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Billy Diesel · Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 9:58 pm Post subject: Pistol for deer hunting

Long story short, I can't use the 300 WSM for deer hunting where I live. Rather than buy a cheap shotgun (a rifled barrel for my SBA is $500), I am looking at getting a pistol. A friend has a Ruger 44mag with a 7.5" barrel (I think), with 1" and 30mm scope rings and about 200-rounds that he will sell to me for $500.

Pros/cons of this gun for deer? With a scope, how far out could I reach? The gun is in great condition. Would anyone just get another shotgun instead, and why?
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wrath · Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 9:37 am Post subject:

My Dad hunts with a Dan Wesson .44 Magnum with a 10" barrel on it. It's one of the very few things my Dad has ever bought new that costs more than $200, and he bought it sometime in the mid 1980s. He uses iron sights and says it's got better range than a shotgun. My Dad doesn't sit and wait for critters though, so it's more convenient to have a handgun strapped to your thigh than dragging a longgun through the woods.
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imwhoiam5674 · Unicycle Pilot Joined: 03 May 2007 Posts: 54

A shotgun with a rifled slug barrel, good high velocity ammo and a good scope is easily capable of a 150yard shot, and 200yards isn't out of the question.

I've never seen anybody shooting a 44 mag with a short barrel that could take shots that remotely that long consistently.

91GMC~Eric~92GMC · Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 2:26 pm Post subject:

Joe · aka "Hornicator" Joined: 14 Jan 2007 Posts: 1182

My downstate gun is a Remington 11-87 12ga. with a rifled barrel and a 3x to 9x power scope. while shooting the grey box winchester sabots i can hold about a 4" pattern at 100 yards on a bench. Have taken deer with it at 150yards before. Mine cost more but i bought it all new and the scope was certainly an extra cost.
I think pistol deer hunting is just for shits. If you are hungry and want a few tails to fill the freezer, get a shotgun
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Billy Diesel · Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 8:30 pm Post subject:

Wrath - any idea what he feels comfertable shooting out to?

Most shots would be less than 100-yards, but it would be fun to take a poke out further than that.
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TBair · "Chief 7 Bear" Joined: 04 Jan 2007 Posts: 627

With that hand gun set up I would think you could reach out past 100 yards or so. After that the velocity and energy start to drop off pretty quick, but a good shot should be able to reach out to 150 yards or so.

For $500 you can get a cheap 870 12 gauge and plenty of ammo and accessories.

Personally I have a 870 12 gauge with a 21 inch smooth bore barrel, with federal true ball rifled slugs. I can shoot a 4 inch group at 100 yards with it from a bench.

I've also heard that the Michigan State Police are shooting 2 inch groups with the same ammo and 18 barrels at 100 yards.

Personally I'd go with the Ruger, especially if you already have a shotgun.
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Motor Slut · Full Size Joined: 17 Jan 2007 Posts: 422

Go to Dunhams and buy a Mosin Nagant for about $120, buy some ammo for cheap and have a super powerful (nearly identical to a 30-06) deer rifle that will be fun and cheap to operate.

I love my M44 which is the short barrel version. Kicks like a mule and is accurate at 100+ yards with open sites.
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Billy Diesel · Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 11:08 pm Post subject:

landen300 · Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 1:31 pm Post subject:

My uncle has been hunting with pistols since the mid 70's. He started with a Smith model 27 6" .357 and had good success. In the early 80's he upgraded to the Smith model 29 .44 with an 8 3/4" barrel. He has killed so many deer with the .44 Smith. Very lethal gun at ranges you will see downstate and we never have to track them very far at all. Also, when walking back to your seat, having a holstered weapon makes it easier for you to move through da bush. Money is the only reason I'm not using a Smith model 29. Deer hunting is more of a sport when the deer are in closer within pistol distance IMHO.
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imwhoiam5674 · Unicycle Pilot Joined: 03 May 2007 Posts: 54

I have shot and killed a few deer with a taurus .454 casull (260gr. bullet) with a leupold 2.5-8 power scope. And no way would I feel comfortable and confident in taking 100+ yard shot, because with the short barrel its just too easy to pull a shot and wound a deer. It sure is fun to hunt with but not great for long ranges IMO.

Billy Diesel · Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 8:58 pm Post subject:

On their website S&W claims the .460 can take down a deer at 250-yards. I'm not sure I would ever try that far (unless I sighted it in at that) but I would try in the 100-yard range.

The .460 will shoot the .454 casull and .45 lc too.
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Will
'97-'01

'02 Dodge 2500 Cummins "Gertrude" - Not stock.
'91 Dodge W250 Cummins, auto, stock (with a sweet camper)

91GMC~Eric~92GMC · Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 10:35 pm Post subject:

if you are still wanting a pistol, I'll make you drool.

My dad took down a 250lb 8pt with his SW .44Mag... from around 50/75 yards. no problem.
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imwhoiam5674 · Unicycle Pilot Joined: 03 May 2007 Posts: 54

Billy Diesel · Posted: Sun Nov 08, 2009 7:45 pm Post subject:

Eric - That's sweet. I didn't even get out this weekend.