Author Topic: Illinois Handgun Hunters-Good News (Read 710 times)

Gregory · « **on:** September 10, 2003, 12:24:58 PM »

Check this out:

http://dnr.state.il.us/pubaffairs/2003/August/handgun.htm

Myk · « **Reply #1 on:** September 10, 2003, 06:52:53 PM »

Not so fast. The ILDNR released its proposal on how to handle the law today. It's worse than the limits they put on the special population control pistol hunts.

See my post, http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=17108

Gregory · « **Reply #2 on:** September 11, 2003, 09:16:37 AM »

Looks like I'll use my 44 Mag Contender and not the 300 Whisper. Still beats using a shotgun or muzzleloader.
It looks like they don't metion the 1.4" max cartridge length either, that would make a 357 Max and 45/70 legal right?

Myk · « **Reply #3 on:** September 11, 2003, 02:41:17 PM »

If it sticks I'm thinking of getting a .375 Winchester barrel for an Encore and shooting 225gr Hornadys. The components cost out the butt, but at least it's only about 5lbs more recoil than a 30-06 would be. Better than the 10+lbs more a 444Marlin in a Encore would do.

With my 44mag it doesn't beat using a shotgun, it's single action and has a cowboy grip that takes a bite with every shot. It might take all three shots but I can always hit at 100yds while hunting with shotgun. I doubt if I can even hit a target at 100yds with my revolver. I know 75 yards is the limit with my .357mag, and I wouldn't trust a .357 to make anything but close range kills.

If the DNR would just enforce the law as it's written like they are supposed to, we could use almost anything 30 and up. I would've ordered a 30-06 Encore as soon as the law was signed by Blago, but I knew the DNR would pull some kind of crap.

Correct to the no 1.4" case limit. If it sticks we just need someone to come up with a straight 3.5" .308 case and manufacture it (because as the proposal is worded, wildcats are out too) so we can use better BC/SD .308 bullets and get them up to velocity where they will do something.

I say the proposal is worse because they did this to stop the 30Bellm which was made and manufactured to beat their 1.4" case rule. It about equaled a 30-30.

Gregory · « **Reply #4 on:** September 11, 2003, 04:29:24 PM »

I had a 30 Bellm for my Encore but couldn't get it to shoot so I sold it and bought a 300 Whisper for my Contender. My first year here in IL I used a 357 Mag out of my 357 Max TC barrel, it worked fine on a small doe, but I'd really like to use my 357 Max. Because of the current January law, I bought a 44 Mag barrel and the 300 Whisper to be legal. I also bought a 20 ga Encore slug barrel for this season's firearm season and invested over $80 in ammo for it. Wish I knew about the change in the law sooner, I would have saved some $$$. Know anyone who wants a 20 ga Encore?
I prefer to hunt with a handgun given the choice.

Myk · « **Reply #5 on:** September 11, 2003, 06:24:55 PM »

I'd prefer to hunt deer with anything that can shoot 1MOA or better. My .223 M70 Stealth varmint rifle has me spoiled

(Got the shotgun scope in the eye two years ago because I was so used to shooting the .223.)

I was hoping for a 30-06/Encore or .308/Striker because I have a ton of stuff for reloading and know them very well. Components for the .375Win are going to be hard and expensive to come by. I also have a lot of confidence in 30-06/.308 and the large selection of bullets for them.

I knew about the proposed law around March but figured once again it wouldn't pass. They propose it and rifle hunting just about every year. I was amazed it passed as easily as it did or that the Chicago run committee even let it come to a vote.

I really don't care if it's pistol or rifle as long as it's accurate. I'm just sick of having to use a shotgun and missing easy shots because the sabot hit a twig before it separated from the slug. Or like last year's close shot, hit the deer and the slug took off at an odd angle, saw blood in the right spot but the deer never went down, once it started walking off I shot again, that time far enough that the sabot had separated and it did its job. At least I've never lost one because of the shotgun but I've come close (why I use solid copper now) and I know plenty of good shooters who have. My time will come someday if they don't change these stupid laws.

Because of last year's shot I'm planning on carrying the .357 or .44mag for those close shots if they don't get this worked out in time for me to get a heavy duty pistol.