Comments on: Handgun Hunting for Whitetails?

By: bhp0

bhp0 — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 14:00:38 +0000

http://news.msn.com/politics/gop-blo…re-land-access.

The bill would have given hunters more access to public lands, establish more shooting ranges and banned the EPA from outlawing lead in ammunition.

The EPA now has a clear mandate to ban lead ammo in the future. The bill that was sponsored by Democrate John Tester, only one Democrate voted against the bill.

The Republicans said they voted it down because they were too stingy to spend any money on it.

By: AE7V

AE7V — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 06:45:52 +0000

Interesting article, since I have handgun hunted for at least ten years of my life, mostly with Ruger Blackhawks, TC Contender and Double action S&W, the key is practice, practice and practice. You should morally only shoot as far as you are comfortable or accurate to. Since a twelve inch paper plate was used as my standard for a kill zone, you should only push your skill level at the range not on the hunt. Of course optical sights help when you have open fields but not in the quick river bottom action where typically iron sites prevail. The skidish whitetail is a very formidable opponent for a handgun of any caliber. Bullet selection is very critical as well, in my opinion, broken bones and penetration have always worked for me by using hard cast bullets in revolvers and getting a good performing bullet using the Contender that will actual expand from handgun velocity shots, finding that bullet can be difficult as they are built for performance at higher velocities that you can not get out of a handgun typically.

By: drhtr

drhtr — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 00:16:08 +0000

I too am addicted to handgun hunting. However, old fashion. I wouldn’t trade my 657 with an 8 3/8″ for anything. I give one of my best friends a hard time about his hand rifle. I have taken 8 deer and 6 hogs with my 657 – all one shot kills except for 1 pig that took 2. I agree that everyone should limit themselves to their effective range and, for most handgun (true hangun cartridge) users, that probably is 50 yards or less. However, if you run a few thousand rounds a year thru one, you can become effective to 100 yards or so. I have good, consistent 3″ groups at 100. You must know your ballistics, wind, etc. to do so. I won’t strecthy my shots at game beyond 75 yards.

By: bhp0

bhp0 — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 21:27:07 +0000

Considering the skill level of most people I know they should limit their shots to 50 yards and under. This includes even a rock steady rest.

In European countries the 9×19 and .30 Mauser have long been used to take European Red Deer. The .30 Mauser with its 1600 fps velocity is a deadly handgun round. This is unknown to most Americans who choose to believe that only a .50 Smith and Wesson Magnum is adequate for stopping the vicious and determined charge of your average barn mouse. They will solemnly shake their heads at tales that state that it took 3 shots to stop one of these fearsome creatures.

By: Frank G

Frank G — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 23:05:15 +0000

Great article Dave,
I for the most part hunt with a handgun exclusively for white tail. Including a TC muzzleloader pistol (45 cal) drives the long gun guys “nuts”. Both my 460XVR and TC are equipped with AimPoint 9000SC red dots. I’m comfortable out to 125 yards with each. Here in TN my lease is a good mix of pine and mast so a good percentage would be in the 30 to 70 yard range, telescopic optics not necessary. One day I decided to go “old school”; a 30-30-lever action and my 6” SS S&W 357 (357 is more then adequate with hot loads) strapped to the hip, open sights both. Took a healthy 7 point with the 30 and a doe with the 357 on the same day. Never tried an auto style pistol, somewhat of a single action guy.