Gun Dog Forum

I know its off of the bird dog subject but have a question. I am looking to get a handgun to deer hunt with and really like the ruger SP101 with 4.2 inch barrel. (cause I can't afford a redhawk) does anyone have any suggestions on the SP101 for deer hunting.

I wish I could help you with that model, but I've never owned it. I'm sure it would be fine though. Especially as a 50 yard and under type handgun. I do prefer a slightly longer barrel for steadiness and range. But that's just what fits me. I own a Smith model 657 and its a really nice deer pistol. Bought it on my 21st birthday, nearly 15 years ago.

I own a savage striker in 7mm 08 with a Harris bi pod and a scope not your Carry type pistol, but it's a great deer gun and fun to shoot, I can shoot better group with it then my rifle

I am not sure about your SP101, but mine is only 3" bbl, and fixed sights. If that was my chosen platform to hunt with, I would look at the Ruger GP100.

I have used my dads GP100 with hand loads to take both deer and coyotes to about 50yds.

Jim

I used to do a good bit of pistol shooting, mostly metallic silhouette, but some hunting. A Thompson-Center Condender or Encore is hard to beat for price or accuracy, many good cartridges that will extend your range to 100 yards even with just the 10" barrel. Most will not practice enough to become accomplshed with a pistol, but the gun can shoot 6" groups off hand out to 100 meters if you do your part.

Neil wrote:I used to do a good bit of pistol shooting, mostly metallic silhouette, but some hunting. A Thompson-Center Condender or Encore is hard to beat for price or accuracy, many good cartridges that will extend your range to 100 yards even with just the 10" barrel. Most will not practice enough to become accomplshed with a pistol, but the gun can shoot 6" groups off hand out to 100 meters if you do your part.

I like T/C for hunting, the great thing about the gun is you can pick your poison in terms of hunting cartridge, and practice using a .22 barrel on the same platform.

If you are hunting from a tree stand and shots are under 50 yd it's probably ok. I've never shot a deer with anything smaller than a .41 mag (Love my S & W Mod 57). I'd save my $ and get a bigger gun.