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Author Topic: HUNTING-DEFENSE-TARGET PISTOL  (Read 1149 times)

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Offline IOWA DON

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HUNTING-DEFENSE-TARGET PISTOL
« on: February 19, 2012, 09:57:55 AM »
I've thought about getting a large-bore revolver but have procrastinated. Now, looking at the Iowa Hunting Codes it appears that I cannot have my conceal-carry Walther PPK with, even in my vehicle, when out for a deer hunt with a long gun because the barrel length and caliber make it illegal for deer hunting. It appears the legal solution is to get a deer legal revolver, use it for conceal-carry in my vehicle when out deer hunting, and maybe even shoot deer with it. (I have shot lots of rabbits and squirrels with a .22 pistol.) I've shot a .357 Mag, a.454 Cassal, a 44 Mag, a .460 S&W  and the recoil is not a problem but the sharp noise is, even with ear protection. I was thinking either a S&W Model 25 in .45 Colt or a S&W Model 24 in .44 Special with handloads might produce a lot less muzzle blast and still kill deer out to 50 or 100 yards, without a scope. Also, maybe it would make more sense for a defense pistol and for recreational target shooting. Any opinions?
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Offline Flynmoose

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Re: HUNTING-DEFENSE-TARGET PISTOL
« Reply #1 on: February 19, 2012, 12:21:11 PM »
I think you are on the right track with the S&W in 45 Colt or 44 Special. The 44 would be my choice since I load 44 Mag and Specials. A big hunk of lead moving 900 to 1000FPS will stop most any critter you may encounter in the woods. I had a Smith 629 and shot Specials in it because my wrists are small and arthritic. It was very managable and accurate.
FM
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Offline mcwoodduck

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Re: HUNTING-DEFENSE-TARGET PISTOL
« Reply #2 on: February 19, 2012, 12:53:28 PM »
I agree with flynmoose, a 44 mag and shooting specials in it or light mags may be the way to go.
I have a few revolvers, the larger N frame with specials is a pleasure to shoot.
The noise is not going to be a problem unless you have to use it.  Another option is a S&W M65 or 13 4".  Fixed sights  medium frame, easy to pack and easy to carry and multiple carry options.  The 357 mag is more than enough for deer . 
If hunting with the revolver is a goal, a $60 pair of electronic ears may be the way to go.
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Offline teamnelson

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Re: HUNTING-DEFENSE-TARGET PISTOL
« Reply #3 on: February 19, 2012, 01:02:31 PM »
Don't forget a .45 ACP revolver, S&W 625 or 25 or the Ruger Convertible, and I think Taurus makes a DA. Target, defense, low noise, and adequate for deer/hogs at appropriate ranges.
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Offline tacklebury

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Re: HUNTING-DEFENSE-TARGET PISTOL
« Reply #4 on: February 19, 2012, 04:19:41 PM »
Yep, I like my Single action NMB Convertible in .45 Colt and .45 ACP.  Lotta good loads and quite accurate.  If you don't reload, however, the .44 mag/.44 spec. option would probably be better for you, unless you shot mostly .45 acp.  ;)  Ruger Redhawk in 4" barrel with .45 Colt or .44 Mag loads also a good choice.  ;)  This is my Blackhawk and it'll put em on target with the 10" gong at my range nearly every shot.  ;)
 
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Tacklebury --}>>>>>    Multi-Barrel: .223 Superlite, 7mm-08 22", .30-40 Krag M158, .357 Maximum 16-1/4 HB, .45 Colt, .45-70 22" irons, 32" .45-70 Peeps, 12 Ga. 3-1/2 w/ Chokes, .410 Smooth slugger, .45 Cal Muzzy, .50 Cal Muzzy, .58 Cal Muzzy

also classics: M903 9-shot Target .22 Revolver, 1926 .410 Single, 1915 38 S&W Break top Revolver and 7-shot H&R Trapper .22 6" bbl.

Offline IOWA DON

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Re: HUNTING-DEFENSE-TARGET PISTOL
« Reply #5 on: February 20, 2012, 04:58:19 AM »
Thanks for the good info. - DON
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Offline SHOOTALL

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Re: HUNTING-DEFENSE-TARGET PISTOL
« Reply #6 on: February 20, 2012, 05:06:22 AM »
Quote from: tacklebury on February 19, 2012, 04:19:41 PM
Yep, I like my Single action NMB Convertible in .45 Colt and .45 ACP.  Lotta good loads and quite accurate.  If you don't reload, however, the .44 mag/.44 spec. option would probably be better for you, unless you shot mostly .45 acp.  ;)  Ruger Redhawk in 4" barrel with .45 Colt or .44 Mag loads also a good choice.  ;)  This is my Blackhawk and it'll put em on target with the 10" gong at my range nearly every shot.  ;)
 


 
 
good advice !
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Offline pozoutdoors

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Re: HUNTING-DEFENSE-TARGET PISTOL
« Reply #7 on: February 20, 2012, 03:27:05 PM »
I shot a nice 11 point at 40 yards with my ruger sr1911 .45 acp. Not the best all round handgun for hunting. But, it worked great!!!! This is my carry gun here in Iowa. So, I wanted to try it for hunting too!!
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Offline Mikey

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Re: HUNTING-DEFENSE-TARGET PISTOL
« Reply #8 on: February 21, 2012, 01:11:51 AM »
Don:  not playing lawyer here but I'm willing to bet that the laws of your state that allow you concealed carry supercede your conservation laws regarding calibers suitable for hunting, which means you should still be able to cc your Walther but if you wear something on your hip it needs to be hunting caliber legal. 
That said, I limit non magnum shots to 50 yds (my eyes and being old I think) and magnum shots to just a bit further unless I have a crystal clear sight picture.  The 357 will suffice.  The 45 Colt will also suffice but I'm not sure the S&W M25s are as strong as the M29s when it comes to hot or heavy loads - certainly a Ruger is strong enough.  The 45 acp is fine out to about 50 yds, lots of guys use them.  Not the best choice but workable.....
I like the 44 spl you wrote about but that is a fixed sight handgun which may or may not shoot to point of aim with your prefered load.  A 44 magnum would be the better choice, imo. 
A M25 with warmish loads will work, M28s, M29s, 1911s work too; youhave lots of choices.  HTH.
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Offline mcwoodduck

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Re: HUNTING-DEFENSE-TARGET PISTOL
« Reply #9 on: February 21, 2012, 03:52:47 AM »
Quote from: Mikey on February 21, 2012, 01:11:51 AM
Don:  not playing lawyer here but I'm willing to bet that the laws of your state that allow you concealed carry supercede your conservation laws regarding calibers suitable for hunting, which means you should still be able to cc your Walther but if you wear something on your hip it needs to be hunting caliber legal. 
That said, I limit non magnum shots to 50 yds (my eyes and being old I think) and magnum shots to just a bit further unless I have a crystal clear sight picture.  The 357 will suffice.  The 45 Colt will also suffice but I'm not sure the S&W M25s are as strong as the M29s when it comes to hot or heavy loads - certainly a Ruger is strong enough.  The 45 acp is fine out to about 50 yds, lots of guys use them.  Not the best choice but workable.....
I like the 44 spl you wrote about but that is a fixed sight handgun which may or may not shoot to point of aim with your prefered load.  A 44 magnum would be the better choice, imo. 
A M25 with warmish loads will work, M28s, M29s, 1911s work too; youhave lots of choices.  HTH.
You may be correct, but why deal with a game warden that does not know that.
I have had good game wardens and wantabe swat Tommy and Tammy tactical or two.  Why risk the ticket and court time.
It does not take much to kill a deer.
Look at buck shot, 00 Buck is about equal to 9 rounds of 32 ACP ball.  And it has been more than enough for deer for about 100 years or more.
Pick a frame you like, get it in an up caliber (Magnum) and carry defensive loads to and from hunting.  Your primary hunting gun is going to be more than enough for self defense.  You are not going to drop your bolt action rifle to grab a handgun. 
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Offline IOWA DON

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Re: HUNTING-DEFENSE-TARGET PISTOL
« Reply #10 on: February 21, 2012, 08:31:30 AM »
I called the DNR this morning and asked what would a game warden do. The answer was more or less that it would depend on the warden. Last year I got hit with a ticket from a warden whose interpretation of the law was  ridiculous. I won in court, but it cost me almost $1500 in attorney fees. I don't doubt that the same warden would give me a ticket for possessing a pistol not legal for deer even if it was never taken out of my vehicle. The trouble here would be that it might stand up in court and then my highly customized, very expensive Walter PPK could be confiscated. Anyway, I was looking at pistols yesterday and saw a S&W in 41 MAG with a 6 or 6.5-inch barrel which I think is about identical to the S&W Models 25 and 24 in .45 or .44 Special. I also looked at a stainless Model 629 in .44 Mag with a 6.5-inch barrel. The .44 Mag had more metal under the barrel and seemed to hold a little steadier so think I will probably get one, but shoot either .44 Special or .44 Mag ammo loaded to less than maximum pressure. I reload and have bullet casting equipment so getting set up for .44 Mag or .44 Special caliber won't take much.
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