handgun hunting large game

i would like to try large game hunting with a handgun i would like it to be a revolver with a scope in the 44 mag range the shots will be no more than 50 yards with a occasional 75 to 100 yard shot the problem is i don't know what pistol to buy i am looking for an accurate gun that con shoot well thank you for your help jason t

Try S&W 29 or 629 in a 6'

A S&W model 29 ...used to save money in 6 or 6.5 inch or longer if any 100 yard shots are really contemplated. If money is irrelevant, buy any of the 44 mags, S&W, Ruger, new.

Jason,

While I'm no fan of scoped hunting revolvers (in my hand they completely wreck the balance of the piece) you might as well pick one that is purpose built for such work. Ruger offers its double action Redhawk, Super Redhawk, and (at one time?) the single action Blackhawk with integral mounts for their scope rings.

Then, I know you're interested in a revolver, but if you want some added versatility you might also look at the T/C Contender single shot. It is easily scoped, has a fine trigger out of the box, and you can install a wide variety of rimfire, centerfire, and shotgun barrels, in both handgun and rifle lengths. You could use a .22 rimfire barrel for training and small game, then switch to a .44 magnum barrel for big game. Where legal, the .45/.410 barrel is a real hoot.

Good hunting!

If you don't mind the 1- bullet limitation... If I were to start hunting with a handgun, it would be a handgun such as the Thompson/Center Contender and Encore, the Remington XP-100 or the sort. Fitted with a nice 2.5-7x scope. You'd have a very capable hunting handgun. I would probably start with the 7mm-08...just because I already have the reloading dies for that caliber...

You would be well served by the Ruger Redhawk or Blackhawks. My Redhawk topped with a 2.5x scope has served me well.

Before you buy.

My Smith & Wesson model 29, 8 3/4 barrel with 2.5x scope works great. I'm sighted in at 75 yards, and use 300 gr SWC. So far, 3 one shot kills (mulies) at a maximum range of 60 paces.

T/C barrel is my other choice. In either .257JDJ or .338 JDJ (good for elk).

Just my opinion of course, but I think it takes the average person a while to overcome full house 44 mag loads and become comfortable with the gu. That said there are many find guns from Ruger and S&W out there in 44 mag. Tou first have to decide single or double action, the barrel length. This will cut the list down considerably. I will quickly recommend a Ruger Super Blackhawk, Redhawk, or Super Redhawk, S&W 29 or 629. Barrel of at least 6 inches. Practice with light 44 Mag or 44 special loads until it is comfortable and then work your way up to whatever level of 'hunting' load that has adequate power, makes you happy, and is accurate in your gun. Go to the scope after you get fairly good with iron sights. All of this is based on the assumption that you are not a veteran handgun shooter now.

you really cant beat a ruger red hawk . out of the box there very accurite. i would suggest having a good gunsmith do a trigger job on it though. have you concidered looking at a .41 mag.? they have everything the .44 does except less recoil.

Not if you buy a Taurus .44 mag because they come from the factory with a built in compensator. The combination of the compensator and their grips makes it pleasant to shoot even with full power loads. There's nothing wrong with Rugers or S&W but for the money (saved that is), I find the Taurus a much better buy. I've shot Ruger .44 mag, both Redhawks and Blackhawks and thought they were great guns but I really, really like my Taurus. Taurus first started building revolvers that were S&W clones with patents and dies from S&W. Since then they went on become one of the industry leaders in innovation. Their handguns have lifetime warranties and are quality handguns. The Taurus Raging Bull .454 Casull was named Gun of the Year for 1998 by the Firearms Industry's Academy of Excellence. The Raging Bull can be had in .44 mag also but you give up one round compared to their model 44 but the R.B. is a stronger gun. One thing you can do to reduce the amount of actual shooting you have to do to become proficient with whatever you buy is invest in a set of snap caps and while sitting watching TV, practice your trigger control. This helps a lot and also helps prevent flinching because your practicing without the recoil that promotes flinching. Heck, they help to keep your shooting up even when you can't get out and shoot by letting you practice while sitting in front of the TV. Good luck with whatever you decide to get.

Kevin Volz

I have never seen, touched or shot a Taurus in 44 but they seem to be well made(at least as good as the others I had mentioned). Try handling all of them you can and find the one you like the 'feel' of! Louis The rest will come with PRACTICE!