Author Topic: Help, New guy needs new gun (Read 1344 times)

YoungInMN · « **on:** May 04, 2005, 09:59:08 AM »

Hi everyone, im new here.

New to hand guns as well. Iv shot a few in my young life but iv now been seriosuly looking into purchasing one. I was wondering if anyone could help me decide on a nice solid hunting revolver. I dont know very much but i was thinking soemthing around a .44 cal. Id like to take my luck at hunting some Black bears and some white tails if im able to hone my skills in enough by this fall. I stopped n at gander mtn the other night to apply for my bear permit and i took a look at some of the revolvers. The guy working their informed me quit a bit a but id liek to hear what some of you guys here had for suggestions.

Ill be a real happy hunter if i could get some help hear. :-) I just picked up bowhunting a few years ago and i love it and id love to do the same with a hand gun.

Cheers, Nick[/u]

lisa1lacy2 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 04, 2005, 11:18:58 AM »

Hi YoungInMN
I think you are right on track 44 and up is good start.
I hunt deer with a ruger bisley single action in 45 colt but the same gun in 44 would be good to I like single actions for hunting my self but a double action would work to I put a 2x scope on mine improved accuracy allot don't see to good out of my right eye any more and I am only 34 :eek:
by the way welcome to the fire I am new to and I love it their is a hole lot of good people here

longwalker · « **Reply #2 on:** May 04, 2005, 12:03:39 PM »

younginMN,

As already mentioned, 44 is the way to go. I started out hunting with a .357 magnum. After I had shot a box through the 44 Magnum I was convinced I had the right gun. I chose a RUGER SUPER REDHAWK. I like double action and strength and size of the gun. Mine is 7.5 inch barrel.

I found that Federal AMERICAN EAGLE 240 gr JHp shoot well through mine. Consequently I have not reloaded for it. The JHP bullets have not let me down. My experience is I have yet to walk up to a live deer.

No matter what gun you choose, shot it and practice with it the way you will hunt! That means gloves. Minnesota is just a cold as SD. and you will need to be on you game to hit and kill your deer with a handgun. Find your self a nice chest holster and you will be all set. Keep warm, aim straight and be safe.

longwalker

Catfish · « **Reply #3 on:** May 04, 2005, 01:56:17 PM »

First let me welcome you aboard.
I am convinced that the Ruger Black Hawk and Super Black Hawk are the best hunting guns on the market for the money. If you want to use a scope the Ruger Super Red Hawk would be a better choice, but I would recomand you start with the Black Hawk, single action.
I live in Oh. where rifles are illegal so I hunt with handguns. I`ve got 3 -.357 mags., a .357 max., 3-.44 mags., 2-.454`s and a .500 S&W that I hunt with. The .357`s are good enough for deer , with a well placed shot, but lite on bear I would think. The .454 and .500 definately have alot more knock down power than the .44 mag., but the .44 mag. is over kill on deer and more than enough for black bear, for brown bear I want the .500, at least untill they come out with something bigger.

YoungInMN · « **Reply #4 on:** May 04, 2005, 03:08:48 PM »

WEll guys this is awesome.
]
While i was at gander mtn theother day, the guy i spoke with showed me a few brands and models and the gun that actually stuck out to him and me was the Black Hawk. Its a great looking gun and i was rather fond of it so its AWESOME to hear that you guys have the same suggestion.

I have 2 questions at this point: 1) im just wondering why exactly the Red Hawk would be a better chose for a scope between the two actions?
2) THe price at Gander was $510. Is this a reaonable price that you guys have seen or is there a better buy out there?

Cheers again, my smiles getting bigger :grin:

Mikey · « **Reply #5 on:** May 04, 2005, 03:15:36 PM »

Welcome to the forum YoungInMN. Your stated intention of hunting black bear and whitetail can be very well met with the 44 magnum cartridge. Hunting sidearms in that caliber are plentiful with my choice being the Smith and Wesson Model 29. Mine carries a 4" barrel and open sights. I prefer heavy loads (295-300 gns) but you will probably find just as many 44 mag shooters very content with cast or jacketed slugs in the 240-270 gn range. Many of the responders also prefer the Ruger revolver.

Another cartridge more than capable of meeting your intended game needs is the 41 magnum and there are also many offerings in that caliber. The 357 magnum is also a cartridge that is adequate for whitetail, depending on the load used. I don't think I would intentionally hunt black bear with a 357 - I would use either the 41 or 44 magnum for that job.

One additional benefit to the 44 magnum is the ability to use the lighter 44 special rounds to develop your shooting skills before trying to master the heavier recoil of the 44 magnum. I think anything beyond the 44 magnum would be overkill for both the animals you mentioned and might also be difficult to master.

All that being said, if you begin reloading you might also wish to consider the 45LC in a Ruger revolver. That cartridge can be loaded heavy and hot and the Rugers are built to take it. The 45 LC is another option.

HTH. Mikey.

myronman3 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 04, 2005, 04:27:28 PM »

Quote

2) THe price at Gander was $510. Is this a reaonable price that you guys have seen or is there a better buy out there?

way too much. go to gunbroker.com and do a search for the model you are interested in. this will give you an idea what the going price is. if you have a dealer in your area that has been good to you or one that you like, and their prices are close to gunbroker? i figure if a dealer in my area can come within $35 of what i can buy off of gunbroker for, i will patronize local shops. if not, use the link below to find a dealer in your area who will do transfers for you.
http://www.gunbroker.com/User/DealerNetwork.asp

then just cruise for a deal. when you find a fair price, go for it. send them the money and have your dealer forward a copy of his ffl to theirs, and have him call you when your gun comes in. it is that simple.
good luck.

DakotaElkSlayer · « **Reply #7 on:** May 04, 2005, 06:32:11 PM »

I was in the same boat as you just two months ago so I know how tough this decision is.
First off, I would suggest going with a Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter or Hunter Bisley. They come with rings and built in mounts. The 7.5 inch barrel not only helps to tame recoil, but it easier to hold steady for me.
I opted for the .45 Colt over the .44 Mag... I have only shot a .44 Mag once and with factory loads. I am not qualified to compare the recoil between the two, but I can attest that my SBHH .45 Colt is real easy on the hands. Not shooting any real HOT stuff, but a 255gr. SWC @ 1210 fps can be shot all day long.
A new Bisley Hunter in .45 Colt was just released by Lipsey's down in LA. Many people prefer this style grip to the standard Blackhawk grip when shooting hot hunting loads. For me, the standard just felt more comfortable in the hands.
Enough rambling... Go out and handle both the standard Hunter and the Bisley Hunter and see which grip feels best to you. Find a local FFL in your area(cost around $20) and then go buy it on GunBroker.

Jim

oso45-70 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 05, 2005, 01:02:16 PM »

Welcome Nick,

You now have enough information to get you started on your handgun hunting. The main thing is to do all the shooting you can, If you Bow hunted you are aware of the time it takes to get the job done. Best of luck to ya and welcome to handgun hunting........Joe..........

YoungInMN · « **Reply #9 on:** May 05, 2005, 01:23:00 PM »

Well guys, thanks again.

like i said, im new to handguns. The Super Black Hawk Hunter .44 w/ scope mount and rings was the gun i had seen at gander for $510. The cheapest i found this model at gun broker for was $450. I figure maybe gander is still a good bet, seeing as that it would cost me a few bucks more to get it over here from gun broker. Ill be talking with my uncle this sunday who has a single action and i believe another revolver so ill see what kind of insight he has on the idea and what place to buy.

Once again thanks. These forums always leave me feeling confident in my decisions and this one in particular is much more friendly then others i have visited.

cheers Nick

Archblackmage · « **Reply #10 on:** May 05, 2005, 01:59:47 PM »

I own a .44mag 9.5" super redhawk that I haven't shot yet, it currently has hogue rubber grips and a 2-7 scout scope on it. Ruger hunter models in super black hawk are great for the weight VS. strength. I have read that the single action design is stronger than double action designes due to how the chambers are held in the gun. I have read the bisley style grips absorb more recoil than the standard grips and were also created for target shooting.

www.auctionarms.com

www.gunsamerica.com

www.gunbroker.com

are great places to look up prices and to see what someone is selling in your state. On the gun's america website you can also set up a wish list and get a daily email on selected traits.

If you need websites for accessories just ask.

ihuntbucks · « **Reply #11 on:** May 05, 2005, 05:22:13 PM »

Welcome Nick,I use a SBH .44 mag w/7-1/2 barrel w/180gr.jhp and 250gr.plantium tip hp's.My next "wheel gun" will be the SRH hunter.Really enjoy hunting with my Ruger.A joy to carry instead of one of my rifles.I think either one of these would be a good choice as would the Bisley.44 or 45 would be a good choice.Good luck and Good Hunting...Have fun :grin: ........Rick

.358buddy · « **Reply #12 on:** May 16, 2005, 01:42:39 PM »

Quote from: YoungInMN

Hi everyone, im new here.

New to hand guns as well. Iv shot a few in my young life but iv now been seriosuly looking into purchasing one. I was wondering if anyone could help me decide on a nice solid hunting revolver. I dont know very much but i was thinking soemthing around a .44 cal. Id like to take my luck at hunting some Black bears and some white tails if im able to hone my skills in enough by this fall. I stopped n at gander mtn the other night to apply for my bear permit and i took a look at some of the revolvers. The guy working their informed me quit a bit a but id liek to hear what some of you guys here had for suggestions.

Ill be a real happy hunter if i could get some help hear. :-) I just picked up bowhunting a few years ago and i love it and id love to do the same with a hand gun.

Cheers, Nick[/u]

Nick

I have hunted deer since 1975 with pretty much everything from a Contender in 7mm TCU to 444 Marlin. They all do the job when I do my
job. Having been a firearms instructor for most of that time I must first state that experience and acceptability will determine the caliber? Many
like myself enjoy the power of the big boys! Many carry guns that they should not because they have developed a serous flinching problem by
starting with a cartridge that had to much recoil. I started my wife out
last year with a 7-30 waters and a 139 grain Hornady. SHe did not feel comfortable enough to shoot anything and used her rifle. This year she is
shooting clay birds with my .358 Winchester with a max 200 grain load.
She has every intention of shooting her goat, deer and fall black bear with the .375 Win.

Hope his helps

.358buddy

dougk · « **Reply #13 on:** May 16, 2005, 02:19:33 PM »

I went through the same issues about 2 months ago. After much research and consultations from industry experts (Graybeard and others from this site) I decided on the Ruger Redhawk 7.5 inch in .44 mag blued. I like blued vs. stainless for the simple reason the bluing does not reflect sunlight. The gun is great... I did add rubber grips.

Doug

Archblackmage · « **Reply #14 on:** May 17, 2005, 02:49:29 PM »

I like ruger's super blackhawk hunters in plow handle or even better the bisbley ss check them out, i like the hogue rubber grips i put on my super single six from ruger better than the wood grips.

Old Griz · « **Reply #15 on:** May 18, 2005, 06:30:28 AM »

:cb2: Welcome to the best forum in the world for hunters and shooters! Great folks here with really good information.

As with others, I lean toward the Ruger Blackhawk Hunter or the Bisley Hunter. Unfortunately, it doesn't come in .41 mag. The .44 mag. is a great choice because there is sooooooooo much ammo out there for it. It will bring down almost anything in N. America. As a matter of fact, it has, but there are some better choices for large angry critters. I like the Bisley grip (longer-room for all three fingers).

Here in my neck of the woods the Hunter models are going for $490 (maybe it was $496?), so the Gander price ain't too bad.

You'll enjoy it.

Randy_che · « **Reply #16 on:** May 18, 2005, 09:14:36 AM »

My advice:
Shoot someone else's 44 before you go and buy one. Not everyone is recoil tolerant enough for the 44. My buddy and I went shooting one last year. His first time, and mine too. I think it scared him, as his shooting was not good (he didn't hit the target). I liked it and my shooting was pretty good (lots of target hits, most in a 6" circle). This is from 50 yards with open sights. Not saying he's a wimp or anything, just that not everyone thinks the 44 is as fun to shoot as some folks here think. Most here have done it for a while, and are used to it. I saw a show once (Modern Marvels or something on the History Channel) that claimed that 44 sales spiked after the Dirty Harry movies came out. Immediately after, many of those guns were sold because the shooters were not comfortable shooting them. Anyway, 2 cents worth, maybe less.

DakotaElkSlayer · « **Reply #17 on:** May 18, 2005, 01:42:31 PM »

Quote from: Old Griz

:As with others, I lean toward the Ruger Blackhawk Hunter or the Bisley Hunter. Unfortunately, it doesn't come in .41 mag.

Actually, you can get the SBHH in .41 Mag, .44 Mag, and .45 Colt. The .44 and .45 you can also get in the Bisley Hunter. The 41 and 45 are special editions created for a couple of wholesalers. Lipsey's has the .45 and not sure who had the .41 done up. Check out www.gunbroker.com and there is always a couple of them one there.

Like others, I really think the Hunter models have a lot to offer...

Jim

SLAVAGE · « **Reply #18 on:** May 18, 2005, 02:34:19 PM »

i have a super black hawk hunter in 41 i love the thing
wish it would of came out before i got my regular super black hawk 44

dave

AntlersDS · « **Reply #19 on:** May 20, 2005, 03:45:04 AM »

Hey Youngin,

Welcome to this board, it is the best for information, etc and great people, my hat is off to Greybeard for everything here. Sportsmans Warehouse has the SBH Hunter .44 for $479, at least that is what I got mine for back in January. Take care. They are great to shoot.

#1shooter · « **Reply #20 on:** May 20, 2005, 05:58:23 AM »

Hi,I HAVE KILLED QUITE A FEW DEER WIT A HANDGUN ALL 44 MAGS,TC CONDER,S&W AND SSSUPERBLACKHAWK,ALSO A FEW WITH A SINGLE SHOT 50 CAL MUZZLELOADER.I THINK A 44 MAG IS AN EXCELLENT CALIBER HOWEVER YOU STATED THATYOU HAVE ONLY SHOT A FEW HANDGUNS IN YOUR YOUNG LIFE WITH THAT IN MIND I WOULD SUGGESTTHAT INSTEAD OF GETTING A A HEAVY RECOILING OBNOXIOUS CALIBER SUCH AS A LARGE CENTERFIRE THAT YOU GET A 22 RUMFIRE FIRST TO LEARN THE BASICS OF TRIGGER CONTROL AND SIGHT ALIGNMENT OR SCOPE USE IF YOU DO CHOOSE,A 22 WILL ALLOW YOU MUCH PRACTICE AT A SMALL PRICE .I WOULD SUGGEST THAT YOU PURCHASE A HIGHQUALITY 22OF THE SAME TYPE OF ACTION THAT YOU INTEND TO PURCHASE IE SINGLE ACTION,DOUBLE ACTION,SINGLESHOT ETC. SHOOTING A HUNTING HANDGUN WELL REQUIRES A LOT OF PRACTICE SO MY SUGGESTION IS AS PER ABOVE HUNT SMALL GAME IF YOU LIKE WITH THE 22 AND GOOD LUCK,CRAIG