What type of Handgun?
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Lancaster NY
Posts: 20
What type of Handgun?
I'm getting my pistol permit and I am having a hard time deciding on what kind of pistol to buy. I really have my heart set on a semi-automatic, but how effective are these in hunting situations? I really dont want to go with a revolver, due to the fact that i may want to use it for personal protection as well. Suggestions or Thoughts Please!
#2
RE: What type of Handgun?
There really isn't much that is going to cover your entire spectrum. A concealed carry pistol is not going to make for a hunting peice, and a super black hawk isn't going to conceal easily. Do not fear a revolver in a PP scenerio, is not about how many rounds the gun holds its about the gun going bang when you need it and every time you pull the trigger. a 6" double action 357 mag would probably be your closest attempt to cover both, but again its not anywhere near optimal for either.
#4
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location:
Posts: 19
RE: What type of Handgun?
A personal protection (by that I assume you mean carrying it) semi-auto, that is also appropriate for hunting. Hmmmm - that seems like a bit of a stretch for a single gun. My advise would be to not get a single "compromise" gun. Get two - one for hunting, and another for personnal protection. If you can't afford two right now - get the one you need/want the most, and save up for the other.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location:
Posts: 1,813
RE: What type of Handgun?
I really have my heart set on a semi-automatic, but how effective are these in hunting situations? I really dont want to go with a revolver, due to the fact that i may want to use it for personal protection as well.
I don't subscribe to the "spray and pray theory", if i didn't get the job done with the 6 rounds in my revolver, i doubt if "any amount more" would help at all!!!
Drilling Man
#6
Typical Buck
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location:
Posts: 564
RE: What type of Handgun?
#7
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Somewere on Mt. St.Helens
Posts: 347
RE: What type of Handgun?
Desert Eagle .50 AE is a good choice for a semi. auto. I've carried one for a few years now. How ever the weight can wear down the weak. A .44 Desert Eagle would be a good choice also. I like relovers over auto for hunting. There is no good for everything gun.
#8
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: NW Ohio , 5 min from Ottawa National / Magee Marsh
Posts: 2,051
RE: What type of Handgun?
IMO buy 2 pistols
1 Ruger revolver in 44 mag or 454 for deer and hog ect
1 9mm , 40 or 45 for a carry gun . I have a Kel tec P-11 9mm that rides in my pocket most of the time , works perfictly even full of pocket lint.
1 Ruger revolver in 44 mag or 454 for deer and hog ect
1 9mm , 40 or 45 for a carry gun . I have a Kel tec P-11 9mm that rides in my pocket most of the time , works perfictly even full of pocket lint.
#9
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Gypsum KS USA
Posts: 1,289
RE: What type of Handgun?
It's hard to beat Rugers on value. They're as accurate and well made as anything, not to mention AMERICAN MADE. They're strong enough to have their own section in many reloading manuals, and as far as I'm concerned, they're just as good looking as any other revolver cheaper than $1000.
If you want something that will hunt AND save your life, look into the new Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan. In .454cassul with a "short" bbl, you've got a LOT of punch for hunting, but lightly loaded .45colt rounds are excellent for self defense.
As far as using semiautomatic pistols for hunting goes, they're essentially worthless. Yes, the .44supermag and the desert eagle pistols are good hunting weapons, but basically, the "common" pistol rounds aren't "hunting rounds", especially for a beginning handgunner.
You might also look into something along the lines of a Ruger .44mag Redhawk in a 5.5" bbl. You'd have plenty of power for hunting, but a cheap .44spcl alternative for plinking, and light recoiling .44spcl hp loadings for self defense. You could consider the same gun in .45colt also, but it's getting pretty light for hunting big game. Or you could go with a Ruger GP-100 .357mag 4". Just enough stank for hunting as long as you're accurate, and very fast and handy for self defense.
If you want something that will hunt AND save your life, look into the new Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan. In .454cassul with a "short" bbl, you've got a LOT of punch for hunting, but lightly loaded .45colt rounds are excellent for self defense.
As far as using semiautomatic pistols for hunting goes, they're essentially worthless. Yes, the .44supermag and the desert eagle pistols are good hunting weapons, but basically, the "common" pistol rounds aren't "hunting rounds", especially for a beginning handgunner.
You might also look into something along the lines of a Ruger .44mag Redhawk in a 5.5" bbl. You'd have plenty of power for hunting, but a cheap .44spcl alternative for plinking, and light recoiling .44spcl hp loadings for self defense. You could consider the same gun in .45colt also, but it's getting pretty light for hunting big game. Or you could go with a Ruger GP-100 .357mag 4". Just enough stank for hunting as long as you're accurate, and very fast and handy for self defense.
#10
Join Date: May 2004
Location: SW Virginia
Posts: 776
RE: What type of Handgun?
ORIGINAL: TrailTimer
I'm getting my pistol permit and I am having a hard time deciding on what kind of pistol to buy. I really have my heart set on a semi-automatic, but how effective are these in hunting situations? I really dont want to go with a revolver, due to the fact that i may want to use it for personal protection as well. Suggestions or Thoughts Please!
I'm getting my pistol permit and I am having a hard time deciding on what kind of pistol to buy. I really have my heart set on a semi-automatic, but how effective are these in hunting situations? I really dont want to go with a revolver, due to the fact that i may want to use it for personal protection as well. Suggestions or Thoughts Please!
to suggest a good revolver. Take a look at the Smith&Wesson N frame revolvers.
A 44mag. will do for the hunting, and you can load it with 44Specials for personal defense. Another possibility would be a Ruger Redhawk in 44mag., or step up to the
454Casull, using 45Colt for defense. However, none of these would be very suitable
for conceal carry use if you want that.
The other option, as noted, is to go for two. Get a revolver for hunting, and a pistol for personal protection.