Choices for feral hog whilst walking the dog
- Thread starter Tortuga12
- Start date
Think I've found a solution!
http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=291
Keith style bullet, good velocity/power, and fits in my M-15! Don't think I'll be firing many of them, but sure is a lot cheaper than a new Ruger! Now, what to spend that money on instead...
http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=291
Keith style bullet, good velocity/power, and fits in my M-15! Don't think I'll be firing many of them, but sure is a lot cheaper than a new Ruger! Now, what to spend that money on instead...
The presence of a handgun can make the difference.
Animals can sense fear. Pick up a rock at a charging dog and they will back down 90% of the time. I had a rottweiler charge me and I grabbed a tire iron from the back of my truck, turned around, and the dogs attitude suddenly changed.
I've encountered several bears while hiking. In two of these encounters the bears didn't get the memo about being afraid of humans. One stubborn old black bear wouldn't move from the trail until I clicked the action on my rifle. The other didn't move till the 357 was removed from the holster.
I've read articles that say, "Handguns don't really make a difference in preventing serious-injury/fatal attacks". This maybe true, but only the attacks that lead to serious injury or death get printed.
Growing up in Northwest Montana, near the Canadian border, I've heard hundreds of stories that never made the press. One in particular, My buddy was out hunting and noticed a cougar up on distant ridge. He didn't pay it much mind and left it alone; half hour later he turned around in the trail to find him 10 feet away in full stalking mode. He pulled out his 629 and shot in the general direction and it took off. Another story of an attack that didn't happen. We don't have feral hogs here in Montana, but I'm sure they have the senses of other animals.
I guess what I'm trying to say is, just the presence of handgun can change a persons demeanor, giving out an air of confidence.
Sorry for rambling, but this post brought back some forgotten memories.
Animals can sense fear. Pick up a rock at a charging dog and they will back down 90% of the time. I had a rottweiler charge me and I grabbed a tire iron from the back of my truck, turned around, and the dogs attitude suddenly changed.
I've encountered several bears while hiking. In two of these encounters the bears didn't get the memo about being afraid of humans. One stubborn old black bear wouldn't move from the trail until I clicked the action on my rifle. The other didn't move till the 357 was removed from the holster.
I've read articles that say, "Handguns don't really make a difference in preventing serious-injury/fatal attacks". This maybe true, but only the attacks that lead to serious injury or death get printed.
Growing up in Northwest Montana, near the Canadian border, I've heard hundreds of stories that never made the press. One in particular, My buddy was out hunting and noticed a cougar up on distant ridge. He didn't pay it much mind and left it alone; half hour later he turned around in the trail to find him 10 feet away in full stalking mode. He pulled out his 629 and shot in the general direction and it took off. Another story of an attack that didn't happen. We don't have feral hogs here in Montana, but I'm sure they have the senses of other animals.
I guess what I'm trying to say is, just the presence of handgun can change a persons demeanor, giving out an air of confidence.
Sorry for rambling, but this post brought back some forgotten memories.
riomedinamike
New member
I don't pay much attention to statistics, as I have been charged twice by big hogs. The first time, i was deer hunting, it had become dusk, and I was climbing out of the treestand. Maybe the big 375 pound boar didn't see me, but he was coming straight at me, and very fast. For me, everything went into slow motion, and as I was shooting, the scene from the old tv show (it had just come out then) where one of the kids was killed by a charging boar came into my mind.
It took 3 shots from my 30-06, and I distinctly remember each shot, and the boar collapsed from the third shot to the head about 10 feet away from me. My parents and ranch hands, who were about 500 yds away, all said they only heard one "big" shot - I was shooting fast.
The second charge wasn't so exciting, but they have had a profound effect on me.
I always go armed when outdoors, and carry a caliber that starts with a 4. Penetration to the vitals is the key, and it may seem counter-intuitive, but a keith, or wide flat nose, long flat nose, all penetrate more deeply with the correct loads than a 30-06 with 150 grain Remington "core-locks" (ok, this was before I handloaded and we didn't have all the super premium bullets easily available).
For my use, I rely on S&W N-framed revolvers, but in deference to Ted Nugent, I also sometimes have a Glock 20 10mm with me.
Whatever you decide, you will need to practice a one-handed draw plus shooting with one hand since you will likely be pulled by one scared and skinny dog.
I have had many more encounters, however, with feral dogs and coyotes than hogs. A 357 or even a 22 mag works ok with feral dogs, but you don't get to choose your circumstances, so you should carry the largest caliber you can practice with often and shoot well.
It took 3 shots from my 30-06, and I distinctly remember each shot, and the boar collapsed from the third shot to the head about 10 feet away from me. My parents and ranch hands, who were about 500 yds away, all said they only heard one "big" shot - I was shooting fast.
The second charge wasn't so exciting, but they have had a profound effect on me.
I always go armed when outdoors, and carry a caliber that starts with a 4. Penetration to the vitals is the key, and it may seem counter-intuitive, but a keith, or wide flat nose, long flat nose, all penetrate more deeply with the correct loads than a 30-06 with 150 grain Remington "core-locks" (ok, this was before I handloaded and we didn't have all the super premium bullets easily available).
For my use, I rely on S&W N-framed revolvers, but in deference to Ted Nugent, I also sometimes have a Glock 20 10mm with me.
Whatever you decide, you will need to practice a one-handed draw plus shooting with one hand since you will likely be pulled by one scared and skinny dog.
I have had many more encounters, however, with feral dogs and coyotes than hogs. A 357 or even a 22 mag works ok with feral dogs, but you don't get to choose your circumstances, so you should carry the largest caliber you can practice with often and shoot well.
Hunting hogs and defending yourself against a hog are two different scenarios. For hunting, a revolver of a sufficient caliber works. For defense, you want a lot of firepower quickly.
I recommend a good quality M1911 filled with .45 Super ammo.
http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=15
I recommend a good quality M1911 filled with .45 Super ammo.
http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=15
Captain Awesome
Inactive
In such a situation I would be glad to have my 4 inch S&W 629(44mag) with me. I am lucky in one respect all we have to deal with in the swine department are shy javelina, down here in the desert in AZ.
Just realized this is my first post here. Done a lot of surfing on these forums but guess I never posted.
Just realized this is my first post here. Done a lot of surfing on these forums but guess I never posted.
If I were concerned about feral hogs when I walk my dog, I'd pick a different time and location to walk my dog. Downtown at noon ought not result in any problems with fereal hogs. If I am out walking with my dog in the foothills I carry my S&W 329PD, a .44 magnum light weight revolver. Easy to carry, but tough for me to shoot .44 magnum loads with. So, I carry Buffalo Bore Heavy .44 Spl loads in it.
I was was really worried about big feral hogs on the loose and had to be out in the wilderness with them, I'd take my Desert Eagle in .44 magnum and load it with Buffalo Bore Heavy .44 Magnum Ammo - 300 gr. J.F.N. (1,300 fps/M.E. 1,126 ft. lbs.). It is heavy, but easier to carry than a rifle.
I was was really worried about big feral hogs on the loose and had to be out in the wilderness with them, I'd take my Desert Eagle in .44 magnum and load it with Buffalo Bore Heavy .44 Magnum Ammo - 300 gr. J.F.N. (1,300 fps/M.E. 1,126 ft. lbs.). It is heavy, but easier to carry than a rifle.
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TheNocturnus
New member
I'm glad I don't have to worry about feral hogs (yet) where I live.
I just have to worry about feral people. I would say the a .357 mag or a .44 mag would be more than sufficient.
I just have to worry about feral people. I would say the a .357 mag or a .44 mag would be more than sufficient.
