Opinion on sidearm caliber.
12-26-2006, 10:22 AM
#11
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Boca Raton, FL
Posts: 88
RE: Opinion on sidearm caliber.
ORIGINAL: CervidSlayer
I would recomend the .45 I have shot 1911 models and other ACP pistols. It has the knockdown power that you need, and it is a large bullet with plenty of mass. 9mm are great, but a charging wounded bear or large deer would require more. You can get some nice pistols in .45 ACP for a reasonable price. Kimber arms makes some great pistols in .45
"If you cant get it done with a .45...you cant get it done" Check these out. I have shot some of these, and they are great.
http://www.kimberamerica.com/pistols/
I would recomend the .45 I have shot 1911 models and other ACP pistols. It has the knockdown power that you need, and it is a large bullet with plenty of mass. 9mm are great, but a charging wounded bear or large deer would require more. You can get some nice pistols in .45 ACP for a reasonable price. Kimber arms makes some great pistols in .45
"If you cant get it done with a .45...you cant get it done" Check these out. I have shot some of these, and they are great.
http://www.kimberamerica.com/pistols/
12-26-2006, 10:35 AM
#12
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 13,220
RE: Opinion on sidearm caliber.
I'd go with the .45 ACP over the .44 Mag. Not only is it generally easier and more enjoyable to shoot and master, but ammo can be had for a lot less money. Plus a full-sized magnum revolver canreally start weighing you down during long walks or hikes.
I carry an HK P2000 .40 S&W as my primary in and out of the woods. Around here the animals tend not to be very large, and the bad guys are pretty much the same size everywhere.
I carry an HK P2000 .40 S&W as my primary in and out of the woods. Around here the animals tend not to be very large, and the bad guys are pretty much the same size everywhere.
12-26-2006, 10:52 AM
#13
Fork Horn
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location:
Posts: 321
RE: Opinion on sidearm caliber.
4 or 6" wheel gun in 357 magnumitis... or the same in 44 magnumitis... the L frame S&W (686+) fits me perfectly so that is what i holster... 45 Colt isn't a bad choice either... on a ruger blackhawk, super blackhawk or redhawk platform that'll take what that round can TRULY deliver... and if you really need to be the "big cheese" there's always the 454 casull the 480 ruger, 460 S&W, 500 S&W, 475 Linebaugh, 500 Linebaugh, and so on and so forth....
12-26-2006, 11:51 AM
#15
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 4,264
RE: Opinion on sidearm caliber.
Get a .40 S&W, it's a great cartridge, and it's got plenty of power, and recoil that's very easy to manage. 10 shots too, it'll be the perfect gun in case a bear charges, 'cause I'm not sure anyone would have the nerve to aim at a bear with a revolver. Just My 2 Cents.
12-26-2006, 12:48 PM
#17
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location:
Posts: 16
RE: Opinion on sidearm caliber.
I have both .44mag and Kimber 45acp. I have shot hogs with both but i had to use 3 rounds out of the kimber to drop my first hog and to top it off it was charging me not a good feeling. The last hog i got i had my .44 one shot at 30yard and the hog was down. There is no better feeling than that.
12-26-2006, 01:04 PM
#18
Typical Buck
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: St. Louis, Mo
Posts: 855
RE: Opinion on sidearm caliber.
I would suggest 44 mag.To me the most important thing to think about is to use the gun you are most comfortable with.Another thing to consider, if your state has a concealed carry law you have to be licensed to carry a side arm or carry it on the outside of your clothing.
My 2 cents
My 2 cents
12-26-2006, 02:17 PM
#20
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location:
Posts: 106
RE: Opinion on sidearm caliber.
I think this requires a better definition of what he wants the handgun for"
If the threat is mostly human I agree with a autoloading pistol in 45 or 40 cal would be my choice. This would offer good close range protection against dogs or coyotes as well. An accurate 45 can alsobust rabbits pretty well and hardball ammo isn't to bad a "finisher" for deer. However a 45 auto is poor choice for hunting deer and an even worse "stopping" pistol for bear.
If he wants a pistol where Bear defense is a primary purpose I think a 44 magwould be a good choice (if the bears are black bears) if the bears areGriz then other larger handguns or even better,long arms are called for.
If black bear is a side concern but not impossible and he reloads I might suggest a 4 5/8 blackhawk in 45 colt or 41 mag. A little lighter than most 44mag revolvers and the shortguns is easy to carry.Many of us find that the single actions point very well. He can load and shoot lots of cast bullets cheap, and stiff handloads loads from a 41 or 45 Blackhack are good deer medicine and should be effective bear deterents (at least as effective as most folks would want to shoot from a 40 ounce pistol with much frequency) a longer barrel would extend the accurate range for most shooters but decrease the ease of carry..its a tough choice.
Another choice might be a 357 mag revolver. Its obviosly less effective against a bear and IMHO a marginal deer gun unless you are a good marksman who will really pick his target. But its a very flexible cartridge. Loaded hot a deer is not out of the questionand mild loads or 38 specials you can shoot all day.
One other note is the revolver is different from what he has and something different might be a little fun.
As for me I carry a 4 5/8 blackhawk in 45 loaded with 250 SWC at 1000fps when deer or bear would notbe legal. If bear or deer is in season then its my7 1/2 SBH with a 240 XTP in a fairly warm load.
If the threat is mostly human I agree with a autoloading pistol in 45 or 40 cal would be my choice. This would offer good close range protection against dogs or coyotes as well. An accurate 45 can alsobust rabbits pretty well and hardball ammo isn't to bad a "finisher" for deer. However a 45 auto is poor choice for hunting deer and an even worse "stopping" pistol for bear.
If he wants a pistol where Bear defense is a primary purpose I think a 44 magwould be a good choice (if the bears are black bears) if the bears areGriz then other larger handguns or even better,long arms are called for.
If black bear is a side concern but not impossible and he reloads I might suggest a 4 5/8 blackhawk in 45 colt or 41 mag. A little lighter than most 44mag revolvers and the shortguns is easy to carry.Many of us find that the single actions point very well. He can load and shoot lots of cast bullets cheap, and stiff handloads loads from a 41 or 45 Blackhack are good deer medicine and should be effective bear deterents (at least as effective as most folks would want to shoot from a 40 ounce pistol with much frequency) a longer barrel would extend the accurate range for most shooters but decrease the ease of carry..its a tough choice.
Another choice might be a 357 mag revolver. Its obviosly less effective against a bear and IMHO a marginal deer gun unless you are a good marksman who will really pick his target. But its a very flexible cartridge. Loaded hot a deer is not out of the questionand mild loads or 38 specials you can shoot all day.
One other note is the revolver is different from what he has and something different might be a little fun.
As for me I carry a 4 5/8 blackhawk in 45 loaded with 250 SWC at 1000fps when deer or bear would notbe legal. If bear or deer is in season then its my7 1/2 SBH with a 240 XTP in a fairly warm load.