This post was originally published here.
I’m not sure what caused me to go down the handgun hunting road. However, if I had to guess, it was gun writer Bob Milek who steered me in that direction. I read everything he ever wrote. In turn, I was shooting hunting handguns, or “hand cannons,” long before I could legally own one.
My History of Hunting with Hand Cannons
Much of my hunting was varmints, as handguns hadn’t become legal for deer hunting in Ohio, where I grew up. However, instead of shooting prairie dogs like Milek, I shot the eastern version…groundhogs.
The Thompson/Center Contender was my best friend. I would scout the local fields with binoculars until I spotted a ‘hog’ and spend 15 minutes getting everything set up just right, until I squeezed the trigger. My longest shot was three yards shy of 350 yards.
Fast forward several years, my first head of big game, a whitetail, taken with a handgun in North Carolina, was chambered in 30-30 WCF. It’s a wonderful rifle cartridge and an even better handgun cartridge.
A month later, I took another whitetail, this time with a .44 Magnum. I have since taken more whitetails with a handgun than with any other method.
I had been bitten hard by the “hand cannon” bug and rarely carried anything else for years.
So, what constitutes a hand cannon? To me, it’s any handgun capable of taking big game. Semi-auto, revolver, bolt action, or single shot all qualify in my book.
Let’s take a look at the elements of these hand cannons.
Semi-Autos
Semi-autos, while not thought to be a hunting handgun, do have a few viable offerings. A state may mandate barrel length and/or caliber choice with any handgun. The Magnum Research Desert Eagle, 1911 and its clones, Glocks, or even an AR pistol can make excellent hunting handguns.
Revolvers
Revolvers are probably the most popular handguns for hunting. They are accurate and provide a relatively quick follow-up shot if needed. In addition, they are available in an array of calibers suitable for big game.
Many hunters prefer a single-action revolver like the Magnum Research BFR or the Ruger Blackhawk. However, others prefer a double action like the Smith & Wesson X frame, Taurus Raging Hunter, Ruger Super Redhawk.
Bolt Action
Bolt-action handguns offer hunters unsurpassed accuracy like their big brothers. These short rifles have been offered sporadically by a handful of manufacturers. In the past, Remington, Weatherby, and Savage, as well as a few others, have produced bolt-action handguns.
Bolt-action handguns are available in many different calibers, limited only by the length of the action itself. Currently, the Savage PCS is the only offering.
Single Shot
Single shots offer hunters accuracy and versatility. One of the biggest draws for me with the Contender was the availability of barrels and the ease of switching them. Thompson Center has recently reemerged and is re-introducing the Encore and the G2 Contender in an array of calibers, with even more planned to be released.
Other single-shot handguns include the Rossi Brawler.
Caliber Selection/ Bullet Selection
Caliber and its down-range energy should be the deciding factor if a caliber is truly a big game handgun cartridge. Many states restrict calibers. For example, Ohio states the cartridge must be .357 caliber or larger, and the case must be straight-walled. Other states have no such requirements and allow any centerfire cartridge.
That said, the old adage “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should” comes into play. The shorter barrel on a handgun reduces the velocity of the bullet leaving the barrel, which in turn also reduces muzzle energy.
You owe it to the animal you are hunting to use enough cartridge with enough energy to quickly and humanely dispatch that animal. This means limiting your shots to 35-50 yards for a pistol cartridge and using well-constructed bullets like the Hornady XTP or the Barnes XPB bullets.
Handgun cartridges such as the .44 magnum offer hunters plenty of knockdown power. However, shots should still be limited to 100 yards. This is a pretty good poke for most revolvers.
Rifle calibers, where legal, can be used to extend the ranges you can take big game with a hand cannon. Keep in mind that the shorter barrel will reduce velocities and muzzle energy.
The .44 Magnum and its big brother, the .445 Super Mag, are two of my favorite handgun cartridges. I have shot a lot of these and have confidence in them. I also like the 30-30 Winchester and the 7-30 Waters (a 30-30 necked down to 7mm).
Optics
Though many handgun hunters shoot open sights, I prefer some sort of optic, whether a red dot or a scope. The only problem I have with a red dot is that the dot tends to bloom and cover more of the target than I prefer. Additionally, there is a chance of the battery going dead.
A good quality handgun scope can take a little practice to become accustomed to the long eye relief. However, once you overcome this, an optic is the only way to go. Burris and Leupold handgun scopes are some of the finest you can mount on your handgun in either fixed or variable power.
When mounting a scope on your handgun, be mindful of manipulating the hammer—the scope often impedes this action. A hammer spur attached to the hammer allows the hammer to be cocked even when a scope is mounted.
Carrying your Hand Cannon
Many handguns can be carried in a holster used for everyday carry. However, most hand cannon shooters would be better suited with a holster that completely supports the handgun. Preferably one with a strap to keep the handgun in place. The last thing you want is to have your handgun fall out when climbing into your stand.
Optics present another problem and require an even larger holster. I tried a holster early on when I first started shooting handguns and discovered a sling works better for me. Some manufacturers even equip their handguns, including revolvers, with sling swivel studs.
Shooting the Hand Cannon
When hunting with a hand cannon, I prefer shooting from some sort of a rest, even a makeshift rest. I made shots standing upright, but most of these shots were under 50 yards. If you want to stretch the range, find a support.
When shooting from a hard bench, a sandbag under the grip keeps the handgun steady, making longer shots more successful.
When my brother-in-law bought his S&W Model 29, he could not shoot it accurately. His hands were barely big enough to hold it, and the big wood grips would cut into his hands. I recommended a set of aftermarket grips, and instantly, the revolver became one of his favorite guns to shoot.
The prerequisite of owning a new Contender was installing a set of Pachmayr grips along with the matching forearm.
Handgun hunting is not for everyone. It can be downright frustrating and takes a lot of practice. But once you are successful, you may never hunt with a rifle again.
The post Big Bore Blasters: Big Game Hunting with Hand Cannons appeared first on Athlon Outdoors Exclusive Firearm Updates, Reviews & News.
