Pistol for humane dispatch
- Thread starter paultap
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Thanks for the replies guys, I have noticed that there are quite a few negative comments about pistol ownership for humane dispatch for stalking purposes. Obviously everyone has an opinion on this but I was hoping to limit the replies to people who have had direct experience of ownership or in applying for a pistol for this purpose, rather than turn the thread into a debate over whether a pistol is necessary or not. That was the purpose of the thread really.
many thanks.
many thanks.
Monkey Spanker
Well-Known Member
Having read your original post again, I can see that you have already convinced yourself that you want a pistol - which is fine.
All you have to do now is convince your FEO that you actually 'need' one and don't just want one. He will undoubtedly ask you how many deer you shoot per year, and why you think you need one when the vast majority of stalkers in the UK manage without one. Consider things such as thick cover, terrain and safety?
If you are wanting to join a call-out list for humane dispatch at RTA's, then you may well have to fulfil other criteria. For instance, Suffolk Police require you to have an 'Open' FAC, DSC 2, and an extension to your stalking insurance which specifically covers you for Humane Dispatch (HD). There is also a BDS run HD course which gives you a LANTRA qualification which could help.
However, you come from an area which is not well known for a dense population of deer or RTA's. I therefore think you may struggle to justify your request, but wish you luck in trying. Best person to speak to is your FEO!
Regards,
MS
Monkey Spanker
Well-Known Member
If it is deemed dangerous in any way then walk away. Your own safety is paramount. Suggestion of engaging a deer in combat is just madness!
I use a moderated .410 shotgun for domestic livestock. V Effective. I often have to lean over into a stock pen, so the length of the barrel is very useful. No ricochets, easy to obtain ammo (has to be fibre wad because of the mod), relatively quiet, much greater muzzle energy than almost any handgun. Easy to carry on the quad in forks.
As it happens my FEO advised that they would probably let me have a handgun if I applied, but the .410 makes that unnecessary. I confess I have sometimes wondered about a .410 pistol, having seen a new over-and-under version, but the moderator and reach of the shotgun would be missed.
On the other hand, it seems obvious that a deer stalker out and about would find a handgun much more convenient to carry. But I have only ever seen one professional stalker who feels the need to have a handgun.
As it happens my FEO advised that they would probably let me have a handgun if I applied, but the .410 makes that unnecessary. I confess I have sometimes wondered about a .410 pistol, having seen a new over-and-under version, but the moderator and reach of the shotgun would be missed.
On the other hand, it seems obvious that a deer stalker out and about would find a handgun much more convenient to carry. But I have only ever seen one professional stalker who feels the need to have a handgun.
Monkey Spanker
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No! You can use anything for HD as long as it is effective and ends suffering.
Cranhill
Well-Known Member
Thats odd, I'm not sure now but the FC stalkers in Thetford in the past used 32 cash revolvers.
Monkey Spanker
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Which gives exemptions for HD regarding calibre, seasons and night shooting.
I think there is a guideline somewhere that suggests a minimum of .410 shotguns or .22LR
MS
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Cranhill
Well-Known Member
"Any Reasonable Means" doesn't automatically mean a 410 is suitable, hence annual testing annual of licenced slaughter men and knackermen with tools of their trade with can be anything from .22lr through 12 bore including but not limited to .32 .38. 44, 410 and 310 bell guns, That probably why 12bore with suitable cartridges written into wildlife and Deer Acts because most people don't have the training and testing.
Also I'm not sure if "Any Reasonable Means" has had case ruling yet in high court yet. Does anyone know?
Also I'm not sure if "Any Reasonable Means" has had case ruling yet in high court yet. Does anyone know?
I find this topic so amusing. I'm not interested in having a pistol. BUT, if someone wants one and can get it past their firearms officer then air play.
I would like to turn the question on its head: Has anyone ever had an issue undertaking humane dispatch of a deer with their rifle?
I would like to turn the question on its head: Has anyone ever had an issue undertaking humane dispatch of a deer with their rifle?
EMcC
Well-Known Member
I have a .222 rifle with an 18" barrel and with the moderator have never had a problem when dealing with RTA's involving animals both domestic and wild.
With a 50gn soft point very little chance of a ricochet and my favourite point of aim is frontal through the skull towards the top of the spine.
Failing that almost any head shot is instantaneous.
I have considered a pistol purely based on some of the comments made by persons present when I turn up with a rifle.
The humane despatch of any wounded animal is paramount as far as I am concerned so comments are quickly ignored and by the time I am home any thoughts of pistols are quickly forgotten.
With a 50gn soft point very little chance of a ricochet and my favourite point of aim is frontal through the skull towards the top of the spine.
Failing that almost any head shot is instantaneous.
I have considered a pistol purely based on some of the comments made by persons present when I turn up with a rifle.
The humane despatch of any wounded animal is paramount as far as I am concerned so comments are quickly ignored and by the time I am home any thoughts of pistols are quickly forgotten.
You need to read my first post Monkey, perhaps I was being a little too ironic.
bryn
Ranger22
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If you look at the advice given by the Humane Slaughter Association they recommend a shotgun over a free bullet from rifle or pistol, and .410 for all but the largest cattle and pigs...
Shotgun - Humane Slaughter Association
Alan
What a fantasticly helpful thread. SD at it most positive. Can't think why I've been absent!
Just so happens I'm in the market for a short barreled deer terminator since turning 60 as I'm proper fearful there will be many more instances where I'll be called upon to engage in special deer operations beneath the verdent undergrowth of West Kent. I therfore fancy something with plenty of "poke in its stroke" and that will also permit me to drop the odd dodgy looking fallow at 50 yards from the comfort of my Land-Rover with aid of one of those delightful bead-filled canvas window bags. Neck shots only of course and backstop permitting.
Your recommendations then please in a chambering no less than the Grizzly Win Mag as per that I sent to the Sevenoaks smelting plant in 1987 and that as a minmum will destroy the scull of hybrid sika at point blank. It must also look wicked in a kydex tactical holster please.
I have an NRA/MOD Range Officer qualification that covers long-range pistol and that will hopefully assist in my discussions with Kent's top Firearms licencing chappy once variation submitted.
I value your input so don't be put off from contributing for fear of a good spanking from a primate!
Thank you
K
Just so happens I'm in the market for a short barreled deer terminator since turning 60 as I'm proper fearful there will be many more instances where I'll be called upon to engage in special deer operations beneath the verdent undergrowth of West Kent. I therfore fancy something with plenty of "poke in its stroke" and that will also permit me to drop the odd dodgy looking fallow at 50 yards from the comfort of my Land-Rover with aid of one of those delightful bead-filled canvas window bags. Neck shots only of course and backstop permitting.
Your recommendations then please in a chambering no less than the Grizzly Win Mag as per that I sent to the Sevenoaks smelting plant in 1987 and that as a minmum will destroy the scull of hybrid sika at point blank. It must also look wicked in a kydex tactical holster please.
I have an NRA/MOD Range Officer qualification that covers long-range pistol and that will hopefully assist in my discussions with Kent's top Firearms licencing chappy once variation submitted.
I value your input so don't be put off from contributing for fear of a good spanking from a primate!
Thank you
K
Last edited:
Skull has a K in it, not a C.
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