Brian,

Some favorite handguns include: S & W m.27 with an 8 3/8" bbl. in .357 Mag. weighing about 56 oz. IIRC; a Ruger Super Redhawk with a 7 1/2" bbl. in .44 Mag. also weighing about 56 oz. IIRC; and a Ruger Blackhawk with a 7 1/2" in .45 Colt weighing about 41 oz. IIRC. All of these revolvers are eminently shootable one-handed. And if a lanky, middle-aged lawyer from a PC community like me can shoot them well, I shudder to think what a Texan could accomplish. {^;

All of those handguns can harvest game as large as deer within 50 yds. The .44 and .45 (with proper handloads) can easily kill larger or more difficult game such as black bear, boar and other large animals and at longer ranges.

I prefer to limit my handgun hunting to within 100 yds. Therefore I have no need for optical sights with increased complexity, weight, bulk, and vulnerability.


Susan,

I began hunting with a handgun a long time ago. I started with an S & W K-22 (6" bbl, 38 oz.) revolver on squirrels due to the increased challenge, convenience, and fun. I often carry a handgun when I am hunting big game with a rifle. Normally it will be a 4" bbl. revolver in one of calibers .22 LR, .32 H & R Mag., or .357 Mag. (loaded with .38 Spec ammo). Such handguns are very handy for harvesting such targets of opportunity as cottontails, jack rabbits, and squirrels. They can also be handy for eliminating poisonous snakes in/near camp (preferably with shot loads). In some areas it may also be legal to hunt some local game birds with a handgun (e.g., grouse, and possibly quail). As far as I know, it is not legal to hunt any Federally Regulated Wildfowl with a handgun. My use of a small to medium sized revolver to hunt is normally incidental to a hunt of big game with a rifle. When I am exclusively hunting with a handgun, it will normally be with a revolver having at least a 6" bbl. Handguns are also very useful for ranchers since an immediate need for a gun may present itself while primarily attending to agricultural endeavors.

In short, hunting with a handgun is eminently practical and a lot of fun. It's also a lot harder to do well than with a rifle. Handguns definitely have a place in hunting.

Have fun with your shooting,

John