Revolver versus Semi-autos.

[Adam Helmer]

I like handguns; both revolvers and semi-autos. Here in PA. we are not allowed to hunt with semi-auto pistols, but revolvers are ok. The semi-auto hunting ban extends to rifles in PA, but surprisingly not for shotguns, go figure.

I just tested a dozen new magazines for 3 pistols and culled out one from each group of 4 new mags that were returned. I hunt with revolvers here in PA and would like to hunt squirrels with the Ruger Mark I and Mark II.

The revolver is old technology, but it has a lot going for it still today, in my opinion. On the other hand, my M1911 feeds and functions with monotonous reliability, with good magazines.

Given a choice of one over the other, what would you select?

Adam

[Dan Morris]

Adam, Colo says min 4" barrel length way around this is 50yde factory energy rating. I'll have to get home to get the exact FTLBS/ no shoulder stocks..
Dan

OK, min of 4" barrel/min of .24, must produce 550 ftlbs at 50 yds as rated by mfg......this applies to big game. Small game simply says no shoulder stock.
Dan

[Mr. 16 gauge]

Depends on what I am hunting.....If it's small game (usually rabbits or squirrels), I opt for my Ruger Mk II semiauto pistol; if it's big game, then my .357 Colt Trooper Mk III or S&W 29 in .44 mag gets the nod.

[Jack]

I prefer autos, for no real logical reason. They just seem more comfortable to me, although I use revolvers, too.
Nothing else seems to fit my hand and have all the controls in exactly the right place, working exactly the right way, as a 1911.
I haven't hunted big game with a handgun for quite a few years, but I do sometimes hunt small game with handguns. A 22 autoloader works nicely for squirrels, and I sometimes take the 1911 for squirrels, too, just for giggles.

[gumpokc]

Here in oklahoma, it's pretty much what was said above, minimum barrel length, and minimum power rating for big game.

small game is basically .22's

but for a "backup" pistol during deer season for example, to give a "coup de grace" i think it can be almost anything.

I never worried about it much, since i always carry either my .357 or 10mm both of which are capable of ebing used by themselves.
Usually the .357, with 5 ratshots in it, if i need it for a coupdegrace, i have plenty of time to reload it.

[Contenderizer]

Given that we are talking about hunting, I believe there is only one logical answer to your question: Revolver. I say this because of the wide selection of barrel lengths, and ammo available for revolvers that are simply not an option in most semi-autos. There are few hunting loads for the 45 ACP, as an example.

Of course there are exceptions, especially in the smaller calibers. But, in general, I believe the revolver makes more sense if you are starting from scratch or have a choice.

Having said that, the Contender kicks butt over either.

[wrenchman]

revolver when i am hunting big game i do cary a small semi when bow hunting that is my ccw i am not alowed to kill with it.

[Adam Helmer]

Contenderizer,

Actually, I was wondering about handgun choice for gerneral use, hunting and plinking. I have a pair of Ruger .22 SAs that are not legal for hunting in PA, they are the Mark I and Mark II.

My house gun is a M1911 and I like to hunt with the .357s and .44 Magnum Smiths and Ruger .41 Magnum. I agree, the Contender has far more choices for great hunting calibers.

Adam

[Dom]

Boy, lot of fairly, I guess I'd say strange laws on books depending on where you're at. For big game hunting definitely I'd use revolver. But there are a lot of other circumstances where that's not the best choice. In Germany we cannot 'hunt' with any handgun, but we may carry whatever we want for the killing shot, which means you have wounded an animal and found it and can then shoot it with pistol or revolver. In these cases a 9mm shoulder holster is easy and out of the way. For small game I see no harm with a Ruger Mark II or something similar. Waidmannsheil, Dom.

[Rapier]

You can build a lot of money into a good rifle and have it not shoot as good as a 10" TC. But then you have the XL and BF and MOA, etc., etc. For the money, the TC.

The question was about autos and revolvers. Well, I carry an auto and hunt small game and medium game with a revolver. I shoot both well so it is just a matter of choice.
Ed