Handgun Hunting - Decisions Decisions Decisions

[Rocnerd]

Ok, so I would like to try and take my next hog with a handgun.  Problem is all my revolvers were .357, and while I know I could use this, I'm not confident that would be the best caliber for taking a thick skinned heavy boned wild boar.  

I know I want a Ruger Super Blackhawk, and thought I wanted a .41 mag.  Now I'm not so sure.  What do you guys think?  .41 mag or .44 mag?  

[Aglifter]

Russian boars/European wild boar or feral hogs?  For Russians, personally, I'd want a 454 casull -- they are VERY tough.  Also, what size hogs?  The Russians on our place got up to the 400-500# range -- I don't think you want to go below 44 mag, but that's just me...  Good part about a 454 is you can always shoot 45 LC out of it for practice.

[theirishguard]

I would also go with the .454, it is fun shooting .45LC out of it.
Tom

[Richard S]

Roc:

If I were going to stand before a charging wild boar with a handgun as my hunting weapon, I think I would prefer to have one of the S&W X-Frame Model 500 Magnums:

http://www.shootingtimes.com/handgun_reviews/monster_1103/

As we used to say in Germany, "Weitmanns heil!"  

[Rocnerd]

Well isn't that just like gun enthusiasts!  I ask about two specific calibers and you guys give me two additional ones not on the list!    How is a person supposed to make up his mind?  LOL!  Well, I've only shot a .454 Casull once and at this point I think the .44 magnum is plenty for me.  I think the .500 is a little too big, though the .460 would be very versatile since you can shoot the .460, .454, and .45 LC out of one platform.  

The hogs I'm after are whatever is running around Lake Okeechobee and are most likely a mixed bunch, so chances are just as good for a 300-400 lb Russian as a 100-200 lb run of the mill feral hog.  The last time out I know the one I killed was a feral (it was black and white) but the largest hog killed by a friend was probably pushing 300 lbs and had some impressive size teeth.  

I guess I have pretty much decided on the .44 mag because of the round selection and availability, not to mention a little more power is welcome.  

Oh, and Richard, if a 200+ lb hog is heading for me I'll be getting out of its way looking for the nearest tree to put between me and that ill tempered beastie.  

[theirishguard]

Roc, smart move in getting out its way. A .44 mag is minium.
Tom

[Richard S]

Roc:

Of course, there is always this option:

http://www.dealerease.net/catalog/product.asp?pid=8214&ret_id=139995

 

[Rocnerd]

I saw a couple of those at the gun show this weekend.  I'll stick to firearms for now and the near and distant future thank-you.

[Billmack]

Roc,

I believe a .44 Magnum with the right load, in the right hands is a great “Hog Gun”.

This is my S&W 629. Clark Custom Guns preformed their magic and transformed it into a Hunter.

A Leopold / Gilmore Red dot sits on top.

The Ammo is Garrett 310-gr. SuperHard Cast Hammerhead. (1325 fps)

Regards,

Bill

[theirishguard]

Bill, what a great looking wheel gun for hunting.
Tom

[DTM_39]

Richard ,  How do you reload that thing  Roc,  I've never hunted with a handgun so can't help you there.  I do have a Dan Wesson 357  with a scope that I shoot pretty well.  Never seems to be what I'm carrying when I leave the house.  I always figure if I walk out without a rifle thats when old BIG BUCK will show up at 125 yards.  Dan

[Richard S]

Bill:

What a beautiful revolver!  Clark Custom Guns really works "magic" on a gun!  I've previously posted photos of my Clark-customized Colt 1911.  They can truly transform a "Plain Jane" issue gun into a spendid work of art.

[Billmack]

Richard,

Your so right. They do outstanding work.

I've had Clark work on a number of my guns including a 1911.

Always happy with their work.

Regards,

Bill

[R9SCarry]

I would like to do some hog hunting - won't happen here tho!

Re .44 mag - indeed that would work pretty well - but it's worth checking on hog anatomy - a site somewhere has a chart which helps - shot placement will be worth taking care over.

So for me, in .44 mag I'd use my long tube SRH.  From choice tho I'd actually want to use my BFR (45-70) - it will NOT leave a hog standing, I very much doubt.

[Rocnerd]

Bill, that is one nice Smith.  

Chris, optimal shot placement is between eye and ear.  My friend has shot hogs with his Marlin .45-70 and always anchored them.  He used his .41 magnum Blackhawk last time out with very good results.  I have only used my .30-30 and since most shots are in fairly close while stalking through the palmettos I thought a handgun would be fun as well as challenging.