Author Topic: What gun to get? (Read 763 times)

The deerslayer · « **on:** April 14, 2004, 10:13:01 AM »

Im not sure what one I want yet. I want a gun that will put down game up to elk/bear. I dont know to get a 454 44mag 41mag or 480 500S&W. Help me out please.

myronman3 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 14, 2004, 12:46:23 PM »

if it is your first hunting handgun and you reload, i say 41 mag. if your first hunting handgun and you dont reload, 44 mag. either in a shorter barreled blackhawk. you cant do wrong and would never regret it. i have traveled down many different paths and am coming to the conclusion the old workhorse blackhawk with a short barrel just cant be beat.

bigbore442001 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 14, 2004, 04:38:13 PM »

If I were just starting out in the handgun hunting game, I would look at either the Ruger Redhawk with the detatchable scope rings or the Ruger SBH Hunter model.

The Redhawk or Super Redhawk can be obtained in 44,454 or 480. The 454 might be a consideration as you can get good with 45 Colt and work your way up to 454 level loads.

The SBH Hunter is the single action but with detachable scope rings.

I believe you would be happy with either one.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 14, 2004, 05:18:53 PM »

Having been down that road a lone time ago, and I have gone through owning all the rounds you mentioned. I would recommend the Ruger Super Redhawk in 454 Casull. As stated above, you can use 45 long Colt for plinked and even load the 45 LC to 44MAG performance. If you then desire a heavy load go to the 454 Casull. Depending on your handgun skill, the 454 may take some practice. I hope this helped.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #4 on:** April 15, 2004, 12:00:16 AM »

if you have to ask id say stick with some sort of .44 mag. You can learn to shoot it with light loads or .44 spec. and its powerful enough with heavy loads to hunt anything. Ammo is easy to find anywhere as are reloading componets

WD45 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 15, 2004, 12:56:33 AM »

If you dont reload ... 44 mag... you can buy ammo for it anywhere
If you reload ... 454... It can be loaded down with easy plinking loads or loaded up for tyranasaurus rex :-)
If you know someone with any of the cal's you mentioned go and shoot a few cylinders thru them and then pick the one that feels good and you can handle the best. T -rex power doesnt do much good if you cant hit a barn with it...

Gregory · « **Reply #6 on:** April 18, 2004, 10:07:37 AM »

Fred
I agree the 44 Mag is a good caliber, but I'd recommend you get a TC Encore pistol. That way you can "step up" to rifle cartridges later on for elk and bear just by buying another barrel.

safetysheriff · « **Reply #7 on:** April 18, 2004, 03:40:25 PM »

For practice off the bench a shorter 5 1/2" barrel was much easier on my elbow than was the longer 7 1/2" --- both in Ruger single-actions. The longer barrel was a Bisley, which handles recoil Very Well in my opinion, but not off the bench with that long barrel.

But, in the field, when the game is at hand, that's when you make the shot that counts. You have to practice, but you have to become good with the handgun in field-shooting positions as well...... where the longer sight radius might make the difference between success and failure. Go with what works for you.

The .44 mag' is argueably the most versatile handgun round there is. The .41 mag' is oftentimes easier on the shooter, however, while still hitting the deer or black bear plenty hard!

Good hunting.