Ok guys...help me decide on a hunting pistol

[Flatlander.54]

 For the past few years I have been wanting to take my first Handgun deer. The problem is that I cant decide on a pistol/caliber combo. I have owned a couple Contender pistols in the past, but have decided IF I go to a single shot pistol it will be an Encore, due to the mass versatility of the Encore over the Contender. Heres my typical hunting situation when hunting deer with a firearm.

 I use a higly portable ground blind set-up. I always set up with a dense background behind me and have a 360 degree view.

 The area I hunt...my maximum range I will be shooting is 120 yards, with all but one of the deer I have taken in this area have been taken at 5-60 yards.

 All my shots have been clear line of sight with no brush in the way, but there is always the chance a brush shot will have to be made.

 Im a big proponent of shooting with the aid of cross-sticks.

 I definately want the option to mount a scope if I choose to. Without having to drill and tap, or rely on a gunsmith.

 Im leaning heavily towards an Encore pistol, especially since the local gun shop has one for an awesome price in a not so common chambering (.450 Marlin) I have been wanting to get that gun for a while, no one else will touch it due to the chambering. Id like to keep the original barrel in unfired condition, and get another barrel for deer hunting. Maybe .44 Mag, maybe something a little hotter.

 But Im not totally opposed to a wheelgun of some kind...I guess thats where I need the input and opinions to help me decide. What ya think fellas?

[Dinny]

Flatlander,
   How about this one??

Seriously, I like the Ruger Bisley Hunter with the integral scope mount system.  In 44 Mag it is a tackdriver.

http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger_Bisley_Hunter.htm

Thanks, Dinny

[kynardsj]

If I were going to the Encore platform I'd get a 15 inch 308. That way I would have a caliber for everything that was in my confortable distance shooting zone.

[Lon371]

  I agree with the Encore set up. But caliber I am unsure of. Myself, I have a T/C Contender first version. I had a .357 mag 10 barrel, but an excellent deal on a .357 maximum super 14. So this year I am going to try it with 200gr soft points, and 170 gr semi wadcutters.

 I dont know what caliber would work that close, and that far. If you go with one for 120 yards, is it going to open enough at 5 to 50 yards? Or is it going to blow a small hole thru and deer leaves because of high velocity? Then again, I guess if you use a soft flat point bullet the shock my knock them for a loop. I am still learning handgun hunting. So I guess I should say I dont know

Lonny

[Flatlander.54]

 Ok...so whats the max. effective range on a .44 Mag. for deer size game? I would think at least 100 yards, but like I said I have never hunted with a handgun.
 Im thinking that .44 Mag would be my limit on a cartridge, due to an old wrist injury and a condition known as cubital tunnel (like carpal tunnel, only in the forearm/elbow) so, a heavy frame wheelgun with a scope would help soak up some of the recoil.

[Lon371]

 Here is a post on a painful .44 he is wanting to use for deer.
http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,185448.0.html

Here is one talking about .44 loads for deer.
http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,3510.0.html

It appears if recoil is the issue, some are saying Decelerator grips, padded shooting gloves. Maybe in your case some sort of wrist brace(like a knee wrap) would help support your wrist.

I get my first .357 max rounds tomorrow. I don't have issues in this barrel with magnum loads. I am hoping the .357 maximum are not to severe. I am using a 14" bull barrel so hopefully that will help hold her down.

You might do a search(top of page) put in .44 and choose the handgun hunting and contender and such as your selected forums. There is a load of similar topics.

Lonny

[Dinny]

Hey guys,
   Am I allowed to change my mind?? The .357 Maxi seems to have a cult following, see what others think.

http://357maximum.com/

A contender in 35 Rem is pretty hard to beat too.  We have great bullets for both that should do the job at 5-125yds.

Thanks, Dinny

[stubshaft]

The Maxi is a very efficient cartridge and I have used it to harvest a bunch of hogs and goats.  Out to 120+ it shoots flat enough to hold dead on and you have the option of shooting 38spl. and 357 Mag. out of the same barrel.

[Lon371]

  Dinny
 
  Yes you can change your mind. Now sale me that .357 . I want a Handi .357 Maxi, to go with my Contender.

 Flatlander.54

 As far as .44 ranges, There have been numerous reports of 100 yard deer. I think if you try different bullets and loads you should be able to do it with minimal problems.

 Earlier post I said i would choose an Encore set up. I have the original Contender and love it. But with all the barrels avalable for the encore that are not usable on the original, If I could do the purchase again, I would get the Encore. Dont tell my wife(she bought me the contender)

Lonny

[Dinny]

  Dinny
 
  Yes you can change your mind. Now sale me that .357 . I want a Handi .357 Maxi, to go with my Contender.

 

Not gonna do it!  That's Mom's rifle, good luck gettin it from her, she can be mean and although I outweigh her by 100lbs, she still beats me up!


Scared to even ask her, Dinny 

[schoolmaster]

OK Ruger Super redhawk in 44 mag. I would get the longest barrel they make. Put the Hogue super soft grips with the blue insert in them on it. Scope it up with a leupold, or burris scope and sight it in with a load it likes at 100 yards and practice with it out to 200. The 44 will kill deer very dead at 200 if the shooter is capable of putin them where they need to go. Oh yeah I would carry shooting sticks and practice a lot from the sitting position.

[Dinny]

I got another idea for you.  I saw one of these many years ago.  They're still going strong and shooting straight without too hefty a price tag.

http://www.moaguns.com/moa_max.html


~Dinny

[Lon371]

Flatlander.54

 Have you decided on which pistol / handgun to use?? 

I got my .357 max ammo, and fired some 170gr and 200gr. Only had time to fire a few each. I am using a 14" bull contender. I was pleasantly surprised. The loads are max listed. Barrel did jump a little. But I was holding the gun like a normal pistol. Both hands on the rear grip. I expected a load of recoil and jump, didn't happen I was leaning on a tree, shooting 45 yards. 3" triangle with the 170's and 2" with the 200gr. A little practice and I think i can get it good enough for the 85yards which is my max target area.

 The .357 max is really easy on your wrist and hands. I am going to like it alot.

Lonny

[Hank in Indiana]

I'd use the 450 marlin set up and handload to 45-70 trapdoor data. Recoil would be less than 44 mag and you could increase load to your range of comfort.

[Buckskin]

I use a 7mm-08 strapped to an Encore.