+ grain bullets. Gives up very little to a 454 (if anything) in the game fields The 45 Colt does all of this very effectively in the low 30 thousand PSI range, making it a pleasure to shoot. Plus the fact that 6 rounds in the cylinder is the rule, not the exception
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Re: If you only had ONE handgun to hunt with..........
[Re: jwp475]
#114404
07/28/2012 11:39 AM
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,625
Raptortrapper
Shooting Master
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Shooting Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,625 |
I second Elwood with the 12" 460 smith and wesson Hunter. I have full confidence in that gun. HOWEVER, I am in the process of putting together an Encore Pro Hunter with a 14" Bull Barrel in 460 that just might get the nod.
I'll let ya know after this hunting season!
A lot of people are like a slinky: Not much fun till you push them down the stairs!
Lifetime Member of the NRA! Wish I'd a done it sooner.
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Re: If you only had ONE handgun to hunt with..........
[Re: Raptortrapper]
#114408
07/28/2012 12:42 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 |
Limited to factory ammo would leave me in a tough choice. It would either be my Ruger 45colt Bisley hunter or my TC 308. If I had to feed my family like I may this year from the deer I shoot I think the TC 308 is going to get a work out. And so will the Bisley!
Life Member NAHC HHI Member #7149 NRA Member
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Re: If you only had ONE handgun to hunt with..........
[Re: jwp475]
#114414
07/28/2012 1:43 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836 |
If you were limited to one handgun (heaven forbid), but just for the threads sake, humor me, AND you didn't handload, therefore were limited to factory ammo, what would you choose? And why? I would go with a 5 1/2 or 6 inch 45 Colt and shoot either a 325 grain LFN or 335 ELFN. The 45 Colt properly loaded and there or a few manufacturers of properly loaded 300+ grain bullets. Gives up very little to a 454 (if anything) in the game fields The 45 Colt does all of this very effectively in the low 30 thousand PSI range, making it a pleasure to shoot. Plus the fact that 6 rounds in the cylinder is the rule, not the exception That would be my choice as well, but if limited to factory ammo, there's not a whole lot available that you will find at just any gun shop.
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Re: If you only had ONE handgun to hunt with..........
[Re: Whitworth]
#114417
07/28/2012 3:06 PM
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,502
reflex264
Gun Slinger
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Gun Slinger
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,502 |
My 4 5/8" .45 Colt Blackhawk with 2x leupold on board. There is enough factory ammo to keep it running. That said I have my own ammo factory.
300gr XTP with 20.5grs H110 and a 155 primer. 1120fps and sub 2" groups at 100 yards. Good enough. reflex264
"A quiet hit in the right place is better than a loud miss in the wrong place followed by 10 more shots on the run"
I was a handgun hunter, when handgun wasn't cool.....
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Re: If you only had ONE handgun to hunt with......
[Re: Boot]
#114418
07/28/2012 4:12 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 |
If you were limited to one handgun (heaven forbid), but just for the threads sake, humor me, AND you didn't handload, therefore were limited to factory ammo, what would you choose? And why? I don't even like to pretend... But - I'll go with my 10" barreled .454 FA with the 2.5x8 Leupold on top. Now I'm gonna go get on Gunbroker and exercise my right to have more!
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Re: If you only had ONE handgun to hunt with..........
[Re: reflex264]
#114420
07/28/2012 5:31 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 |
Ruger Super Redhawk in .454 Casull,plenty of power for any critter that walks,very accurate and shoots flat enough to 150 yards which is perfect for the farms that I hunt.
H.H.I.#8190 Colossians 1:17 And He is before all things,and by Him all things consist!
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Re: If you only had ONE handgun to hunt with..........
[Re: johnwilliams]
#114458
07/29/2012 7:49 AM
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 566
mike.44
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Re: If you only had ONE handgun to hunt with..........
[Re: mike.44]
#114461
07/29/2012 11:16 AM
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 510
kingfisher
addict
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Tough question. I love to stalk in the mornings and lean up against a tree 50 yards downwind of a scrape line or draw--this is when the S&W 629 PC is called to duty. Midday to dark I open things up and usually prefer the T/C .454 Casull. When hunting my home state with the smaller whitetails, my fine-shooting T/C 7mm08 is the ticket. So if I have to minimize this answer down to one.....T/C .454 Casull.
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Re: If you only had ONE handgun to hunt with..........
[Re: kingfisher]
#114466
07/29/2012 12:20 PM
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 241
Grendel
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 241 |
My Ruger Super Blackhawk Bisley Hunter in .44 Rem Mag. Only because I don't really have a need for anything else at the moment.
"Aim small, miss small"
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Re: If you only had ONE handgun to hunt with..........
[Re: Grendel]
#114469
07/29/2012 2:06 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
Shootist
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Shootist
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Posts: 9,836 |
Well, there's plenty of cowboy action level ammo out there for the .45 Colt, but there are good heavy .45 Colt loads available from a number of manufacturers. I understood that we should take commercial ammo availability into account. That said, I too would opt for my .45 Colt Bisley with a 5 1/2-inch barrel.
I find the idea of one gun to be a very sad concept.
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Re: If you only had ONE handgun to hunt with..........
[Re: Whitworth]
#114471
07/29/2012 2:09 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,097
jwp475
old hand
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old hand
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,097 |
A 325 grain LFN at 1350 FPS is a formable load as is the 335 WLFN both can be purchased over the counter for the 45 Colt
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Re: If you only had ONE handgun to hunt with..........
[Re: jwp475]
#114473
07/29/2012 2:12 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
Shootist
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Shootist
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Posts: 9,836 |
Sorry jwp, I have never seen Grizzly 335 grain loads at my local Wally World! LOL! I just wish the good stuff was available everywhere.
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Re: If you only had ONE handgun to hunt with..........
[Re: Whitworth]
#114479
07/29/2012 3:04 PM
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963
KRal
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963 |
IF...only one...with the parameters set in original post; it would be my Encore chambered in .308win.
Reason....well that should be obvious!
It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but only 3 for proper trigger squeeze.
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Re: If you only had ONE handgun to hunt with..........
[Re: KRal]
#114482
07/29/2012 3:24 PM
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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 |
You can't wait any longer. Join the NRA and start writing your Congressmen and Senators.
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Re: If you only had ONE handgun to hunt with..........
[Re: KRal]
#114499
07/29/2012 5:53 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,155
Gregg Richter
Distinguished Expert
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Distinguished Expert
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IF...only one...with the parameters set in original post; it would be my Encore chambered in .308win.
Reason....well that should be obvious! I agree; assuming you mean only one handgun for HUNTING. But if you mean only one handgun PERIOD (including hunting AND self defense) it would be one of my .44 magnum revolvers. Why? Where I hunt here in the west we have a lot of shots in the wide open as well as 100 yards and under. The T/C would handle both plus .308 ammo is available basically everywhere; plus the military surplus stuff. However, it wouldn't be a very good choice for self defense; and for me that would outweigh the hunting advantages of the T/C.
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Re: If you only had ONE handgun to hunt with..........
[Re: Whitworth]
#114503
07/29/2012 6:06 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,097
jwp475
old hand
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old hand
Joined: Jan 2009
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Sorry jwp, I have never seen Grizzly 335 grain loads at my local Wally World! LOL! I just wish the good stuff was available everywhere. Wally World ain't the only plkace to purchase ammo
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Re: If you only had ONE handgun to hunt with..........
[Re: KRal]
#114504
07/29/2012 6:07 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,097
jwp475
old hand
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old hand
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,097 |
IF...only one...with the parameters set in original post; it would be my Encore chambered in .308win.
Reason....well that should be obvious! Nope not obvious at all
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Re: If you only had ONE handgun to hunt with..........
[Re: jwp475]
#114505
07/29/2012 6:18 PM
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963
KRal
Shootist
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Shootist
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Posts: 6,963 |
IF...only one...with the parameters set in original post; it would be my Encore chambered in .308win.
Reason....well that should be obvious! Nope not obvious at all Sorry....it can take any game in north America; it's capable of taking game to 300+ yards; it's very accurate; it's the most available factory ammo (except maybe 22lr) there is and available in any bullet weight/style you could want.
It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but only 3 for proper trigger squeeze.
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Re: If you only had ONE handgun to hunt with..........
[Re: Gregg Richter]
#114506
07/29/2012 6:25 PM
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963
KRal
Shootist
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Shootist
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Posts: 6,963 |
I agree; assuming you mean only one handgun for HUNTING. But if you mean only one handgun PERIOD (including hunting AND self defense) it would be one of my .44 magnum revolvers.
Yes, I was referring to hunting. I assumed, since it was posted on the handgun hunting forum, he was asking about hunting; not self defense. Otherwise, I'd change my answer to a 44 mag also.
It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but only 3 for proper trigger squeeze.
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Re: If you only had ONE handgun to hunt with..........
[Re: Gregg Richter]
#114508
07/29/2012 6:27 PM
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 510
kingfisher
addict
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 510 |
IF...only one...with the parameters set in original post; it would be my Encore chambered in .308win.
Reason....well that should be obvious! I agree; assuming you mean only one handgun for HUNTING. But if you mean only one handgun PERIOD (including hunting AND self defense) it would be one of my .44 magnum revolvers. I'm with ya on the .44 Mag. I just added an S&W 629 PC Stealth to my .44 collection and it is possibly the finest shooter I have ever squeezed the trigger on. Can't wait for my backordered Trijicon RMR to get here to give it a ride! I based my earlier answer of the .454 based on hunting purposes, but if I had to give up all but one gun (GASP) the Stealth would stay.
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Re: If you only had ONE handgun to hunt with..........
[Re: kingfisher]
#114509
07/29/2012 6:30 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715
jamesfromjersey
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715 |
Freedom Arms 454 Casull with a 10" barrel....
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: If you only had ONE handgun to hunt with..........
[Re: Gary]
#114546
07/29/2012 11:35 PM
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 3,020
tradmark
Shooting Expert
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Shooting Expert
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 3,020 |
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Re: If you only had ONE handgun to hunt with..........
[Re: tradmark]
#114551
07/30/2012 12:06 AM
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 750
bluecow
old hand
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old hand
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 750 |
i am limited by choice to one hunting handgun, i do reload. that gun; a 44 mag 5.5" sbh.
Everything before "but" is B.S.
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Re: If you only had ONE handgun to hunt with..........
[Re: bluecow]
#114553
07/30/2012 12:35 AM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,378
Darrell H
veteran
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veteran
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,378 |
If I had to make that decision right now, it would be my 6.5" 629 Classic. The main reason is the "factory ammo availability" requirement. If you'll let me continue to handload, I'd probably choose my 480 Ruger SRH. Like KRal, I'd like to have a scoped single shot for my Western hunts (.308 would be my choice too) but since 90% of the hunting that I do takes place in North Georgia and requires shots of less than 100 yards I'll choose the 44 magnum if limited to one. I'd just have to stalk harder and be a tad less picky on my Western hunts. I've been in revolver range of antelope, mule deer, and elk on several hunts. I think that the .44 Magnum would do just fine on anything in North America. Like others have stated, thank goodness for options!
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Re: If you only had ONE handgun to hunt with..........
[Re: reflex264]
#114583
07/30/2012 6:19 AM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 62
Roger308
journeyman
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journeyman
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 62 |
Roger 308... Handgunner forever
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Re: If you only had ONE handgun to hunt with..........
[Re: Whitworth]
#114609
07/30/2012 1:15 PM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,331
TCTex.
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,331 |
I find the idea of one gun to be a very sad concept. Yep, God Bless the NRA!! 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: If you only had ONE handgun to hunt with..........
[Re: TCTex.]
#114630
07/30/2012 3:50 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,037
wtroper
old hand
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old hand
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,037 |
Because I live "out west" in open country, I would choose my FA single shot in 338 Federal. It is very accurate & big enough for anything I might hunt.
It's more important where you hit 'em, than what you hit 'em with.
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Re: If you only had ONE handgun to hunt with..........
[Re: wtroper]
#114793
08/01/2012 1:54 PM
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 808
minnesotahunter
old hand
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old hand
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 808 |
Ruger SBHH 45colt. Because it can take down anything, has multiple shots(dangerous game situations), and can zip from scope to irons in seconds without loosing zero on either.(never scoped it yet, but nice to have the option)
And it looks cool, and carries nice.
Plus, I've only ever shot 1 animal that would have been out of it's range.
Big fan of the 45lc. Like Whit said, you just have to plan ahead to get good hunting ammo. Internet is great for that. I have looked at lots of gun shops and both Gander Mountians in our area, and the BEST they had were those weak leverevolution loads. I wish the shops in our area carried the heavies. MN
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Re: If you only had ONE handgun to hunt with..........
[Re: minnesotahunter]
#114800
08/01/2012 2:46 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 |
Yep to find the good stuff you have to order it. I travel around the country for my job all week long. I make a point of visiting small gun shops and outdoor shops when I see them. None of them carry specialty ammo. I buy mine online, unless our local gun show is in town. There is a guy who sells nothing but ammo and carries the ammo I use in my Bisley hunter.
Life Member NAHC HHI Member #7149 NRA Member
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Re: If you only had ONE handgun to hunt with..........
[Re: jamesfromjersey]
#114834
08/01/2012 10:33 PM
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 765
wheelguns
old hand
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old hand
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 765 |
Freedom Arms 454 Casull with a 10" barrel.... Dittos James
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Re: If you only had ONE handgun to hunt with..........
[Re: wheelguns]
#114839
08/02/2012 12:42 AM
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 650
wheeler45
addict
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addict
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 650 |
My .308 Winchester XP-100. It will take any game I am likely to hunt and factory ammunition is available everywhere.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Phil. 4:13
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Re: If you only had ONE handgun to hunt with..........
[Re: Boot]
#114841
08/02/2012 1:56 AM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 293
Muddy
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 293 |
My 7.5" Freedom Arms Model 83 in 454. Plenty of good factory ammo available and big enough for anything I would ever hunt.
Dan
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Re: If you only had ONE handgun to hunt with..........
[Re: Boot]
#114997
08/04/2012 5:56 PM
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 18
Damian45acp
stranger
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stranger
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 18 |
I would use the 7.5 inch 45 colt ruger blackhawk i have with the corbon or buffalo bore 300 grainers. it is scoped and is devastaeting out to about 80 yrds with ease.Or a very good 454, but i usually have plenty of magnum level 300 xtps ready to go in my ammo box.
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Re: If you only had ONE handgun to hunt with..........
[Re: Damian45acp]
#114999
08/04/2012 6:09 PM
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 18
Damian45acp
stranger
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stranger
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 18 |
how come i can not post a pic of my pistol?anyone know?is there a special way i do not see an add image choice?
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Re: If you only had ONE handgun to hunt with..........
[Re: Damian45acp]
#115002
08/04/2012 6:35 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836 |
how come i can not post a pic of my pistol?anyone know?is there a special way i do not see an add image choice? You need an image hosting site like photobucket.
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