There are many good guides on how to buy a pistol. But then, what kind of pistol should you use if you are out hunting? Today, we will share how to choose the right pistol for hunting.
In addition, we will also provide you with a list of the best pistols for hunting. In the end, we are hoping we have helped you make a decision in your newfound sport!
Why should you get a pistol for hunting?
You should get a handgun or pistol for hunting if you want to participate in or practice handgun hunting. It is a specialized kind of handgun you need, and you will equip it with long barrels and scopes.
Some people say that pistols are not powerful enough, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Today, there are handguns that have a lot of power—enough to kill elephants.
Where should you buy pistols for hunting?
We suggest that you only buy pistol hunting units from hunting stores. Not all gun sellers specialize in the same thing. People who operate stores that sell hunting gear know more about the right hunting handguns than the usual handgun seller.
In addition to this, hunting stores and the experts that operate them have accessories that you may need, such as the barrels and the right types of bullets.
When do you need a pistol for hunting?
You need a pistol for hunting if you want a challenge. It is significantly more difficult to hunt with a handgun than with a rifle.
Despite that, handguns are easier to use now than before. Thanks to technology, there is a wider selection of hunting pistols now. In addition, pistols and revolvers today are much more accurate than older models.
Top 3 tips to choose the right pistol for hunting
There is a wide variety of handguns to choose from when it comes to hunting. There are many factors to consider, such as the game you are hunting, your expertise, and their range.
Your Game
The first factor you must think about is the animal you want to hunt. Different handguns have different calibers. For example, you do not need a .45 or a .357 Magnum if you are hunting rabbits, a .22 will do.
Small handguns are also best for hunting at close range. If you are hunting deer, however, small handguns will not do. You need something bigger, preferably a gun with a longer barrel.
The Gun’s Reliability
The right handgun to buy is one that is accurate. The problem with handguns is that most of them are lighter than rifles. As such, there is tremendous recoil, which can affect the accuracy of the shot.
Reliability is a fundamental aspect of hunting. It is also essential that you understand how reliable the gun is as far as distance is concerned.
Handgun accuracy is much harder than you think. The projectile that comes out of the handgun does not travel in a straight line. It does at first, but then it drops off.
Your Personal Preference
Like any gun, your decision is the caliber, finish, and type of action. In most cases, your handgun for hunting is not going to be the same as the one you use for range shooting.
You can use guns for both hunting and shooting, but then these guns are small and not dependable for hunting big game. In the end, it is your call.
We can only tell you that it is better to have a separate hunting pistol from a shooting range pistol. It is also your decision whether you want to buy a revolver, a single shot, or a muzzleloader. It is also up to you if you want a pistol that can be equipped with red dot sights or a magnifying scope.
What pistols are the best for hunting?
Below are our recommendations for the best pistols for hunting.
1. Smith & Wesson Model 629
This model also comes by the name .44 Magnum Hunter. It is a revolver highly popular with hunters. It is reliable and accurate, and it is what we recommend for big-game hunting. It is also easy to handle.
With this gun, you can shoot a deer 50 or 65 yards away; they will die within 20 yards. The gun has a large muzzle brake which helps reduce the recoil. It has molded rubber grip. The best part is that it has a top rail where you can mount scopes.
2. Glock G40 MOS
This gun offers a 6.02-inch barrel, and it can hold 15 rounds. The MOS system is what allows pistol hunters to mount optics of their choice.
Because of the barrel size, the bullet can achieve a speed of 1300 feet per second. It is not only useful for pistol hunting but also for competition shooting.
The gun wights only 32 ounces—it is relatively small for a hunting handgun, but it certainly does the job. What many hunters like about it is that it fits in chest holsters, and it can serve as a backup while carrying a rifle.
3. Taurus Raging Hunter
The Raging Hunter is an all-purpose hunting revolver. It has a lot of features for a relatively low price. The barrel system is made of both steel and aluminum, which makes the weight easy to balance. The Raging Hunter also has a rail where you can easily mount an optic.
The weight has a caveat. Because it is light, it gives room for the muzzle to recoil. Taurus did something to fight this, so they put a factory-tuned porting and gas expansion chamber. People who have used it said that after firing several shots, their wrists were fine—the recoil does not cause injuries.
Summary
Hunting a game with a pistol is a challenging ordeal. If you have been hunting with a rifle or a bow for a while now, the next step to challenge yourself is hunting with a pistol.
The three key factors you need to consider when choosing the right pistol for hunting are the kind of game you want to hunt, the reliability of the pistol, and your personal preferences. Happy hunting!