Hunting with a Sidearm

[DangerClose]

I usually try to carry a secondary when I am hunting. While a rifle like the grendel is amazing, having a back up is just good practice.

Im usually carrying a judge or my 1911. What do you guys carry?

[VASCAR2]

I usually have my Glock 27 concealed carry pistol or my Glock 22. Occasionally will have my RIA 1911 in 45 ACP but I like how the 40 S&W round has a better trajectory than the 45 ACP.

[RStewart]

Ruger P85 9mm. If I can't shoot it, I can always beat it to death with it. :)

[WillD]

I've carried side arms while hunting for almost 40 years. I started out with the idea of using it for a cheaper coup de grace but I've killed 18-20 deer over the years with .357 Mag, .44 Mag, and .45 ACP. My most recent being about a 40 yd shot using 230 gr HydroShock in a 3" S&W 625. It broke ribs going in and out the deer was DRT. Most have been "coming over the wire" shots while nodding in the blind LOL!

Cheers, Will

[LRRPF52]

I know guys that have had a lot of success with the Glock 20 in 10mm. I wish Smith & Wesson would make a 10mm M&P, as the wife & I carry M&P's. I have a full-size .40, but I prefer the 9mm. I'll probably get a full-size 9mm some time here.

I used to be a nothing but 1911 .45 ACP guy, with several of them on or around me at any given time. I only own one now, and don't shoot it any, but since Utah just declared the 1911 as the official State Firearm for the Centennial Year of John Moses Browning's famous design, I'm thinking about building a custom one with engraving, but it's not a priority.

[pinzgauer]

I know guys that have had a lot of success with the Glock 20 in 10mm.

Shooting my .45's at 25 & 50 yards on a metallic silhouette range is what moved me to 10mm. Major, major difference in trajectory & knockdown. Not that you can't kill a deer with a .45, just that the velocity drops off very fast, and retained energy is low accordingly.

Stainless Delta Elite's were inexpensive then, and I wish I had bought more than one!

There are some local guys indicating that they shoot .40SW in 10mm's with good results. I've not thought through the actual implications of that, but they are indicating it works great and is a nice source of inexpensive plinking ammo. But I'd not try it without researching more. Extractor holds the round in place even as it's firing even though it's not headspaced on the mouth. Once fired, the pressure keeps it back against the slide face.

[txgunslinger]

springfield XD .45 230 grain golden sabers

[DangerClose]

Ruger P85 9mm. If I can't shoot it, I can always beat it to death with it. :)

I agree here. The judge I use is great for both bigger game and snakes. I can carry both bird shot and a few 45 LC for bigger things. As you stated, having that weight would club something to death or be an emergency boat anchor

[z06man]

There are some local guys indicating that they shoot .40SW in 10mm's with good results. I've not thought through the actual implications of that, but they are indicating it works great and is a nice source of inexpensive plinking ammo. But I'd not try it without researching more. Extractor holds the round in place even as it's firing even though it's not headspaced on the mouth. Once fired, the pressure keeps it back against the slide face.

You could always get a .40 barrel for it. Then it would be as simple as a quick barrel swap and you'd not have to worry about the headspace issue. It might not feed quite as reliably due to the short round in a long mag, but should be fine for cheaper practice, I would think.

[Wally Bear]

I carry a CZ75 Kadet in .22LR for taking grouse and rabbits.

[pinzgauer]

You could always get a .40 barrel for it. Then it would be as simple as a quick barrel swap and you'd not have to worry about the headspace issue.

I had researched that a while back... then realized I could shoot lot's of 10mm reloads for what I might "save" by buying a $200 barrel! 10mm brass is still fairly cheap & available, so my concerns about losing cases were unfounded.

[LRRPF52]

When I first shot 10mm, I was expecting significant muzzle climb and recoil. There was no such thing. It was a real pussycat, even in a Commander-size 1911. The more I shoot .40 S&W, the more I hate it. Recoil is way too snappy, follow-up shots are extremely difficult to squeeze out, unless shooting an all-steel gun, and ammo is pricy. I've always wanted a 10mm, but haven't gotten around to one yet. I would probably just load for it using Starline brass, and a mix of paper-cutting pills as well as good tissue-blasting projectiles. It would be nice to have an M&P on the .45 frames chambered in 10mm.

[bwaites]

When I first shot 10mm, I was expecting significant muzzle climb and recoil. There was no such thing. It was a real pussycat, even in a Commander-size 1911. The more I shoot .40 S&W, the more I hate it. Recoil is way too snappy, follow-up shots are extremely difficult to squeeze out, unless shooting an all-steel gun, and ammo is pricy. I've always wanted a 10mm, but haven't gotten around to one yet. I would probably just load for it using Starline brass, and a mix of paper-cutting pills as well as good tissue-blasting projectiles. It would be nice to have an M&P on the .45 frames chambered in 10mm.]

Interesting. I haven't shot a 10mm, but I thought the .40 Short and Weak was the answer to the 10mm's propensity to be difficult to control? I actually think it is snappy, also, and prefer my .45 to my .40, and I like both over 9mm. (But I'd really love a major caliber that shot like my .22 LR P22!).

[GregP42]

Most of the time if I am hunting with a rifle I will carry either my 6" 657 or my 6 1/2" Blackhawk, both are in .41 Mag. I also hunt with them so if it is a close shot I would use them instead.

Greg

[WillD]

I have several 45 autos Colt, Kimber, H&K, but I prefer to hunt with revolvers. IMO a strong single action is best for me. I'll carry my Blackhawk Convertible 4 5/8" 45 Long Colt this year. It wears well in a truck, it's cheap & easy to shoot, and it has all the power I need hunting South/Central TX. Hot loads with heavy bullets up the ante in a hurry if needed.

I got a 6" 357 SIG barrel for my G35 recently and I'd like to see how it performs but probably not until next year. I had a wreck two days before hunting season last year and I just got off the crutches yesterday. I'm still hobbling and I intend to make up for lost time this year!

Cheers, Will

[kc215]

I can now CC my G30, but may get into trouble for finishing the job with a .45ACP, due to goofy KS hunting regs. You couldn't have a gun in your possession that wasn't of legal requirements, if rifle hunting. It was based on case length of the rounds. No firearm if bowhunting. New law passed now allows for ccw when hunting and suppressors as well.

[Whelenon]

For years I've carried a Ruger Super Blackhawk 44 mag, lately the S&W "5 629. In the north woods of WI bears and wolves are a consideration.

[Budmccarroll]

I always carry my USP 9 or my FN 5.7.

[Variable]

I pretty much always carry a Glock 23 or 22. I don't really use them for hunting, but I always cc one or the other whether hunting or not. The only exception would be when I'm in a weird mood and carry my 1911. I might switch over to a Glock 21 for off duty carry, but I'm waiting for my agency to approve the Gen 4's first.

[hm2 clark]

As a secoendary I carry my 1911 Para in .45; first 3 rounds are snake shot then fmjs. Sometimes though I carry my T/C Encore with 10 inch barrel in 6.5 Grendel. When I'm feeling really mocho, all I carry for close in work is a Gerber MkII survivor.

[z06man]

When I first shot 10mm, I was expecting significant muzzle climb and recoil. There was no such thing. It was a real pussycat, even in a Commander-size 1911. The more I shoot .40 S&W, the more I hate it. Recoil is way too snappy, follow-up shots are extremely difficult to squeeze out, unless shooting an all-steel gun, and ammo is pricy. I've always wanted a 10mm, but haven't gotten around to one yet. I would probably just load for it using Starline brass, and a mix of paper-cutting pills as well as good tissue-blasting projectiles. It would be nice to have an M&P on the .45 frames chambered in 10mm.

I'd definitely like a 10mm M&P. I own or have owned just about everything in the line. I have a EAA Witness in 10mm that I really like. I wouldn't mind trying a G20, though. Or this may be my ultimate 10mm, http://www.stiguns.com/guns/Perfect10/Perfect10.php.

[davidj]

As a secoendary I carry my 1911 Para in .45; first 3 rounds are snake shot then fmjs. Sometimes though I carry my T/C Encore with 10 inch barrel in 6.5 Grendel. When I'm feeling really mocho, all I carry for close in work is a Gerber MkII survivor.

Does the snake shot cycle the slide?

[davidj]

What you DON"T want to do if you are hunting with a handgun
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75O2lKRHW30

[LRRPF52]

I'd definitely like a 10mm M&P. I own or have owned just about everything in the line. I have a EAA Witness in 10mm that I really like. I wouldn't mind trying a G20, though. Or this may be my ultimate 10mm, http://www.stiguns.com/guns/Perfect10/Perfect10.php.

How does the EAA Witness in 10mm handle? It's an all-steel gun. Their .45 ACP steel guns are great to shoot, so I imagine the 10mm is built on a .45 frame. 15rd mags are nice...hmmmmmmm Maybe I shouldn't have seen this.

Wow, those are some very nice prices on that blaster! Mags are $23 as well. That pistol would look nice with a meltdown on the slide, and Cerakoted. I wonder if there are varying weight recoil springs available for it for tuning different loads. I really love 10mm, with the increased range and penetration advantages over other pistol calibers. I usually buy a minimum of 5 mags for every pistol that I shoot, if not more. That is an affordable package right there.

Do you reload for yours? Any die recommendations if so?

[usmc1371]

i have carried my s&w m1006 a few times. i have always been a 10mm fan. when i need a few more rounds my g22 goes on the hip.

[glane5910]

I carry either a Glock 29, 10mm or my Para-Ord LTC 45 and/or the 10mm conversion slide/bbl I did for the LTC.

[Mutt]

I normally carry my .357 when deer hunting. It's a good round to use to finish off an animal that is down but still kicking. Plus, up here in Washington state we do have bears. It's the smallest pistol caliber I would ever consider using on a bear. Plus, it's legal to use during deer (rifle) season as long as it has a 4 inch barrel.

[ARMANIAC]

Smith & Wesson .460. Enough said.

[Mutt]

I shot my buddies .460, those things are almost reduculous. The four foot fireball that comes out really messes up a follow up shot. Plus, at 7 pounds you really have to hold the thing with both hands. I'm sure it would be accurate and effective, escpecially with a scope on it.

As for the "what not to do" video, he's damn lucky he didn't kill the guy with the rifle.

[Glockzilla]

Ruger P85 9mm. If I can't shoot it, I can always beat it to death with it. :)

True. I always have a P85 in the truck, love my Ruger.

Hunting in the field I carry a Glock 20

[jwilson1985]

m9 with remington +p hollow points 16 rounds and an xtra mag....hey ww3 may start while im in the woods ya never know lol

[jwilson1985]

I shot my buddies .460, those things are almost reduculous. The four foot fireball that comes out really messes up a follow up shot. Plus, at 7 pounds you really have to hold the thing with both hands. I'm sure it would be accurate and effective, escpecially with a scope on it.

As for the "what not to do" video, he's damn lucky he didn't kill the guy with the rifle.
hey a guy that was up at ussa, wile taking a course erik ceo of loki said a guy had a 50bmg pistol, some shot it i had no desire to lol call me a wimp if you will but a 50bmg rifle is enough for me

[Whelenon]

For hunting game with I've used a T/C Contender for years. I have four barrels for it(12"-.35Rem, 14"-.17HMR, 10"-.22LR, 10"-.45LC/410). Of all the guns I own I've used this one more than anything else.

Back-up pistol, S&W 629 5".

[subman]

I always carry my 500 S&W as a back up sidearm. I'm still holding onto the hope that I will be the first person to kill a bigfoot.

[txgunner00]

G31 (.357 sig), managed a head shot on a doe at 60 yds a few years back with it. Put down a few hogs with it also.

536

Pic of said doe.:)

[Traxx]

1911 but looking for something more. Possibly a 10mm.

[Mav714]

I'm with you Greg, the 41 mag is the best of both worlds! Ruger BlackHawk for me.

[smokey27]

I think this was a nice thread idea and i really liked the responses.

I like my midsized glock 40sw because it is light weight. when you fill your hunting pack if you carry a full sized 1911 it is gonna weigh a pound or so more than the glocks and every ounce matters to me because i have a bad back and carry alot of equipment.

in texas where i hunt the two main concerns for me are hogs, rattlesnakes, and two legged varmits. I like that the 40sw you can buy rat shot, i keep a clip of it in my pack. the biggest hog i ever shot a little over 300lbs on the hoof was with that glock. i shot him right between the eyes and he fell over stone dead at 15 yards or so. I have shot hogs almost that size with the 308 in the head and it just made them mad and they came back for more lead so you never know, so I like to have high mag capacity in my rifles and guns when it comes to hogs because they can take some lead.

what handgun to carry and what caliber should depend on where you hunt and what you might have to use it for.

are you scared of 4 legged varmits or the two legged variety?
do you encounter snakes?
is weight or size of the handgun an issue?
does capacity matter?

I would trade my 40sw for a 10mm if they made factory rat/snake shot loads. I am also tempted to get a 44 mag or a judge, but they weigh more and carry less ammo than my glock, but the pack a bigger punch for snakes and hogs....

[StoneTower]

Has anyone looked into the .460 Rowland

http://www.clarkcustomguns.com/rowland.htm

44 magnum performance out of a compensated 1911 package. It uses special brass that is slightly longer than standard 45 ACP for safety, but uses standard magazines because loaded OAL is the same. It uses standard 45 ACP dies for loading and some of the same bullets (bullets must be able to withstand much higher velocity).

I want to convert a nice Kimber 1911 into a portable hand cannon :)

[Resevoir Dog]

10mm Witness Hunter 1911. Honady 180 gr JHP. Just like American Express... I don't leave home with out it!

[davidj]

Has anyone looked into the .460 Rowland

http://www.clarkcustomguns.com/rowland.htm

44 magnum performance out of a compensated 1911 package. It uses special brass that is slightly longer than standard 45 ACP for safety, but uses standard magazines because loaded OAL is the same. It uses standard 45 ACP dies for loading and some of the same bullets (bullets must be able to withstand much higher velocity).

I want to convert a nice Kimber 1911 into a portable hand cannon :)

287 power factor...I like the concept.

[fanofflyn]

I carry a T/C contender in 6.5 Grendel.

[Texas Sheepdawg]

In the past, I would carry my S&W 586 6" 357 Magnum with handloaded Sierra 180Grain flat points. I worked up this load for the possibility of encountering a bear while mule deer hunting up in Colorado back in the mid 1990s. It served me well on a wounded mulie that I walked up on in 1997. Recently, I have carried my Colt 1991-A1 Commander on several trips. This year, I bought another Glock, a G21. This will most likely be my sidearm now. During squirrel season, I sometimes carry my Ruger MKII pistol or my Glock G26.
Also, I must agree with some of the reports on the 40S&Ws' snappy muzzle flip. While not as noticeable on the Glock family of the 40S&W pistols, I have shot the XDs and a few other brand pistols chambered for this cartridge and found the muzzle flip very disagreeable to my personal tastes. My cousins' 40S&W XD flips worse than any of my Glocks or my Commander. It may have to do with the barrel height as oriented to the frame, but it seems that where the XD is trying to torque upward, my Glocks seem to generate less upward motion and more of a rearward push. The S&W Sigma seems to have a little less flip, but it too is more pronounced as compared to the 40S&W Glocks I have shot. It is just my personal opinion, but I find the 1911s and the Glocks more comfortable to shoot and recoil management is easier to control.

[davidj]

T It is just my personal opinion, but I find the 1911s and the Glocks more comfortable to shoot and recoil management is easier to control.
Mine too.
What .45 load do you use for hunting(trips)?

[Texas Sheepdawg]

Mine too.
What .45 load do you use for hunting(trips)?
Eldorado Starfires 230 Grain HP or Hornady 185 Gr XTP.
Handloads.

[Alex4922]

I too have a Witness in 10mm. My first 10 was the Glock model 20 gen 1 which was great,accurate and dependable. I was a 1911 fan however and the Glock grip/slide angle bugged me. The Witness points perfectly for me and has been flawless (except for .40 s&w target rounds the Glock ate like candy). I gotta break down and get some tritiums fitted. "Irons without glow gotta go" (sorry)

All this said my 62 year old eyes won't let me hunt with pistol irons so usually I only carry a Keltec P32 for the Coup. Any other problem my old 6.5 Swede will handle fine.

Cheers...Alex

[Whelenon]

From another guy with tired eyes, I highly recommend the XS Sight Systems
http://xssights.com/index.php?nID=sights&cID=Sights&pID=sights
I put these on my 1911 and for a carry/defensive sight they're very good.

[pinzgauer]

What .45 load do you use for hunting(trips)?

I thought I'd use .45 for local hog hunting until I started shooting at 25 & 50 yards at the IHMSA range. Even with hot 185g .45 loads the drop even at 25 yds was astounding, and at 50 largely unusable compared to the alternatives like 10mm.

All pistols are compromises at longer ranges, but .45 is still at a disadvantage compared to others. Especially for game like hogs where good shot placement is critical.

The exception would be for tree stand hunting over trails where shots would not exceed 5-10 yards, etc.

[swampcrawler]

HK45. (No not a usp 45, the hk45. Different gun. You wouldn't believe how many people have tried to correct me on that)

[Smoke]

I carry a T/C contender in 6.5 Grendel.
where did you find a 6.5 grendel barrel ?

I would be very interested in getting one

Thanks

[hm2 clark]

I have a couple Grendel barrels from MGM (Match Grade Machine). I like them. I think they had a couple of Grendel rifle barrels in stock just last week. Who knows, they may be willing to shorten one for you.

[fanofflyn]

http://sskindustries.com/6-5-grendel

Mine was extremely accurate. I am currently having them build me an Encore barrel in 6.5 Creedmoor for next year's hunt, since I'll be hunting at longer range.

[SChunter]

I've transitioned to hunting primarily with handguns - revolvers from .357 to .500WE, auto's in 10mm and .45, single shots in Contenders, Encores and XP-100's...but my first Grendel is en route to my FFL. Thanks Santa!

That's 2 long guns in 6.5 calibers in the past 2 years (Rem 700 in 6.5/284 last year) - looks like I'm slipping ;)