Need advice choosing second pistol

[erickrschaefer]

I just started hunting with a handgun last year and use a Ruger SBHH in 44 with a scope. Even though I didn't take a deer I am completely hooked on using only a handgun from now on. I now would like to buy a second Ruger handgun but want it to have a 5.5" barrel and I will put on set of express style sights. I will cary this gun when hunting the thick and nasty cover here in Maine where a long shot is 35yds. I carry the other handgun when I take a stand and can shoot out to 75-80yds. I can't decide between getting another 44 and seeing if it will shoot the same load as the other gun (probably the smart thing to do), or getting a 45lc and playing with a whole different caliber. I don't want to debate the 44 vs 45 but instead get advice on the 2 pistol concept.

Thanks,
Erick

[Redhawk1]

I personally would stick to one caliber. Not having to carry 2 different kinds of ammo. And you would cut down an the amount of ammo you will need to carry.  

[Castaway]

Although I'm a died in the wool 45 Colt shooter, I agree with Redhawk1.  The only way you can bring out the true potential of the 45 Colt, unless you reload, is to spend a fortune on custom ammo.  If you do reload, the two calibers are so similar in performance there isn't a bit pf practical difference between them.  As a negative, if you reload, it's VERY easy to confuse the two on the reloading bench and possibly load a 44 in the 45 (which I've seen).  My money is that what shoots in the long barrel will shoot fine in the short one, expecially at 35 yards.

[Questor]

Go for it. I like the idea of having a scoped gun, and a twin of it with iron sights.  As for multiple calibers, you need to keep your ammo organized. One thing that may help is to use plain brass cases for your 44s and nickel cases for your 45. That will help you keep them apart.  The 45 really is a reloader's cartridge when hunting is concered, so I'll assume you will be reloading if you aren't already.  

I have been tempted to use iron sights with my revolver, but the light can be very dim where I hunt so I stick with a scope. You may want to try iron sights in the woods where you hunt, and at reasonable hunting hours to see whether the iron sights are going to be practical for you.

[Catfish]

Keep it as simple as you can as long as you can. I`ve got 3 - .44 mag. It`s a great deer round. But then I also have 2 - .357 mags. 1 - .357 max. and 2 - .454 to hunt with. I usually carru a single action .44 mag. with iron sights when I will be moveing around and an Encore in .357 max. with a 15 in. barrel and by-pod when I`m setting a stand, but I can shoot alot farther than 100 yrds. from most of my stands.

[TScottO]

Guess I’m the only one to go against the grain here. From a practical stand point having one caliber makes since but that’s boring to me. I like a variety of calibers. The truth is you will probably own several different calibers before it’s all said and done. At this point in time if you reload I would surely go with the 45 colt. It’s a great caliber and it will also add a little more spice IMHO. Another great caliber to consider would be the 480 Ruger. The only problem here is that the guns offered in the caliber over the counter don’t fit your wants. If you wanted to spend extra dollars you could talk with David Clements and see what he charges for a 480 conversion.

In reference to express sights I had them on a few of my handguns but have since replaced them. To me they aren’t any faster than most other types of sights. They don’t lend them selves to very accurate shooting either. It’s hard to beat a flat black square notch rear sight and a full or semi full partridge front sight. Bowen offers an excellent set of sights in this configuration for Ruger handguns. A front and rear sight from him would probably run you another 100 bucks but I feel its money well spent.

Good luck with your decision and welcome to handgun hunting.

Be Safe,
Scott

[Redhawk1]

Guess I’m the only one to go against the grain here. From a practical stand point having one caliber makes since but that’s boring to me. I like a variety of calibers. The truth is you will probably own several different calibers before it’s all said and done. At this point in time if you reload I would surely go with the 45 colt. It’s a great caliber and it will also add a little more spice IMHO. Another great caliber to consider would be the 480 Ruger. The only problem here is that the guns offered in the caliber over the counter don’t fit your wants. If you wanted to spend extra dollars you could talk with David Clements and see what he charges for a 480 conversion.

In reference to express sights I had them on a few of my handguns but have since replaced them. To me they aren’t any faster than most other types of sights. They don’t lend them selves to very accurate shooting either. It’s hard to beat a flat black square notch rear sight and a full or semi full partridge front sight. Bowen offers an excellent set of sights in this configuration for Ruger handguns. A front and rear sight from him would probably run you another 100 bucks but I feel its money well spent.

Good luck with your decision and welcome to handgun hunting.

Be Safe,
Scott

I have more calibers in handgun than I need, but he was talking about carrying both guns at the same time. One caliber makes perfect sense to me. But yes it is fun to have a lot of different guns to shoot.  

[oneshotonekill]

I will cary this gun when hunting the thick and nasty cover here in Maine where a long shot is 35yds. I carry the other handgun when I take a stand and can shoot out to 75-80yds.

I took this as he would use the short barreled open sight gun for thick cover/walking and the longer barrel scoped gun for stand hunting, not carrying them both at the same time.

I love the 44 and the 45LC and you can't go wrong with either.  If you will not be reloading I think you will find a better selection of hunting loads in the 44mag.  You may also want to consider the 454 which can be loaded down to 45LC levels or shot with full house loads.

[erickrschaefer]

Thanks for all the input. I am sorry if I mislead anyone but I would only be carrying one gun at a time. I would use the short barrel open sight gun when still hunting the swamps and thickets. I know I can use the scoped pistol for the same thing and did last year, never feeling handicapped. I just need a good excuse for the wife to get another gun! I will probably choose either a 44 or 45 in a single action depending on which caliber gives me the best deal first. There is just something about a nice SA big bore handgun.

Thanks,
Erick

[TScottO]

RedHawk1-

More calibers the merrier... I often wonder when my approach to handguns turned from practical to an all out crazed addiction. There is nothing at all wrong with having multiple guns in the same caliber. It really does make sense. Having only one gun in one caliber is boring too.
   Double actions, single actions, Rugers, Smiths, FA, scoped, unscoped, short barrels, long barrles etc... It's so hard to keep up!

Be Well,
Scott

[myronman3]

now you boys are going to see what going against the grain really is...
 why on earth would you want to get another pistol to do what the one you have now does?   why not just drop the scope from your hunter and use it's irons when it is really thick?  do you know that those rings were designed for that?   yep, take a quarter out of your pocket and take that scope off and set it aside.  put it back on later and your zero is still there.   that is the beauty of the blkhwk hunters, and the redhawks with the same system.     so i say, use the same gun.  
  now before you all get your lynching ropes out :shock:,   i must confess that i bought a 4 5/8 inch sbh AFTER  i bought my sbhh.  i wanted one with a shorter barrel that packed easier.   so you see that above all i am nothing if not a hypocrite.      
   really, if you WANT a second gun by all means get one (or two).  it is always good to have a spare.    but you really set yourself up good when you bought that sbhh and it will do what you are looking to do, in either situation.

[erickrschaefer]

I know all about Ruger rings and taking off the scope and putting it back on. I do it all the time with my sbhh, but than I have no reason to buy a second gun! In all honesty my 2x scope is probably better than open sights in my hands. Maybe I should just admit I want another pistol just to have it.

[Redhawk1]

I know all about Ruger rings and taking off the scope and putting it back on. I do it all the time with my sbhh, but than I have no reason to buy a second gun! In all honesty my 2x scope is probably better than open sights in my hands. Maybe I should just admit I want another pistol just to have it.

Now that makes sense. I always feel better when I get a new gun, no matter what the reason.  

[myronman3]

well now that i can relate to!    but at least now i know that you are aware of the feature.   nothing is worse than finding something like that out AFTER  the information is useful.   i would stick to one caliber.   less components to buy; and just as much fun.

[Mikey]

erickschaefer - it makes perfect sense to have a same caliber backup or second gun.  I do that with rifles just to make certain that should something go wrong with one I will have a second with the identical capabilties and no confusion about the ammo or caliber.  

Everybody here has given you great advice, and some basic truths as well - and one of those is that you have found the reason to buy another handgun - Happy Huntin' Buddy, and good luck.

Oh yes - you're talkin' to the man who has two 44 mags, a long barrel and a short barrel for just the same reason you mentioned, 3 444 marlins and 4 8mms, and it always feels good when I get myself another present.  LOL.  Mikey.

[BlkHawk73]

There is just something about a nice SA big bore handgun.

AMEN!   I've got number of Ruger SA's in a couple different chamberings.  Scoped and not scoped.  Short bbls and long bbls.  What I find to be the most comfortable are the 5 1/2" stainless Bisleys that Acusport distributed a while ago.  Both of mine are .45 cal but they were made in .41 and .44 also (good luck finding the latter two)    The .45s are still able to be found for good prices.  
  Surely you can find someone in your area that has a Ruger SA that'll let you try it.  Hey...where in ME are ya?

[S.S.]

I always carry 2 different handguns in the woods.
My primary is either a .44 Blackhawk or a .45 Vaquero.
My secondary is a .357 Dan Wesson with an 8 in. barrel.
or a Ruger Single Six in .22 mag.
The reason for a different caliber is that I normally encounter
things in the woods that do not require a .300 grain .44
or .45 cal.  bullet. I keep the .357 loaded with cast
158 gr. SWC bullets. That way if I do see a fox or coyote
or something like that , It will not be totally destroyed
if I shoot it. I also live in an area where Feral Dogs are
Rampant, and I do not want to waste one of my Nice Deer loads
on them. I see so many dogs now that I have actually considered
purchasing a .22 rifle with a Silencer so I can get rid of them
without ruining a hunting trip. I actually saw a Chihuahua running
a spike last year, That was really a funny thing to see!

[erickrschaefer]

BlkHawk73,

I Live in Phippsburg at the mouth of the Kennebec just S of Bath.

Erick