Brian:

I agree with you and would not feel comfortable shooting any large or small game with a handgun at distances longer than I would launch an arrow at said game unless I was really desperate or too injured to get closer.

I don't practice as much as you and never have, but I know my limitations and try to stay within them. I have shot a long barrelled Ruger .44 magnum at 100 yard targets from a bench with a sand bag rest and all the time in the world and I was unable to achieve a decent grouping and even missed the hundred yard target occasionally.

Bountyhunter