I'm still looking for a handgun (preferable double action revolver) to hunt with. But my problem is I can't choose one, and can't buy em all so where's a good place to start? Barrel length, caliber, and sights are all undecided but I think I want iron sights (maybe patridge) and a 44 or 41. But I'm undecided.
Pretty late to be making this decision for this season. No time to practice unless you're a natural.
Barrel length.... 6" or longer. I might go 5.5" with a Redhawk, but no shorter.
I'll cut to the chase. Make a choice. You can always get another gun next year or the year after. 41 mag or larger. Nothing wrong with 41 mag and you can find ammunition. You just have to look for it. I used a 8 3/8" M57 (41 mag) with factory irons and felt confident with it at normal ranges (to 50 yes). Beyond that, I hit "close", but not good enough for hunting or consistant enough. I would take a 75 yd shot as my "close" was pop can close for the most part.
Stepped up to a SRH in 480 Ruger. My feeling was I wanted something that allowed me some margin of error. I like the caliber and it will take any game in North America loaded properly.
You will note I was still set on a DA revolver..... like you.... I would shoot 20 rounds at the range and my nerves would be shot.... the experts suggest you limit your practice to about 20 rounds or so per shooting outing.
Got a 6.5" BFR in 475/480 (single action). Other than 22's, it was pretty much the only SA revolver I have shot. You don't need a double action revolver PERIOD for big game hunting. There are few followup shots unless the game is down, gets back up, and you have time with a SA for that.
(I do have a Blackhawk in 41 mag, but have only shot it a few times as I like the M57's (4" and 8 3/8") more.) I just haven't taken the time to learn to shoot it well, beyond... yep it works.
I suggest you go SA in a Ruger Hunter model (or just a Black Hawk) or BFR for cost and shooting comfort. The SA is much much more comfortable to shoot in 480 Ruger than the SRH ever was. Instead of being beat up after 20 rounds, I could shoot 50 rounds at the range without getting the shakes. Get a single action! The same applies to 41, 44, and hot 45's, but it takes more rounds.
Mount a Red Dot or scope on it. Practice practice practice. Get a monopod to shoot off of when you are on the gound. Take no shots that you don't have some sort of rest unless the game is 20 yds away and a quick shot. If you mount a scope, you'll suddenly realize just how shakey you really are with your aim.
Get a chest holster (bandoleer-Uncle Mikes still make them.) They work well. That is one of the cheaper options and these revolvers get heavy on the belt (any belt).
If you plan on taking shots over 40-50 yds, mount a scope or red dot. It will help increase you accuracy and boost your confidence. Now, you're good to 100 yds or so or the reasonable range of the caliber you choose. Practice to at least 25 yds less than your expected longest shot (preferrably the whole distance). In the woods, that is usually 75 yds or less.
Good luck. The clock is ticking for this season. You will probably discover you aren't ready for this year and use a rifle instead.
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One shot...2 steps..fall over. Complete penetration on a broadside shot with a 240gr HP.
