New pistol for hunting

[turkeyeye]

I would like to get a handgun for deer hunting this Christmas.  I have shot quite a few handguns in several different calibers.  I own and shoot a 22 pistol regularly.  Because of price limitation I am looking at the Ruger Blackhawk and Super Blackhawk.  I reload for several rifle calibers and will reload for pistol as well.  Which gun and caliber do you recommend?  I am leaning toward the Super Blackhawk and down loading the 44 magnum.  I like the Blackhawk in 357 but a little concerned about deer hunting with it.  I have heard alot about the 41 magnum but I don't have any personal experience with it. 

Thanks for the replies!  I have been shooting a friends 44 some lately and while manageable it does have as much recoil as I care to have.

[Autorim]

Look at sixshot's post on this forum. The .41 mag works with less recoil than the larger calibers.

I have two Ruger Bisley .45's , a .41 and one .357. Today I bought another .41 - this time the Ruger Blackhawk Bisley Hunter. I shot all of my Bisley's last Sunday and the .41 is plenty of revolver and IMHO easier to shoot well. I don't have any plans to mount a scope on the Hunter, but the option is there and I wanted the 7.5 inch bbl and interchangeable front sight.

The .41 Bisley Hunter is available on gunbroker.

[turkeyeye]

Thanks Autorim,

I really like the Bisley Hunter but it is out of my price range.  I can get the Super Blackhawk for $130 less and the standard Blackhawk for about $230 less.

I really like the idea of the 41, but I did notice that Midway was completely out of brass for it.  I haven't checked other places but that scares me a little bit.

[freedom475]

If you like the 357 then go for it... don't ever let anyone tell you "Its not powerful enough for deer" cause I have seen way too many deer dropped where they stood to ever give it a backseat for deer hunting.

 I think you would do well with the 44 SBH since you reload. You can slow a 240 cast down to 1000 or 1100fps and it will be easy to manage and will still be Plenty lethal for the game you want to chase.

I have a 41BH and have found that with full power loads it actually seems to be harder to manage the recoil than my 44 Super BH because of the smaller grip frame on the BH.... Now ruger is calling about all 44's the SBH but there is quite a difference between the old ,Square trigger guard, grip frame and the little BH frame.

I bought a new BH 44mag a couple years ago and took it to the range.. fired it six times and could not believe how bad it kicked compared to my SBH.. guy came walking over and just loved it. It went home with him as I had no use for it. I like to shoot the 475Linbaugh but I was not going to shoot another six through that little BH

[sixshot]

turkeyeye, you didn't say where you are from or what distances you'll be facing with a sixgun, out here in the wide open west you most likley will need a little more smack, if you are an eastern hunter snuggled into a blind or tree stand then a 357 will work very well, I call them "verge" guns, they are on the verge of being too small but the key is penetration with a good bullet, if you get both you are going home happy. Perhaps limit your distance to around 50-60 yds maybe a little more & it will work, no problem, try & stretch it much beyond that & you'll probably go home kicking horse turds!
  Factory 41 magnum ammo has about 12 ft lbs of recoil, the 44 magnum factory is about 16 ft lbs, thats 25% difference & can make or break your hunt. I really hate to seem them compared as they are both great, I've taken many, many animals with both, the 41 is quite a bit flatter if thats important & the 44 has the edge is  horsepower (usually not needed) you'll have to decide which you want.
  Shoot as many guns as you can before you buy because you will probably lose money when you have to trade a second time. I would definitely go with the Bisley & if I were going with just one magnum I'd probably opt for the 44 magnum, although the 41 magnum is an absolute hammer with WFN cast slugs. Don't over load it, that is don't get caught up in the velocity race, velocity is recoil, if my 41 magnum 250 gr WFN will penetrate both shoulders of a very large cow elk at less than 1100 fps, do I need any more?
  Again, shoot a lot of guns & you'll make the right decision for you.

Dick

[Autorim]

The feel of a handgun is a personal issue and what works for me may not be best for you. All of my Ruger SA's are Bisley grips. They are larger and spread the recoil. I have several N frame Smiths including a .44 mag, but I like the feel of the Bisley for a hunting handgun. I also shoot with Past Gloves. I know cost can be a factor, but having what you really need and want in a good firearm is a lifetime investment as well as a family heirloom. The .44 mag is always a good choice. Brass can be an issue in nearly any caliber in today's market, but can usually be found.

Ken

[turkeyeye]

If you like the 357 then go for it... don't ever let anyone tell you "Its not powerful enough for deer" cause I have seen way too many deer dropped where they stood to ever give it a backseat for deer hunting.

 I think you would do well with the 44 SBH since you reload. You can slow a 240 cast down to 1000 or 1100fps and it will be easy to manage and will still be Plenty lethal for the game you want to chase.

I have a 41BH and have found that with full power loads it actually seems to be harder to manage the recoil than my 44 Super BH because of the smaller grip frame on the BH.... Now ruger is calling about all 44's the SBH but there is quite a difference between the old ,Square trigger guard, grip frame and the little BH frame.

I bought a new BH 44mag a couple years ago and took it to the range.. fired it six times and could not believe how bad it kicked compared to my SBH.. guy came walking over and just loved it. It went home with him as I had no use for it. I like to shoot the 475Linbaugh but I was not going to shoot another six through that little BH

Thanks for this information.  I did not know about this.  I had noticed on the ruger website when looking at the SBH that with the shorter barrels came a round trigger guard and the longer barrels have a square trigger guard.  I was wanting the 7.5" barrel and in the picture it has the square trigger guard.

[turkeyeye]

turkeyeye, you didn't say where you are from or what distances you'll be facing with a sixgun, out here in the wide open west you most likley will need a little more smack, if you are an eastern hunter snuggled into a blind or tree stand then a 357 will work very well, I call them "verge" guns, they are on the verge of being too small but the key is penetration with a good bullet, if you get both you are going home happy. Perhaps limit your distance to around 50-60 yds maybe a little more & it will work, no problem, try & stretch it much beyond that & you'll probably go home kicking horse turds!
  Factory 41 magnum ammo has about 12 ft lbs of recoil, the 44 magnum factory is about 16 ft lbs, thats 25% difference & can make or break your hunt. I really hate to seem them compared as they are both great, I've taken many, many animals with both, the 41 is quite a bit flatter if thats important & the 44 has the edge is  horsepower (usually not needed) you'll have to decide which you want.
  Shoot as many guns as you can before you buy because you will probably lose money when you have to trade a second time. I would definitely go with the Bisley & if I were going with just one magnum I'd probably opt for the 44 magnum, although the 41 magnum is an absolute hammer with WFN cast slugs. Don't over load it, that is don't get caught up in the velocity race, velocity is recoil, if my 41 magnum 250 gr WFN will penetrate both shoulders of a very large cow elk at less than 1100 fps, do I need any more?
  Again, shoot a lot of guns & you'll make the right decision for you.

Dick

Sixshot, I live on the Mississippi-Alabama line.  I live in MS but I can almost throw a rock to AL.  I usually hunt timber or greenfields so shots are relatively close.  I love to bowhunt so I am used to limiting my shots.

I have several rifle calibers and choose to hunt with a 243, and I know that many down play it's effectiveness.  I kind of figured this was the same with the 357.  There is alot of magnumitis.  Granted I know that the 41 or 44 is better as long as an accurate shot is made.  However if I can shoot a 357 more accurately then I would take an accurate shot from a smaller caliber any day.  This is why I shoot the little 243, low recoil and it is all that is needed on these small whitetails.

[rawhidekid]

Don't forget the .45 Colt.  I like you, do not enjoy heavy recoil.  I recently perchased the 5.5 inch SS Bisley pictured after firing it side by side with a standard bh.  With the bh the recoil of a 255 grn swc was harsh, the Bisley fires the 300 grn with excelent control and less muzle flip,(also to same point of aim).  200 grn bullets are a pussycat and may be better choice if recoil sencitive, evan in hotter loading.  The new IMR Trail Boss powder for cast bullets stops the chance of double charging in large cases, and is mild shooting no matter which cal you decide on.  The Bisley .357 Mag I own will also shoot the 180 grn to same point of aim as the 158 grn.  Good luck with your choice, as long as it is a Ruger you wont go wrong.

[Redhawk1]

As I read this I was surprised that no one until I got to rawhidekid's post, did anyone mention the 45 Colt.

With factory cowboy loads you can take deer and hogs with no problem what so ever. The recoil is mild but can be loaded to wild, and up to the 44 Mag. And you get bigger holes.

My choice would be a 45 Colt.

[ducati]

I would also consider the 45 colt. 255 to 260 grain bullet at 900 feet per second is pretty mild and will put them down..

[glanceblamm]

Don't forget the .45 Colt.

My choice would be a 45 Colt.

I would also consider the 45 colt. 255 to 260 grain bullet at 900 feet per second is pretty mild and will put them down..

Especially since you are already reloading.

[sixshot]

  I agree, the 45 is also a wonderful caliber, I've used it many times on game with great success, my last elk was with the 41 magnum, the 4 before that were with the great Ruger 45. As mentioned it can be loaded up or down with excellent results. If it has a downside in any way its that most times the cylinder throats are undersized on the Rugers & you won't get best accuracy until thats corrected, usually reaming to .4525". Using the time proven Keith 260 you can use 5 grs of Bullseye for plinking, 9 grs of Unique for a little more mustard, 18.5 grs of 2400 when you get serious or switch to H110 with 300 gr slugs & easily surpass the mighty 44 magnum.
  I agree the 243 is a great deer cartridge, when I owned rifles I took a lot of deer with mine, I always used the 85 gr Sierra flatbase, its a hard bullet & holds up very well on deer size game. Good Hunting!

Dick
 

[irold]

Since the gentleman reloads.......I'd suggest the 44.  Load it anyway ya want.  From 44 Sp. to heavy 44 mag.  You'd be good to go for anything.  The components for the 44 are much more readily available than the 45 ( at least where I live )and a tiny bit cheaper.  Not sure what your price range is.......but there's a lot of 44 out there.  Don't rule out a Super Red Hawk.......yes they're ugly, but they're also strong and accurate !  I've seen them for 400 to 500 on the auction sites.  Good Luck

[turkeyeye]

Since the gentleman reloads.......I'd suggest the 44.  Load it anyway ya want.  From 44 Sp. to heavy 44 mag.  You'd be good to go for anything.  The components for the 44 are much more readily available than the 45 ( at least where I live )and a tiny bit cheaper.  Not sure what your price range is.......but there's a lot of 44 out there.  Don't rule out a Super Red Hawk.......yes they're ugly, but they're also strong and accurate !  I've seen them for 400 to 500 on the auction sites.  Good Luck

I think that I probably will go with the 44.  I really like the super red hawks, but they are out of my price range.

[Bearcat 74]

You can usually find old S&W 29's around here for a good price.  From reading they won't take the heavy loads as well as a Ruger but if you are going to load them down it would be fine.  From my limited time with Rugers, I have owned 3 and my limited time with Smith's, I owned 3 and still own 2, the S&W's have better triggers, are lighter and honestly mine have all shot better than my Rugers.  After getting trigger jobs and such the Rugers did well but the S&W's have been good from the get go.

[Lloyd Smale]

the 44 mag is hands down the most versitile handgun round out there. It can be loaded up or down to kill any type of game. Brass and bullets are easy and cheap to come by as are loading tools. Factory ammo selection is 10 times better then the 45 colt and 41 mag selections. To defend my choises ill bad mouth the others. Keep in mind though that i have multiple guns in those calibers too and use them myself. The 45 colt is a good round, but only if you handload and in my experience identical guns in 44 mag will usually hands down out shoot a 45 colt. The 41 mags will usually be equally accurate to a 44 mag but its a round i just cant get excited about. Recoil may be less but youll never notice it in the field unless your loading 300 grain heavys in the 44. Ammo and Brass are harder to find as are molds. The max weight bullet a 41 will handle effeciently is about 250 grains and thats where the 44 just gets started. The 44 mag will push 320s with effecientcy and the 45 colt will handle 350s. Contrary to what some people will tell you size does matter in a handgun. People will say it doesnt matter that a 41 is slightly smaller then a 44 but will preach that there 338 mag is much more gun then a 300 mag. Well i hate to tell you but it matters even more in a handgun. A handgun doesnt make great increases in knockdown power with velocity. In my experience the differce in a 1100 fps load and a 1400 fps load is minimal. Where you see gains is using bullets with bigger metplats. And a 44 will allow for a bigger metplat while still preserving sectional density for penetration and good bullet flight. The 45 trumps the 44 in this aspect too. For an example compare a typical bullet weight for the caliber in each. The 41 uses a 220 grain bullet and the 44 and 45s usually use 240-255s. To get the same metplat on a 41 bullet as a swc or lfn in 44 you need to go to a wfn which in my opinion is a aerodynamicaly challanged bullet design. In the 240-255 weight range in a 45 colt you get a bullet that is to short  and again isnt ideal for accuracy. Ive been through all of this and at differnt times in my life was a big fan of each but just kept comming back to the 44mag as my favorite. Theres nothing it doesnt do well. In my opinion a good superblackhawk in the barrel lenght you prefer is going to be probably the best bang for the buck in a hunting handgun.

[Hairtrigger]

I was trying to type what my opinion is but Lloyd said it all and more!
Thanks Lloyd
I am gonna edit this and add that in no way do I pretend that I have as much experience as some of the guys here when it comes to hundguns and hunting

[Tommyt]

Have you Ever looked into a Contender if you want you could shoot  many different rounds you could even shoot the 357 and kick it up a big Notch and make it in Herret  
and the Barrels run pretty fair right here on GBO
Just a though ,Cause I love mine
Tommyt

[turkeyeye]

Have you Ever looked into a Contender if you want you could shoot  many different rounds you could even shoot the 357 and kick it up a big Notch and make it in Herret  
and the Barrels run pretty fair right here on GBO
Just a though ,Cause I love mine
Tommyt

I have considered a Contender, but they just seem so bulky and impractical for carrying in the woods on walks.  They seem as that they would be about as cumbersome as a rifle to me.  I had an encore and in ways liked it and in ways didn't like it.  For the money it was a quality made product with great trigger and features.  However, for the money it was not as accurate as I wanted with some barrels.  With others it was.  I know that many say to buy custom barrels and you will get the accuracy.  But for the price of custom barrels, you can buy a whole other gun.

I know someone who has alot of contenders, I need to get by and shoot some of his one day.  I still think that a revolver is my cup of tea.

[Tommyt]

Try a Contender in 10 inch
But you are right they don't holster like a 6 gun
but you can sling it nicely
Before this year (God willing) I'm going to hunt with my S&W 357

I don't like any above 10 unless I'm riding in a truck or in Tree House

Tommyt

[Autorim]

Turkeyeye,

Before you buy anything other than a Bisley, I recommend you shoot both grip styles. As Ed McGivern said
" By trial and error and correction do we learn - not by theory and argument."

Ken

[Tom W.]

While the SRH is ugly, the weight really helps with the recoil, and when you're looking down the sights, it doesn't matter anyway. Also, the DA grip is ( at least to me ) is easier on the felt recoil. I had to sell off a really nice 5 1/2 s.s. SBH due to the way the SA grip transferred the recoil, more of a twist than straight back. With my tendonitis it hurt, plain and simple. There are always SRH on the used market at reasonable prices, and they are really hard to abuse.

[rawhidekid]

Many have comented that the Bisley gripis more like the Rh than Bh.

[Lloyd Smale]

Ill go this way if cost is a factor its tough to beat a good old blackhawk. Personaly i prefer a bisley but they can be hard to find and more expensive and the 44 mag doesnt recoil enough to really make it a nessisity. Redhawks and super redhawks are good guns there brutly strong but there a bit heavy to carry in anything but a shoulder holster and even my 3 inch redhawk in a hip holster has me pulling my pants up all the time.

[turkeyeye]

While the SRH is ugly, the weight really helps with the recoil, and when you're looking down the sights, it doesn't matter anyway. Also, the DA grip is ( at least to me ) is easier on the felt recoil. I had to sell off a really nice 5 1/2 s.s. SBH due to the way the SA grip transferred the recoil, more of a twist than straight back. With my tendonitis it hurt, plain and simple. There are always SRH on the used market at reasonable prices, and they are really hard to abuse.

I have noticed that the super redhawks that I have shot are more comfortable than the 50th anniversary flat top that I shot.  The grip was more comfortable.

[Autorim]

Turkeyeye,

Bud's Gun Shop has a Ruger Bisley 7.5 inch .44 mag on gunbroker at a buy now of $478.00 - item 147900969

Ken

[ShooterToo]

I hunt in Jackson/George Counties of MS most of the time.  My go-to caliber is 45 Colt.  My handgun of choice is the SS Blackhawk.  Go-to rifles are the Taurus pump and Charles Daly Little Sharps both in 45 Colt.  I like the round for it's versitility and ease of reloading.  It makes a nice big hole in what it hits.

[Tonk]

I personally like the .44mag but I will not shut the door on the .41 mag either, both are darn good hunting calibers weather you have them in a Ruger or Smith & Wesson like mine. Anybody who shoots or hunts with a 45 Long Colt will not be disappointed one iota! So there you have it folks, the .41mag, 44mag and 45 Long Colt. 

[turkeyeye]

Turkeyeye,

Bud's Gun Shop has a Ruger Bisley 7.5 inch .44 mag on gunbroker at a buy now of $478.00 - item 147900969

Ken

Thanks, I looked at that one last night.  I have a friend with FFL's and will see how close that is to his price.