Handgun Hunting; If you could, what would you use?

[loki_81]

If you could handgun hunt in Canada, what would your choice of game, firearm, caliber, and perhaps even load be (if you're a reloader)?

Me I'd be going out with .357 out of a 6.5" barrel with a hard nose semi jacketed 158 grain bullet for deer. I'd like to take a few loads out with a chrono to figure out velocity to perfection. I'd be using .357 because I currently feel comfortable shooting it to 40 yards until I work up my shooting skill to a .44 mag. Also the control I currently have with .357 allows for a faster follow up shot if need be.

It also gives me the opportunity to bring out some .38sp hollow points if I feel like firing some rounds off (I figure if we can hunt with handguns, we'd be allowed to plink in the woods ) and gives the opportunity for a dual caliber handgun for use with small or large game if the opportunity presents itself. I know coyote and the lot would be more challenging with a slow moving .38, but it'd help prevent overpenetration and hopefully maximize expansion.

So what would your choices be if you were ever legally allowed to handgun hunt in Canada?

 

[Splatter]

I'd start with a .357, because that's what I have. And a .22 for small game/pests.

 

[robins111]

Smith 29 for larger stuff and a Ruger # 2 for small, Hornedy lever evolution in 44m

 

[Scott_N]

I've got a 5.5" stainless Ruger Redhawk .44 that I'd love to take out hunting. I'd load some sort of hardcast bullet for it.

 

[TheTooner]

I've got a K-framed S&W in .22lr so I'd start by taking today off and go looking for a bunny for supper. Then I'd start shopping more seriously for the Ruger Redhawk I'm already interested in, to try on deer. I tend to like revolvers so I think I'd stick with them for handgun hunting.

 

[Pickles]

Something in a 475 Linebaugh is in my future.
Either a BFR or a Freedom Arms.

I figure it's relatively cheap to drive down to Wyoming and hunt antelope and mule deer with a handgun.

 

[Got Juice?]

.475 Wildey Magnum with a 10" Barrel.

 

[TV-PressPass]

I'd call in coyotes and use a Baretta Px4 Storm with .45 hollow points.

 

[Don Doucette]

My trusty and accurate .357 Smith 686.

 

[Win/64]

A Rifle.

 

[tootall]

Probably a TC Contender or Encore to start, then maybe move into a revolver in 460 S&W.

 

[Republic of Alberta]

44 mag Super Redhawk with an expanding bullet.

 

[Johnn Peterson]

For varmints and Grouse sized game, I'd use one of a couple 22 revolvers I have and probably a Remington XP-100 in 221 Fireball for longer range on varmints. Big game, 357 Mag Python, 44 Mag S&W 29 or the 500 S&W.

 

[911alertme]

A Rifle.

Agreed.

 

[MiG25]

probably a ruger bearcat or single six for small game. i like rifles too much to take up handgun hunting. although i wish i had the option.

 

[Fall Guy]

Throw a Leupold 2x scope on my S&W 629 and load up some 240 JHP's.

 

[Neo]

Here's one more vote for a TC Contender. I've got a 7mm TCU barrel that I think would be just dandy for deer out to 100 yards or so.

 

[wolf19534]

another vote for S&W 460 XVR with 8 3/8 inche barrel...

 

[DFarmer]

I would get a 22 of some sort. Just for grouse or small game. I am not interested in trying larger game witha handgun.

 

[mikeyb]

I'd be all over a decent-barreled .22LR for popping some rabbits.