Author Topic: Brand new, where do I start? (Read 2055 times)

KenSel · « **on:** August 24, 2007, 05:29:44 PM »

I'm wanting to start handgun hunting next year when I move to Indiana so I'm looking to buy now and practice till season. I'm not very experienced with handguns except for conceal carry/ defense guns. I'm not sure whether to get a 357 or 44 Mag. I've shot a snub 357 with full power hunting loads and recoil seemed minimal and didn't bother me. I've never shot a 44 before so I'm not sure what kind of recoil to expect. I've been looking at the Ruger Redhawk with 5 1/2" barrel in 44, Taurus Raging Bull in 44, the Ruger GP 100 in 357, as well as a few other Ruger and Taurus guns chambererd in 357. What combination would you guys recommend for hunting deer and the occasional black bear? I also would like to carry this gun as a back-up when rifle and archery hunting so I prefer a barrel of around 6". I don't have access to a range where I can shoot different guns to see what I like so I've been racking my brain on this. I appreciate any advice you guys can give me.

Thanks in advance,
Ken

goodwrench6710 · « **Reply #1 on:** August 24, 2007, 05:44:00 PM »

I live in PA. I bought my first handgun last month for basically the same purpose. I was really up in arms about what to get & after I shot my friends Super Redhawk 44 mag. I fell in love. I purchased one myself & it has a 7 1/2" barrel. Even with 240 gr. bullets loaded with H-110 powder, the recoil isn't unbearable. The heavy frame, nice grip & balance makes the Super Redhawk 7 1/2" my #1 choice. Also comes with scope rings if you would decide the need for one in the future too. Trust me, it's worth the extra expense!

superdown · « **Reply #2 on:** August 24, 2007, 05:50:42 PM »

get a nice used s&w 29 or 629 44mag and shoot specials until your very accurate then choose a hunting load and do the same . my advice is shoot at least a few hundred rounds before attempting a shot at a live big game animal when you think you've shot alot then practice more. good shooting , superdown

Ken ONeill · « **Reply #3 on:** August 24, 2007, 07:18:24 PM »

I recommend buying a .44 Mag. since you mentioned the occasional bear hunt. I'd further recommend a 7 1/2" Super Blackhawk, 7 1/2" or 5 1/2" Redhawk, 7 1/2" Super Redhawk or a 6-6 1/2" Smith 629 made after 1991 when all the "Endurance package" upgrades were completed. Practice, practice, practice....

corbanzo · « **Reply #4 on:** August 24, 2007, 09:48:36 PM »

That redhawk 5.5" in 44mag seems like just the ticket...

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #5 on:** August 24, 2007, 11:16:19 PM »

that redhawk 5.5 inch would be a perfect hunting gun as would about any 629 or super blackhawk.

Catfish · « **Reply #6 on:** August 25, 2007, 07:23:16 AM »

For deer and up I would recommend the .44 mag. I have been using a .357 max. on an Encore frame quite bit the last few years, but it is only good for sitting and waiting and a good revolver is a far better all around gun for deer. I would recommend you get a Ruger. If you going to scope it get the Super Red Hawk. If not get a Super Black Hawk. I have a Taurus Rageing Bull and have had no trouble with it, but from what I`ve seen posted on the net and having seen the trouble some of my friends have had with the Taurus`s I`m staying away from them, at least for a while till they get their act together on repair. Right now I have 4 .44 mag. revolvers and have taken deer with 2 of them, the other 2 are to short of barreled to be leagle in Oh. If your going with a Ruger Black Hawk a .45 Colt or a .41 mag. would also be excellant choices if you happen to run acrossed one of those for less money.

Mikey · « **Reply #7 on:** August 25, 2007, 10:04:15 AM »

Ken - for what you hunt, whitetail and the occasional black bear you can use the 357, 41 or 44 magnums, or the 45 Colt in a modern revolver if you intend to use heavy loads. The 357 with proper loads is a good to 50 yds or more with the right shot, and any of the larger calibers will do the same or better for you.

Many, many of our members here prefer the Ruger line of handguns, the Blackhawk, Super Blackhawk or Redhawk. Many, many of us perfer the Smith and Wesson line of revolvers and they are available in 357, 41 and 44 magnum calibers as well as the 45 Colt.

If you go with the 44 or 45 you can practice with 44 specials or 45 Colt CASS (cowboy) loads to familiarize yourself with the handgun and then go to the load you intend to hunt wth. You can shoot 38s through the 357 for practice but the 41 magnum is the 41 magnum - lots of folk feel it is right up there with the 44 magnum and it may be.

Hope this helps. Mikey.

KenSel · « **Reply #8 on:** August 25, 2007, 10:21:41 AM »

well i'm pretty sure I can handle the recoil of the 44 and it leaves me a little more room for error in a hunting situation so that's the caliber that I've decided on. Now I just need to choose the correct gun. I broke both my hands a while back and lost a lot of my strength in them so I would prefer a gun that has a light trigger or one that can be lightened easily and Cheap. I prefer Rugers and I really like the Redhawk but a lot of people have recommended the Super Redhawk. I don't intend to scope it because I also want to carry it as a defense gun when archery hunting. What are the differences in accuracy, felt recoil, handling, etc between the Redhawk, Super Redhawk, Blackhawk, and Super Blackhawk?

Graybeard · « **Reply #9 on:** August 25, 2007, 10:55:06 AM »

I would recommend you pass on any single action based on your hand strength issues and stick with double actions like the S&W, DW or Ruger RH or SRH.

KenSel · « **Reply #10 on:** August 25, 2007, 01:10:09 PM »

I figured the single actions like the Blackhawk would be better. Why would the double actions be better? Are the triggers lighter?

I just looked at the prices at the range here on base and the Blackhawk is the best suited to my price range, although I would have to get it in 41 Mag or 45 Colt.

swampthing · « **Reply #11 on:** August 25, 2007, 04:12:40 PM »

I'd go with the .45colt. Have fun with cowboy action loads, hunt with the 300g hardcasts @1100fps.
If Ruger made a "blued" Super Blackhawk Bisley in 6" length I think you would be doing fine, stainless ain't bad, I just like blue.

blhof · « **Reply #12 on:** August 25, 2007, 04:44:38 PM »

You better check with your local laws on carry during archery season; in Kentucky even with a concealed permit you can't carry in bow season. To be different; check out the Dan Wessons-now made by CZ but still very accurate and with interchangeable barrels, you have the best of both worlds, short for carry and long for hunting. They are the most accurate out of the box of any revolver.

MS Hitman · « **Reply #13 on:** August 25, 2007, 04:48:31 PM »

The .45 Colt would an excellent choice for handgun hunting. You have bullet weight and diameter working for you and the loads you use for whitetail do not have to be heavy to be effective. Just choose the proper bullet and a load that gives a muzzle velocity from 900 to 1,200 fps and you will have plenty for the species you intend to hunt.

goodwrench6710 · « **Reply #14 on:** August 25, 2007, 06:03:35 PM »

The 7 1/2" Super Redhawk is a nice heavy framed revolver & even with the heavy loads it don't hurt much to shoot. The grip is nice, the frame is totally surrounded by the grip which could be very helpful in your situation. My sights were dead on out of the box. It seems to like all my loads so far, lead or jacketed. I don't have a scope on mine & don't intend to scope it, I love it the way it is. Yes it's higher priced, but it's worth it! Trust me, I don't regret it at all.

jhalcott · « **Reply #15 on:** August 25, 2007, 06:07:56 PM »

As was said earlier, CHECK LOCAL LAWS! Maryland has a 6" barrel minimum limit. other areas are governed by the same types of people. I OCCASIONALLY use a super black hawk in 44mag. One in .41mag should do well for your needs. The 44 and 45colt ammo might be easier to locate though!

Swampman · « **Reply #16 on:** August 25, 2007, 11:40:44 PM »

Something that was easy to scope would be my suggestion. A Leupold 2X pistol scope makes a huge difference.

superdown · « **Reply #17 on:** August 26, 2007, 07:14:12 AM »

Quote from: KenSel on August 25, 2007, 10:21:41 AM

well i'm pretty sure I can handle the recoil of the 44 and it leaves me a little more room for error in a hunting situation so that's the caliber that I've decided on.

A larger or certain caliber does not make up for error when refering to shot placement or practice .

Graybeard · « **Reply #18 on:** August 26, 2007, 07:39:20 AM »

Quote

I figured the single actions like the Blackhawk would be better. Why would the double actions be better? Are the triggers lighter?

Any Ruger you get will come factory equipped with a LOUSY trigger, count on it. On the other hand I've never owned a S&W I felt needed trigger work when it left the factory.

My reason for commenting that a DA rather than a SA is proper for you with your hand strength problem is that DA guns recoil more straight back into your hand whereas SA guns roll up in the hand and require a much tighter or stronger grip than do most DA guns. I share the problem of arthritis in my hands and I learned on DA guns. I use a rather light grip by preference and I must drastically alter my grip when using SA guns to keep the hammer from eating up my hand. With heavy loads in the standard Ruger grip I do not have enough hand strength to prevent it. Even factory level .41 and .44 magnum loads put the hammer into my hand from the standard BH or SBH grip. With the Bisley I can handle a bit more but even with it loads that seem tame in a DA to me bring blood from the Bisley.

So my advice was based on my personal experience with a weak grip both due to the way I learned to shoot and from arthritis in my hands that does not allow me a strong grip anymore.

Quote

A larger or certain caliber does not make up for error when refering to shot placement or practice .

Very sage advice. It is fallacy to assume faster or bigger makes up for poor bullet placement. Regardless of what you're shooting proper bullet placement is the key to success.

Swampman · « **Reply #19 on:** August 26, 2007, 10:03:34 AM »

Personally I feel that very few people can shoot a .44 magnum well. The caliber really deserves daily practice IMO.

KenSel · « **Reply #20 on:** August 26, 2007, 11:07:16 AM »

I know shot placement is critical and am a firm believer in waiting for the right shot. When I say the 44 leaves more room for error, I'm talking about hitting the bone or if the deer moves at the shot and the bullet doesn't hit exactly where I intended. I always do my best to get close and make the right shot whether it be with my longbow or my rifle, but the fact is a lot can happen when hunting and often does that's why I prefer a bigger and heavier bullet.

I never thought about the recoil being different between a DA and a SA. Thanks for the heads up Graybeard. I really had my mind set on the 45 Blackhawk but with the recoil like that, I feel that I would be much better suited with the Redhawk.

thanks everyone for you input and helping me out with this. I'm gonna do some more researching and thinking before I put my $$ down, but in the next 30 days I'm gonna have a nice wheelgun or levergun to accompany me in the field.

KenSel · « **Reply #21 on:** August 26, 2007, 10:03:31 PM »

well i've looked at some S&W guns and I really like the model 66 and 686. They're both in my price range and since they're 357, I know that I can shoot them comfortably and confidently. Does anyone have any experience with either of these guns? Which one would make a better hunting setup?

Swampman · « **Reply #22 on:** August 26, 2007, 11:50:51 PM »

I've owned the 686. With the right barrel length it would make a fine hunting gun. If I were going to buy a double action it would be a S&W.

Graybeard · « **Reply #23 on:** August 27, 2007, 02:50:12 AM »

I've owned several of both. The M66 is on the K frame and the 686 on the larger and stronger L frame. The M66 is actually my all time favorite of them all and I currently own two of them in 4" and 6" barrel lengths. I almost bought a rather rare 3" last time I was in the gunshop but since I really can't see the front sight that close to me I just didn't see it offering me much the 4" I have won't. It was the first 3" I'd seen althou I've seen lots of 2.5".

Since the 686 is a stronger gun and will take a steady diet of heavy magnum loads longer it might be a better choice for you but I just love the feel of the M66 and I've used and abused a lot of M66s and their blued twin the M19 over the years and feel they are likely to hold up to what most folks will put thru them. You really can't go wrong with either.

Racer X · « **Reply #24 on:** August 27, 2007, 02:51:38 PM »

Quote from: KenSel on August 26, 2007, 11:07:16 AM

I really had my mind set on the 45 Blackhawk but with the recoil like that, I feel that I would be much better suited with the Redhawk.

A couple of comments:

1) Unless you handload, don't get a 45 Colt. The heavy hunting loads like Buffalo Bore are very expensive. You can get 44 hunting ammo anywhere.

2) 44's are usually more accurate out of the box and require less tinkering to make them shoot.

3) As Graybeard said, all Rugers have lousy factory triggers. Of all the Rugers (SA and DA), I believe Super Redhawks are easiest to tune. I don't have one, but I have a GP-100, which has basically the same internal lockwork. Other than smoothing the rough edges and a lighter trigger return spring, I have a very nice single action pull. The DA pull is heavy but is smooth.

shakey · « **Reply #25 on:** August 27, 2007, 06:55:53 PM »

KenSel... Might as well add my own 2 cents worth...

I am a long time fan of the K frame .357 Smiths (stainless 66 & blued 19) and would not hesitate to recommend one. I also have a 586 (blued version of the 686) and it is absolutely the EASIEST gun to shoot well that I have ever used. It has a 6" underlug barrel and the muzzle heaviness and nice trigger make it a joy to shoot.

With that said though, I do prefer the .44 mag for deer. I have a M29 that has a great trigger and is plenty accurate but, it hurts my hand. So, I use a Ruger Super Blackhawk. It rears up pretty good when fired and is a little harder to shoot well but it is just as accurate and not as punishing TO ME. I do not have a strong hand by any means but it is easier for me to hang on to the Ruger than take the recoil from the S&W in my palm.

I do not say this with the idea of disputing what anyone else has said here but to point out how different shooters perceive and handle recoil.

Since you do not know how your hand will get along with recoil it seems your safest bet would be the 686. No doubt, it will serve you well and will be money well spent even if you decide to move up to something bigger later on. Hopefully, by then, you will get a chance to try an assortment of gun / cartridge combinations and develop your own preference.

Will_C · « **Reply #26 on:** August 28, 2007, 04:36:46 AM »

I was looking for my first pistol last year and bought a 6" 686. Although I am planning to buy a .44 or .45 soon, I don't think having a .357 around is ever a mistake.
Will

IMshooter · « **Reply #27 on:** August 30, 2007, 04:31:20 PM »

Now, don't bite my head off for saying this, but..... My recommendation is to buy a .22 and start on small game such as rabbits and squirrels. Besides making you a heck of good pistol shot, this is just plain fun! After you have purchased a center fire pistol for hunting, make up some light loads for it and do some more rabbit and squirrel hunting.

I think some of the best fun I ever had was hunting rabbits with a .44 cap-n-ball revolver!

irold · « **Reply #28 on:** September 01, 2007, 02:35:15 AM »

A little more food for thought : 357 being somewhat marginal ( only my opinion )....I'd buy a 44 , I'd buy the Ruger SRH.....7 1/2, I have a 9 1/2 ( its too long). Load it up, load it down.....suit yourself. Its heavy, but shooting full power loads, the heft helps. If you don't reload, Winchester white bow or Magtech are on the lower power levels, perhaps Buffalo Bore is a better choice for the hunt. As for the trigger...... in MY EXPERIENCE...my 686 has a sweet and light ( factory ) trigger, however my SRH, 22 convertible, and a Blackhawk I traded away all have /had decent triggers , the best being the SRH. Nothing wrong with them, not as "sweet " as the 686, but still decent. I didn't have to send them away to make them shoot ! Getting back to the 357/44 thing....the 44 is capable of hunting any game in the States, of course, with proper shot placement. Good luck, there's lots of good info here, and everyone responding to you has his/her own thoughts. Sort through it, look up the different calibers in reloading manuals for terminal ballistics.....that helps also !

**oneshot** · « **Reply #29 on:** September 01, 2007, 11:34:16 AM »

I had this same debate with myself back in the spring. I ended the argument, split the difference and bought a BH in 41mag. I really love it.