Suggestions for beginning handgun hunting

[OLDHandgunner]

Start out with a handgun of your choice. Start with a small caliber and work your way up to the caliber you are comfortable with  &  PRACTICE   PRACTICE  PRACTICE .  T/C  G-2 might be a way to start, then you only have to buy a another barrel instead of a gun. A 357mag. might also be a choice. Then you can practice with 38spl.   GOOD LUCK & HAVE FUN.

[Zeus]

if you are a reloader, I would go with either a 41 mag, 44 mag, or a 45 colt.  Any would be excellent choices.  If I were not a reloader, I would opt for the 44 mag.  I have shot deer with 44s and 41s and they worked very well.  Factory loaded Platinum tips in the Ruger Super Blackhawk hunter 41 mag worked awesome.  Any of the three can be downloaded for practice and working into the groove and then loaded up to excellent hunting velocities.  The 44 and 45 have better history with the heavier bullets.  If I could only have one of the three, it would be a hard choice but would probably end up with the good ole 45 colt if you are a reloader.  You should read some of the old Linebaugh articles on the 45 colt when you get a chance.  Good luck with the new endeavor.  gS

[EastKY_DO]

I can see the value in starting with a .22LR handgun.  The basic of handgunning are very effectively practiced with a .22, and if you desire to, you can do a little small game hunting with the .22 pistol/revolver.  Shooting squirrels from various field positions is another aid in becoming a good handgun hunter.

With heavier bullets, 158 gr. and above, the .357 will give fine service as a deer hunting handgun.  A Ruger Blackhawk in .45 LC is a very good choice for someone that handloads.  I find the .45 to have a more pleasant sound than the .357, even with hearing protection.

Good luck, whatever you choose,
Doc

[Duane]

Seems to me a ruger single action in .22 rimfire would be a good practice gun if your gonna get a blackhawk or supernblackhawk .i read a thread where someone suggested a Ruger semi auto why would you buy a semi auto to practice shooting then switch too a single action revolver .if your gonna shoot single action then buy a single action in .22 rimfire not a semi auto just seems to reason if your gona hunt with a semi auto them buiy a semi auto to practice with .Wouldnt most experienced hunters agree .  I cant see  practicing with a double action revolver then switching to single action as a single action grip is designed to roll in the hands and a double action revolver is held a bit differently .If you gonna go Super Blackhawk then get you a good single six to match

[Jim M]

One word of caution when you have a 22 rimfire and an additional centerfire barrel for your contender.  Make up some sort of reminder to switch that firing pin back to centerfire when you are done shooting the 22. I've never had it happen to me except at the range but it sure is a disappointing click when that rimfire pin hits the centerfire round. It sure lets you know if you are flinching.

[OLDHandgunner]

Ain't that an awful sound, when the hammer falls & no bang!!  I try to change the hammer pin over after I change the barrel.

[jamaldog87]

my dad gave me a 454 with 45long colts in it and told me if i can shoot the big gun wells then i can shoot the smaller gun easyer. so i shot a 454 then smaller cals. there was a lot of hit and miss but i got it.

[mk454]

in texas i can usually find 454ammo at most shops and i really would 2nd the 460. first the gun isn't that expensive, a couple hundred more than a ruger but a much better gun imho.  the 454 and 460 would be able to take any game out there and the lower end 454 loads are nothing out of the big smith.  very easy to shoot, my 11 year old does it, and 45 colts out of that big ported monster are just plain silly.  very very easy to get good with that gun, but once you are you can take any game walking with it.  i've really gotten surprised at how plentiful and cheap 454 ammo has gotten versus 15-20 years ago.

[Troggy]

I would say 44mag over a .357mag, however you said you hunt now, with a single shot rifle. With that type of shooting dicipline I think the 357 is fine for you. Then again as I read, this I DO NOT mean that it's ok to shoot sloppy with a heavier cal. OR ANY for that matter.