Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Bow Hunting => Topic started by: blackhorn on January 10, 2010, 12:06:15 PM

Title: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: blackhorn on January 10, 2010, 12:06:15 PM: Now that the laws have changed and you can now carry, what would you carry? The reason I ask is that I am in the market for a new handgun and am trying to narrow my search. I want to carry for self defense reasons (people, bear, cougs, ect), but also was thinking of a handgun that I could use to hunt bear (this is not a priority in my decision). I was thinking of getting the Ruger GP100 357 with a 4inch barrel. The draw back is that it is kind of a heavy gun to be packing around with all my other gear. Also considering semi-autos. Anyhow your opinions are welcome. Thanks in advance!
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: Machias on January 10, 2010, 12:48:04 PM: My 2 cents, the .357 is too light for hunting bear or for bear protection. I would recommend .41 mag as a min, just an opinion though.
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: Bob33 on January 10, 2010, 01:05:08 PM: I have an SP101 in 357. Great for human defense but pretty light for bear.
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: denali on January 10, 2010, 01:12:21 PM: Glock S&W .40 reason ? that's what I have :rolleyes: 11 rounds of 180 gr. gold Dot should take care of tweekers, predators, if not re-load and keep shooting :twocents:
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: blackhorn on January 10, 2010, 01:15:48 PM: I thought that the 357 would be too light for bear. I could still use some recommendations for a good all-round pack gun.
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: carpsniperg2 on January 10, 2010, 01:16:09 PM: yes if you plan on hunting for bear i would go no lighter than a 41 mag and would prefer bigger i shoot a 454 casull which is big medicine for any animal that walks around here. i myself don't like to mix a street gun with a hunting gun. i like my hunting guns to be heaveyer to help manage recoil and steady better, i like my street carry guns lighter and a 41 and 44 mag and 454 is not practical for every day carry. when muzzle and archery hunting i carry one of my 357 or 40 sw i have never used them in self defense but i did shoot a bear when we were hunting bear with my 357 with 158 grain horn xtp did the trick at about 15 yards.
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: bonkellekter on January 10, 2010, 04:37:38 PM: I am looking for a handgun for the same reasons this year and have decided on the 44 mag but I will also be hunting where grizzlies roam.
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: high country on January 10, 2010, 04:48:37 PM: I personally carry a 45 super in a 1911sc or my 329pd. I know of a guide in the kotz area that carries a 1911 in 10mm and has killed a brownie in defense. what ever you plan on packing....be good with it and you better have nerves of steel if you plan on winning against a charging bear.

I like the 329 because it shoots basicly the same as my 629 classic. I preactice with the classic and that keeps my flinch factor down a ton. the super is just a riot any way you look at it.
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: Stalker on January 10, 2010, 06:39:26 PM: I picked up a 10mm Glock model 29 as a duel purpose weapon; easily concealed, pretty light weight and compact with a big punch.
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: chrisb on January 10, 2010, 07:06:31 PM: I carry a Ruger Security Six in .357 when bow hunting most of the time. occasionally i'll bring my 1911 but mostly just the .357. I prefer a soft point instead of hollow for this purpose. I've even loaded every other round in FMJ for penetration against bears. Luckily i've never needed to use it.
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: gasman on January 10, 2010, 07:32:04 PM: I carry a 44mag loaded with 300gr Hornady for personal protection and hunting.

On a side note, remember you are not allowed ot hunt with your pistol if you are archery hunting for deer or elk. It is only allowed for personal protection, not hunting.
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: Aneoakleaf on January 10, 2010, 07:57:19 PM: The bears don't wory me , I have a sharp broadhead for them, it's the wolves and cougar...and tweekers. so I carry a Beretta Storm 16 shot clip + one in the chamber. LOOKING FOR A WAR??? 8)
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: Phantom Gobbler on January 10, 2010, 08:16:19 PM: After being chased by a Grizzly in the Alaskan Interior some years ago, I have vowed to never be unarmed again. While bow hunting in Montana this Fall I carried a 44 Mag Ruger Blackhawk, in a soft holster. We did see a Grizzly......but he went the other way. :o We also saw wolf sign and heard them one night above camp. We also had a black bear in camp one night but a couple of warning shots seemed to do the trick. I have also read that 41 Mag is the recommended minimum caliber to carry in bear country. We also saw a B&C Black Bear that paid us no heed.

It felt good to be carrying protection in remote areas! :) :)
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: Wazukie on January 10, 2010, 08:29:40 PM: I carry my Ruger Blackhawk .357 whenever Im jn the woods. I live in Blackie country, every step off the main road could be a potential bear encounter, I've never had a bear charge me. I carry the .357 because thats what I have. Any one who says its not enough for the bears is this state has never shot one with a .357. That said, If I was buying a new gun, It would probably be a .44 mag just because I dont have one yet. What ever you choose, know how to use it. Become so familiar with it so that if you do have that 1 in ? chance with a bear, its an instinctive reaction to draw and fire, If you have to aim it, you're probably going to loose. Just my :twocents:
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: DWP on January 11, 2010, 10:17:04 AM: I have a 629 mtn gun(.44 mag). I carry it in a Simply Rugged pancake holster on the belt of my backpack. That makes the weight a non issue. If I take off my pack I stay right next to it or I transfer the holster to my belt.

I worry about people, cats, and bears-so I chose a weapon that will take care of the biggest of those worries if need be. Loaded with the proper rounds it can be easy to shoot or fairly hard kicking. I normally carry Buffalo Bore 305grn flatties to make me sleep easy.
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: AKBowman on January 11, 2010, 01:19:47 PM: Colt Anaconda 6" barrel revolver in .44mag, 350 gr. Barnes brass solids in brown bear country. Around here I just pack 250 grain round nose in the .44mag
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: wildmanoutdoors on January 11, 2010, 02:13:44 PM: Like HC said. Its about bullet placement. You dont have to carry a 44 mag worth of weight if you know how to hit.

I carry a SP101 and feel absolutely confident in its and my ability it will get the job done on blackies or cougs...

A hot loaded 357 is plenty for anything under 400 pounds. If I run into a 500 plus Blackie, Ill make sure my first shot counts.
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: bonkellekter on January 11, 2010, 03:05:52 PM: Quote from: wildmanoutdoors on January 11, 2010, 02:13:44 PM
Like HC said. Its about bullet placement. You dont have to carry a 44 mag worth of weight if you know how to hit.

I carry a SP101 and feel absolutely confident in its and my ability it will get the job done on blackies or cougs...

A hot loaded 357 is plenty for anything under 400 pounds. If I run into a 500 plus Blackie, Ill make sure my first shot counts.

The blackies have never worried me but this year I will be hunting mulies and elk (If drawn) in the cabinet mtns in montana so it is the grizzlies that have encouraged me pack the 44 mag worth of weight and like DWP said it will help me sleep easy.
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: wildmanoutdoors on January 11, 2010, 03:11:12 PM: Cant argue that! If I ever travell to Grizz country Ill be packing a cannon too! ;)
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: Hunterman on January 11, 2010, 03:27:44 PM: The animals have never bothered me, it's the tweekers and meth magots >:( I either carry a .380, or my 1911 .45.. If I pull it I shoot it. No time for talk..

Hunterman(Tony)
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: bullchaser on January 11, 2010, 03:43:02 PM: My new 629 .44 mag with double tap 320grn solids. I am only coung to carry it in the backcountry . I cant figure out how to carry it with my pack yet?
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: uplandhunter870 on January 11, 2010, 04:14:11 PM: fullsize kimber custom 2 .45acp carry it on my hip whenever i go out got used to the small amount of added wieght but as a friend of mine once said "carrying a sidearm should be comforting not always comfortable"

Steve
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: high country on January 11, 2010, 05:09:35 PM: Quote from: uplandhunter870 on January 11, 2010, 04:14:11 PM
fullsize kimber custom 2 .45acp carry it on my hip whenever i go out got used to the small amount of added wieght but as a friend of mine once said "carrying a sidearm should be comforting not always comfortable"

Steve
for the cost of a spring you can go 45 super. add a barrel and a you can go 460rowland.....those make it even more comforting.
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: uplandhunter870 on January 11, 2010, 05:52:32 PM: Quote from: high country on January 11, 2010, 05:09:35 PM
Quote from: uplandhunter870 on January 11, 2010, 04:14:11 PM
fullsize kimber custom 2 .45acp carry it on my hip whenever i go out got used to the small amount of added wieght but as a friend of mine once said "carrying a sidearm should be comforting not always comfortable"

Steve
for the cost of a spring you can go 45 super. add a barrel and a you can go 460rowland.....those make it even more comforting.

quite true, wasnt necessarily advocating that 45 is the only way, just my way. my full-time college student budget only allows for 1 sidearm right now and i got a really good deal on it. would love one of those 460's
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: high country on January 11, 2010, 07:17:09 PM: I have shot 45 supers with my stock spring in my 1911sc.....but it's a handful. they are pretty cheap to shoot if you stuff em' yourself.
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: Kain on January 12, 2010, 01:12:12 AM: I carry a S&W 29 Classic 44 mag with a 6.5" barrel. It is extremely heavy but with the shoulder holster I hardly notice it and it is easy to access. I tried carrying it on my hip and I almost left it in the woods...did I mention it is heavy.
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: Thefisherman83 on January 12, 2010, 01:22:41 AM: Springfield XD .45! If the first one don't stop em' the other 13 will surely do the trick!
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: hillbilli on January 12, 2010, 07:29:35 AM: greetings all, as i am new here. military move to Whidbey Island. I hunt with about everything, for about everything, but the northwest is new to me, so i'm sure i'll have questions for youall. I've been lurking for awhile, but this topic i wanted to offer my 2 cents. In a carry gun for dangerous critters, the .357 will do, with a penetrative bullet, like hardnosed 158's. The .41 or .44 is better, I've used just about all the double action .44's, and bulk is a consideration. (at least for me, as i tend to carry inside the waistband, and i'm tall and slender) The ruger super blackhawk has a smaller diameter cylinder, is much lighter than my old redhawk, and in the 4 5/8" barrel is quite carryable, and will still handle heavy loads. The single action does require a little practice to be able to shoot quickly. For those who like an auto, theres nothing wrong with that, just choose a bullet the penetrates well- and practice enough to hit with it. Most of my experience in this is in carrying in areas where i'm more likely to deal with a 400lb boar than a bear, but that my opinion, for what its worth.
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: wildmanoutdoors on January 12, 2010, 07:55:55 AM: Bullet placement is were its at. I would bet 99% of the hunters who carry a 44 mag or a auto couldent hit the broadside of a barn if something was trying to eat/get them at close range. Also, if you think you can get 15 or so rounds off in the 25 feet or less from your auto on a full charging beast and you dont shoot a few hundred rounds a month at some kind of timed event to help with stress your kidding yourself. But whatever makes ya feel comfy. I carry 5 rounds. 4 for the beast and one for me just in case. Lol

A 45 ACP is a great people or thin tissue round. But bears, no way unless your PERFECT at hit placement at short range under the scariest senerio's possible. And still its be a allot of luck. Penetration in a head shot or a spine shot is the only thing that will stop them in there tracks. A bear can charge 300 yards at full speed after its heart stops.
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: high country on January 12, 2010, 08:14:01 AM: Quote from: wildmanoutdoors on January 12, 2010, 07:55:55 AM
Bullet placement is were its at. I would bet 99% of the hunters who carry a 44 mag or a auto couldent hit the broadside of a barn if something was trying to eat/get them at close range. Also, if you think you can get 15 or so rounds off in the 25 feet or less from your auto on a full charging beast and you dont shoot a few hundred rounds a month at some kind of timed event to help with stress your kidding yourself. But whatever makes ya feel comfy. I carry 5 rounds. 4 for the beast and one for me just in case. Lol

A 45 ACP is a great people or thin tissue round. But bears, no way unless your PERFECT at hit placement at short range under the scariest senerio's possible. And still its be a allot of luck. Penetration in a head shot or a spine shot is the only thing that will stop them in there tracks. A bear can charge 300 yards at full speed after its heart stops.

I agree 100% on the number of shots, but not so much on the size of gun. any gun tossing big meplats with fair weight is gonna make a deep hole. autos can't bring the same size to the table, but offer better follow up shot opportunities. hardcast flats is what I pack in the super. I have spent a great amount of time in big bear country and one common thing with charges is that often they are fakes. I am not one to offer the opportunity to find out if it was a fake or not. if you smoke a bear in the chest with a 500 smith it is still gonna eat you. cranialocular or the cord are your only hopes. to make that kind of shot is gonna take practice, luck and nerves of steel.

bear in mind that most bear encounters are going to be in thick brush enviorments where a bear is spooked. every bear I have ever seen in my life (better then 100) has let out a bawl and turned and ran as fast as it could. only one was encountered in thick brush. I had my bow and we both fell over backwards in fear.....that was about embarrasing
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: wildmanoutdoors on January 12, 2010, 08:35:54 AM: Ill agree with you there on the 45 if its in the right hands. Given the other 99% of the hunters there better off with more power to increase there luck.
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: DWP on January 14, 2010, 12:06:11 PM: One revolver for backpack hunting that keeps my interest is one of the S&W 8 shot .357's. Certainly not a lightweight package, but 8 shots of proper ammo with revolver reliability/simplicity is nice to have....
There are some 200 grain flatties from Double Tap that a guy/gal could use for bear...
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: GoldTip on January 14, 2010, 02:05:00 PM: I carry a Ruger alaskan in 454casull when bowhunting in Grizzly country, handloads with 300gr solids. Your not going to stop a charge with a handgun unless you are in line to win the lottery, your best bet is to hit them hard enough with enough gun to turn them and give you a chance for a second more aimed shot. Or enough gun to knock them off you once they've got ahold of you, and a 357 ain't it. The griz that nailed the game warden back home in Montana in the late 80's had three through and through 357 bullets through it's brain cavity, three flattened on it's skull at point bite range and still needed 2 slugs for a 12ga to finish it off. Believe it, I seen the skull.
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: bowkid on January 14, 2010, 08:09:10 PM: Well since we haven't been able to carry during bow season and I believe you have to have a weapons permit to be legal to carry while bow hunting (I could be wrong), anything would be better then nothing. But if you want to be ready for anything around SW WA then a .357 maybe ok if you practice and have the right ammo in it. The .41 would be a better choice, but the .44 mag WILL do the trick no question about it. Now as far as 2 legged defence the .45 ACP is the way to go, 1 or 2 good hits with a 200 grain hollow point and they will not bother anyone ever again.
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: Phantom Gobbler on January 14, 2010, 10:39:14 PM: Chuck Hawks quote: "Because I have received so many e-mails asking the question, I will go where wise men fear to tread and mention a couple of specific handguns. If I were buying a new gun for protection against large predators, I would get a Ruger Blackhawk revolver (6.5" barrel) in .357 or .41 Magnum, or a Ruger Super Blackhawk revolver (5.5" or 7.5" barrel) in .44 Magnum. The Blackhawk is 12.5" long and weighs 42 ounces; the Super Blackhawk is 11 3/8" long and weighs 46 ounces with a 5.5" barrel."

I need to practice more with my .44 Mag Ruger Super Blackhawk with 4 5/8 in. barrel to feel fully functional in wild grizzly country.
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: Shootmoore on January 14, 2010, 11:09:07 PM: Just finished the trigger job on my new carry gun for the woods. Its an old model 19. Its a shooter and the trigger is now as smooth as a baby's bottom. Now I just need to find something that will take off the shake and bake coating that someone sprayed on it and refinish.

Best part it was in pretty ruff shape, was someones truck gun just taking some elbow grease and a polish job on the trigger. But it was so ugly and gummed up I got it for $50 bucks. (I ran the serial number its not hot ;) )
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: high country on January 16, 2010, 06:47:57 AM: Quote from: Shootmoore on January 14, 2010, 11:09:07 PM
Just finished the trigger job on my new carry gun for the woods. Its an old model 19. Its a shooter and the trigger is now as smooth as a baby's bottom. Now I just need to find something that will take off the shake and bake coating that someone sprayed on it and refinish.

Best part it was in pretty ruff shape, was someones truck gun just taking some elbow grease and a polish job on the trigger. But it was so ugly and gummed up I got it for $50 bucks. (I ran the serial number its not hot ;) )

nice grab. if it cerakote, well that stuff is like herpes............you keep it forever. bead blasting is about the only way to make it go away. hit it with a solvent like acetone, if that does not budge it.....bead blast away.
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: Oneshot1Kill on January 16, 2010, 01:18:42 PM: What about a .410-45long colt? Or better known as "The Judge". That thing could mess up anything ya wanted it too. My teacher has one for hunting and i've seen some of the game he's taken with that. AWESOME. And if ya see a grouse, bam-o 410. Great gun, fun shooting.
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: ratherhunt on January 19, 2010, 08:32:08 PM: Over kill I know, but I carry a S&W 500 with a 4 inch barrel
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: Cylvertip on January 20, 2010, 10:15:29 PM: For anywhere that brown bears don't roam, for a sidearm, I'm comfortable with my Glock 17 - 17+1 and another 34 close by. For anywhere that browns roam or if I am hunting bear with a handgun - 44.
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: bullchaser on January 21, 2010, 09:45:14 PM: Hey I just found this pic But it makes a case for a backup gun on a bow hunt my pops and i were in the mountins in Idaho when this little dude tried to crawl in bed with me. ( I dont recomend sleeping with the cheezeits)
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: poohdog on January 22, 2010, 07:57:38 AM: What tried to crawl in bed with you?
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: WDFW-SUX on January 22, 2010, 08:12:12 AM: I've got a S&W 629 pd 44 mag. There's nothing in washington that will eat you though :twocents:
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: bullchaser on January 22, 2010, 09:40:38 AM: Sorry here is that pic.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi298.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fmm275%2Fmattandmelody%2FCIMG1865.jpg&hash=e2bbc8571518e0a0d997ca6e507f1a082af50df1)
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: blackhorn on January 22, 2010, 11:44:12 AM: Nice work! What is the sidearm in the pic?
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: KillBilly on January 22, 2010, 12:02:45 PM: Quote from: Machias on January 10, 2010, 12:48:04 PM
My 2 cents, the .357 is too light for hunting bear or for bear protection. I would recommend .41 mag as a min, just an opinion though.

My .357 Supermag puts a .41 to shame.... :hello:
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: Bowcop on April 06, 2010, 06:49:49 PM: If I could only own 1 hand gun it would be the Glock 23....If you load up with the 180 grain GoldDots or the Golden Sabres you have a formidable round for ANY thing you would come accross in the woods, 4 legs or two. This is the only gun I carry in the woods....

The 23 is perfect for light weight and ease of carrying. Plus the .40 has every bit as much energy as a .357 without the recoil.

The FBI has determined that the .40 has more "One shot stops" on people than any other round for the last 10+ years. If it's good enough for that, its good enough for Black bears, cougars and wolves. I would want something a bit bigger if I were to venture into Grizzly country..... I would not hesitate to shoot a Grizz with a 10mm.

Plus in the Glock 23, when I carry it in the woods I have it loaded with a mag from a Glock 22 giving me 16 rounds before I have to reload, plus as the others have stated shot placement is paramount.
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: h2ofowlr on April 06, 2010, 08:30:17 PM: Taurus Judge in the Titanium Frame. .45 / .410 Just load .410 buck shot / slug combo.
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: Bowcop on April 06, 2010, 08:33:45 PM: The only issue I have with .410 buckshot is that beyond 15 feet it is pretty much useless........the .45LC though is a great round.
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: wikid10 on April 07, 2010, 01:42:17 PM: I carry a Sig Sauer P229 .40 S&W. It will do the trick for protection. I wouldn't use it as your primary weapon for hunting, but throw a couple of hollow points in there and you will make your point! :twocents:
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: colockumelk on April 07, 2010, 02:30:53 PM: I think a good weapon is the Tracker line of revolvers by Taurus. I especially like the .44mag. It has a five round cylinder so its a little thinner and is fairly light. 4"inch barrell makes it really nice for packing.
Title: Re: handgun for bowhunter
Post by: kantill on April 14, 2010, 10:09:23 AM: I'll stick with my 8 3/8 ported barrel 44mag, yeah its a big gun but it has very little kick so I can be back on target much faster. Loaded with some 300 grain rounds and I'll feel nice and safe no matter what or who comes out of the bush. :chuckle: