Handgun Hunting?

[Arnold T.]

Are there any hunters out there who currently, or would like to start, hunting big game with a handgun?  I live in Kitsap County, Olympic Peninsula, and would be interested in getting together with hunters who share a desire for BIG Bore revolver hunting.  I hunted with a handgun some thirty seven years ago then got out of it due to raising a family.  Now I'm ready to get back into it and want to go after elk, bear, deer, either on DIY or guided hunts. Look forward to hearing from any and all who may be interested.

Practice Perfect,
Arnold T.

[chef bama]

Is .357 a "big bore" ?

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

The last modern firearm I hunted with was my T/C Contender, then I discovered archery...
Still have a T/C, but it only shoots small game now... (.22 barrel, or .45LC/.410 barrel)
Might shoot a bear with it, if drawn for spring bear , but hard to leave the recurve at home...

[Arnold T.]

CB, big bore starts at .44 cal and goes up.  But with the right bullet and placement a .357 could do for Blacktail and Black Bear. If you're serious about handgun hunting give me a PM and we can chat about it.  Where are you located?
Stringbow, that .45 Colt barrel is gathering dust could be time to dust it off.

[Sportfury]

I am definitely interested. I am seriously looking at a Ruger Super Blackhawk Bisley Hunter in .44 mag. I have taken deer with modern, blackpowder, and archery and would like to add a handgun to the mix.

[carpsniperg2]

I have done a good bit of handgun hunting and really enjoy it. From big bore revolver's to single shots to bolt action handguns. I have hunted with them all and enjoyed them all.

[Arnold T.]

Hey, are any of you planning on attending the Sportsmen's Show this January at Puyallup fair grounds?  I'll probably be there on Friday the 24th and would like to meet any or all of you guys.
Practice Perfect,
Arnold T.

[CAMPMEAT]

I have a T/C Encore 450 Marlin and a 454 Casull. Both have a 15 inch barrel with muzzlebrakes. The 450 is a huge big bore, handful mutha !!
I forgot I have a T/C Encore 308 also.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Stringbow, that .45 Colt barrel is gathering dust could be time to dust it off.

I used to have a 30/30 barrel, harvested a 3pt deer in Alpine Lakes Wilderness during the "high country" hunt the last year I hunted modern. Same trip while playing around with a diaphragm I called in a 6X6 bull (not open for elk at time) that experience ruined me.
I hunt elk in September, until there is a general modern season (fat chance) in September, I can only see me bear hunting with my T/C, only not sure what barrel.

.44
.45 Colt
.357
.30 M1

but want to get one with my recurve first...

[HighlandLofts]

I bought a T/C Contender and have to pick up some extra barrels. I did buy a 14 inch 410/45LC ventilated rib. I might be picking another on up that hasa 22lr,a 41mag and two 222 Remington barrels. If they still have it tomorrow I'll be putting it on lay-away. $699.
I did buy a stainless Ruger Redhawk 44 Mag with a 7.5" barrel last summer to use while out in the woods. I think I paid $499 for it. I'd like to get a new set of wood inlay grips like I have on my GP100 - 357.I need to get out next year and do some hunting, haven't went hunting for about ten years now.

[Arnold T.]

Thank you all for your replies.  Sounds like you all have the makings for some good handgun hunting.  Are any of you interested in "handgun Hunting" exclusively ?  I mean put the bow and rifle in the closet and fire up the handgun for bear, deer,& elk .  Think about it.

[Arnold T.]

Sportfury,
that Ruger Hunter in .44 mag would be a good one to start with.  May I suggest getting a Ruger Bisley Hunter in .45 Colt.  If you do not handload then go with the .44 mag but if you are willing to handload then the .45 Colt is the way to go.  In either case the Bisley grip will handle recoil better that the standard plow handle.  Good Luck.

[CAMPMEAT]

Does my new Rock Island 1911 A-1 10mm 5 inch count ? ...........for close up work

[stryker]

Im with Campmeat in the 10mm camp. I use Underwood Ammo, 700+ ft lbs energy should do well.

I would like to pistol hunt more, some days I just dont want to pack in a rifle. I tend to leave it at the truck when Im in heavy brush or in the thick undergrowth.

[Arnold T.]

If you believe that your 10mm will be effective on the game (elk?) you are going to hunt and not end up with a wounded animal then by all means use it.