Hunting with Both Rifle and Handgun?

drifter · 02-18-2004, 02:11 PM

So - I was wondering whether anyone used both their rifle and a handgun when hunting deer or elk? I know there are alot of handgun hunters out there. Most that I know use only the handgun.

It seems that you could have the best of both worlds - you could use your rifle (with high powered scope) for all shots over say 75 yards, but use a handgun for short shots, in the brush, etc. If fact, I would think the handgun would be the better weapon at short range. I always have trouble with my scope tracking animals at short range - especially when a quick shot is necessary.

Anyone hunt this way? Also, glad to hear why this is a bad idea? Thanks, in advance and good hunting. Drifter.

night stocker · 02-18-2004, 02:52 PM

This is just my opinion,but carrying a pistol with a rifle would weigh me down.So,I want a weapon capable of taking the long and the short shots.I have always kept my scope on the 4x setting,so the short shots are not so much an issue.My pistol shooting skills suck,so I don't think I could do better with a pistol at short ranges.At the end of the day,the less weight I am packing,the more energy I have the next day.And,I am a big fan of the light weight rifles.

skeet · 02-19-2004, 06:04 AM

I use to hunt with both. I liked hunting the real brushy stuff with my .357. But I never had to use it. Ive gotten every one of my dear with a rifle.

BigFishFever · 02-19-2004, 06:31 AM

Dont hunt with it, but I carry a snubbie 38 spc on my hip when I am hunting, just for the heck of it. Great little gun for disposing of the errant grouse that gets in the way (head shot of course!)
Brushy areas I just turn down the power on the scope!

James in Idaho · 02-19-2004, 07:21 AM

Used to carry a 6" S & W Model 66 .357 while hunting desert mulies in NM. First two rounds were shot loads intended for "Mr. No Shoulders". Quickly found out that snake loads just **** the snake off, at least from the distance that I stayed. Did eventually shoot a buck with the .357, I was chasing a covey of scaled quail, ran up the berm of a stock tank, and there on the other side was this buck looking at me. Set the 16 gauge down, drew the .357 and started my own version of the OK corral. Hit him 3 times (heart, antler, and femoral artery) before the *&%$*^&# shot shell capsul unseated and locked up the revolver. Oh yeah, the deer went maybe 25 yards, and was without doubt the worst tasting deer I have ever killed. Made a LOT of jerky. After that, pretty much gave up carrying the pistol, a .270 works much better on deer, and it's not a bad snake round either. The 6" gun is a pain to carry, had a 4" before that that was a great carry gun. Hmmm, maybe I need another one!

id. painter · 02-20-2004, 08:32 AM

Personally , I carry a 4 inch 44 mag .
But I like a nice clean kill and a pistol increases the chance of a cripple . I will only use the pistol for a back up . id. painter

drifter · 02-20-2004, 12:17 PM

I would be interested to hear from someone in law enforcement about this? It seems the handgun is the preferred weapon for law enforcement at short range - rifle at long range. I am curious whether any law enforcement officers out there - hunt with a handgun? If yes, what do you consider is an appropriate range for a safe and humane kill? Thanks, in advance and good hunting. Drifter.