8x57
Distinguished Member
Nice idea and probably the ideal solution but not worth their while because the U.K. market for such a revolver is miniscule. I doubt that they would sell 3 in every five years.
Humane dispatch pistol
- Thread starter Danny25790
- Start date
8x57
Distinguished Member
I'm in general agreement with all that you have said.
However, just the exception to that rule I have a short barreled (24") single shot 12 bore Baikal that when used with a .410 chamber adapter can be easily managed single handed. It was cut down to make it more manageable with humane dispatch in mind.
Note.
The .410 cartridge when fired out of the short chamber adapter produces 550fps with a 14gram load 9216 grains to produce 145ft/lb (196 Joules).
A typical .38spl load with a 158 grain bullet out of a short barrel will give 754fps and produce 199 ft/lb (271 Joules).
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jthyttin
Well-Known Member
I see your point regarding recoil, smaller payload etc.
But if we make small generalisation, your Baikal is protruding 20" farther from your hand than a 4" barrel pistol. Plus it has buttstock (?) So in effect you cannot holster it, it's more difficult to point with one hand. Plus side is, it's much easier to see where it's pointing at, and slower to move it (when talking about unexperienced users (not you) and pistols, one problem is that they swirl around and pistol is pointing here and there). Another plus is, having the 12 gauge bore will probably act as "attenuation device", bringing the noise at shooter (or bystander) down.
From purely "performance point of view" I can imagine a double barrel 410 pistol (shotgun w/o buttstock) with 8 - 10 - even 12 inch barrels might be very good tool for HD. Probably loaded with smaller size pure lead buckshot. Legislation might get in the way, though.
.410 shotgun is very easy to use single handed. I have shot countless rabbits (and a few other things) at night, holding the gun in one hand and a torch in the other.
8x57
Distinguished Member
Having extensive experience of pistols prior to the great pistol theft I would agree with you that a pistol for the experienced pistol shooter can in some instances be the better tool. However our restrictive legislative does not give us this choice and we have to make do with what we have available to us.
I don't however agree that buckshot in a .410 is the most suitable load for close range humane dispatch.
Bavarianbrit
Well-Known Member
Anyone allowed a pistol in todays UK would IMO never get enough practise to give them muscle memory from habitual shooting. I would suggest that clubs with silly sticks out the back of the grip do not want you turning up with what they cannot own to shoot
Rake Aboot
Well-Known Member
I’m trying to see any relevance at all on what you’ve said ?
You don’t need muscle memory to shoot something at close range with a pistol.
Unless you are incompetent
And what ranges have to do with it is beyond me .
Bavarianbrit
Well-Known Member
Everyone is entitled to their opinion.
Just asking, Danny25790 who asked the original question regarding pistols, found a pistol an annoyance? . 6 pages in, if you were asked or called out for HD what would you do? At a RTA if call I'd use what I have , luckily I've a Captive Bolt with my shotgun as backup. So hammer, wheel brace. Stone or tree branch??? The driver, I'd at least ask him two or three times if he was okay.
Reloader708
Well-Known Member
For me it's infinitely easier crawling through a spruce plantation following a dog with an holstered pistol than trying to manage a rifle especially in the dark. It's also a lot lighter to carry back if you've a long drag over a restock and leaves both hands free if I'm covering difficult ground. It's practical and safe and I'm not sure why some people get so upset with the concept. It's one of my most useful tools.
Reloader708
Well-Known Member
There's no way I'd be firing something that had been butchered up like that, I value my fingers too much
Bavarianbrit
Well-Known Member
Where is the rifle stored when out on the hunt/stalk while you are deep in the plantation? I would imagine the FEO expects the firearm / rifle to be secured and I assume it is left back in the 4x4 perhaps without the bolt. I just wondered on the practicalities.
I have a Rossi .44 Spl but I never bring it out of the cabinet now as our hunt area is easily accessible and at 73 years I let the young uns do it.
ColinJ
Well-Known Member
Interesting that .38/.357 seems to be the ‘go to’ calibre for many on here. I know two professional knackermen and a farmer who all have humane despatch pistols. They’re despatching large numbers of horses, cows, pigs and sheep on a daily basis. They all use .32’s.
So what is it about UK deer that requires a .357 magnum?
Tell me again that you don’t just want a pistol!
FWIW I surrendered 4 pistols in 1997. I’m no fan of the handgun ban.
So what is it about UK deer that requires a .357 magnum?
Tell me again that you don’t just want a pistol!
FWIW I surrendered 4 pistols in 1997. I’m no fan of the handgun ban.
Bavarianbrit
Well-Known Member
Me too hence my emigration.
Danny25790
Well-Known Member
It's situational, but either use my rifle or knife where rifle isn't suitable.
I do a lot of trapping of fox and mink, also an annual boar cull in Italy so the pistol if for a bit more than just roadside dispatch.
I did want a smaller calibre pistol for the smaller animals but was pretty much told .38/.357 or nothing.
Danny25790
Well-Known Member
.357 isn't our choice it's what's put on us by the FEO, I'd much prefer something smaller and moderated
ColinJ
Well-Known Member
Your FEO dictated the calibre? Wow. That raises several questions!
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