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Post by littlejoe on Jun 18, 2011 8:31:05 GMT -5
Two years ago I was bow hunting when I saw a large black cat. I don't know what it was and supposedly whatever it is doesn't exist in Va. Needless to say I got the heck out of the woods. Last year I thought about that cat every time I hunted. This coming season I will have a handgun with me when I bowhunt. I believe it will be a Glock 10 mm. I have always been a revolver guy, but I think 15+1 will allow for a few excited misses. Do any of you guys use a semi-auto for your trail gun?
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Post by wilmsmeyer on Jun 19, 2011 7:07:02 GMT -5
In my state (NY) it is illegal to carry a handgun while bowhunting. Not sure why. We have some DUMB laws. (Like the one that says we can use a handgun at least .35 cal with a 4" barrel...making a .380 auto legal during gun season)
But there have been instances where I have carried a handgun anyway due to certain critters that I have seen or known about being around. (A mountain lion sighting, a lone coyote that wasn't scared and approached one of our guys in the dark, and a rouge long horn steer that escaped but hung around a place I was bowhunting) Good reasons in my opinion. Never seen a bear yet, but this year one got in my back yard and raised a little hell with my birdfeeders.
Your idea on an auto and needing a few extra shots due to "excitement" is fair...as long as the gun doesn't jamb on the first shot. A nice .44 auto mag would be good. Lots of noise and a big punch. A flawless operating .45 auto would be good as well and may be more packable.
I prefer a packable revolver in at least .357. Having big cats around is my worst fear because if one wanted you for supper, he could surely pounce on you from a tree in the dark and you would never have a chance to get your weapon out until several bites and scratches were administered. Unlikely...but that would be a worst case scenario hard to prepare for in the dark.
Good luck with your choice
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Post by thelefthand on Jun 19, 2011 8:07:10 GMT -5
Until recently, it was illegal to carry while bow hunting here in IN as well, but that has finally been corrected. Having said that, I have carried my 45 with me for several years now. IMHO a 10mm would be an ideal choice. One of these days, when all the bills are paid, I really want a full set of Kimbers, AND I want 10mm barrels for all of them A 400 Corbon would be almost identical to the 10mm. I carry in a strong side holster under my outer jacket. The law says that ours have to be concealed, but I carry that way to keep any glare from affecting my deer hunting. I have used my 45 on a few coyotes and coons over the years. I know that decent sized deer have been killed with .357 Sig loads, and 45 loads at reasonable distances.
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Post by jims on Jun 19, 2011 9:33:26 GMT -5
Certainly a 10mm would be more than adequate but you are already well equipped if you have a .45. As I understand cats don't need too big a caliber to be killed if hit in the right area.
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Post by pposey on Jun 20, 2011 14:26:10 GMT -5
10 mm is a great round have a couple of the glocks in that cal and have killed a deer or 2 , a couple hogs and a few other critters
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Post by Rifleman on Jun 20, 2011 15:02:34 GMT -5
I don't think in a cat attack having extra round to account for misses would be of much value. A cat attacks with such speed your are not likely to get the chance. You will likely win or lose the fight before the gun runs dry. However there is always chance and the 10mm Glock is a dandy choice, so if you like it, go for it.
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Post by littlejoe on Jun 21, 2011 14:58:25 GMT -5
Rifleman, I used to carry a five shot .357 snubby with me,but didn't feel the need to anymore. I asked the game warden about the big cat, and he told me if you see it, shoot it anytime of year. When I saw the cat I was on the ground behind a stump of a fallen tree and it was 40 yards away closing. I drew back on my bow and it disappeared behind a big oak. I assume it went up the tree. I think the 10mm will be better than the snub if I were to get a shot 20,30 or 40 yards out. I have even thought about putting a C-more sight on it. I guess I am looking for offense more than defense.
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Post by pposey on Jun 21, 2011 15:18:46 GMT -5
If nothing else a couple quick shots will scare be bejesus out of most critters and the 10mm is plenty loud
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Post by artjr338wm on Sept 9, 2011 15:33:52 GMT -5
IMHO considering that buying a semi-auto in anything more powerful than a 10mm has 2 big draw backs; #1- requires you spend HUGE $$$ on a IMI Desert eagle or other ultra expencive similar magnum semi-autos #2-They are EXTREMELY heavy.
A 10mm Glock gives you, IIRC, 16 rounds of 10mm to deal with any unpleasantly you might encounter, be of the four legged, or two legged verity (the far more dangerous of the two). And unless you hunt in the few places in the lower 48 that are Griz country, the 10mm should be more than adequate protection.
10mm would be my first choice over all other semi-auto calibers. If I could pack any HG while hunting in Griz country I would choose the Ruger Alaskan snub nose in 454 Casell.
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Post by toosensitive on Sept 20, 2011 18:48:18 GMT -5
Illinois' policy is to allow wild animals to eat us or be murdered by crack heads. Who needs protection when you live in such a safe state. Only allowed to hunt with a side arm during deer firearm season. I then bring my 'Dirty Harry' with me.
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Post by Rifleman on Sept 22, 2011 5:01:40 GMT -5
I have owned 3 Desert Eagles in 44 mag. One I never even shot, the other two I shot alot. The IMI desert eagles I have heard are better then the USA made ones. I learned some things from my two IMI models. First off they were very accurate, more so then any of the Ruger or Smith revolvers I have owned, which has been several. However they are more difficult to shoot well due to the weight, the triggers, and the size which makes them difficult to shoot well. From the bench tighter groups were the norm, but this seemed to be lost once you left the bench. Not alot of good holster options are available for the DE, and I don't think a fast draw is much of an option. Scoped it does make a decent hunting handgun, but I always felt I could shoot better in the field with my revolvers. The DE are gas operated and are set up for 240 or heavier bullets. They function fine with them but choke on 180's as the pressure curve does not last long enough for the gun to cycle every time. I was able to get the guns to function with 200 gr handloads. I enjoyed owning and working with the DE's but I finally sold them as they were just to big and heavy to really enjoy. A bigger man might find them to be the ticket but not me.
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Post by spaniel on Nov 26, 2011 17:12:44 GMT -5
Outside of griz country, I don't feel under-gunned carrying my Glock 23 (40SW). Cougars are not any harder to shoot through than a man and the 40SW is a proven adequate on 2-legged critters.
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gregk
8 Pointer
Posts: 159
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Post by gregk on Jul 4, 2012 21:13:01 GMT -5
I carry a 45GAP for a back up & when I hunt with a handgun, its a Ruger SBH Bisley Hunter 44 mag
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