Pistols for stalking HD

[Triggermortis]

Don’t think the theatre it’s used in has any bearing, it’s a tool to use where a long barrelled weapon is maybe not suitable, room, manoeuvreability or maybe even terrain, it matters not if it’s deer stalking, domestic or livestock.

 

[Foxyboy43]

I consider myself to be a competent shot with a pistol. But…by the time I’m close enough to use it, I’m close enough for a blade.
Regards,
J Wayne

Yep but with a pistol you don’t have to get off your horse, pilgrim!

 

[muddy42]

In 25 years of stalking the various UK deer species in various environments and dealing with a good few RTAs, I have never felt the need for a HD pistol. I can see the case for people to possess one (mostly farmers, vets and those who regularly attend traffic accidents) and I support them in this, I have just never felt the need myself on your average stalking trip. If hit in the vitals, deer expire pretty quickly, if wounded they stiffen up in 10/15 minutes, if they run, you need a rifle for a follow up shot not a pistol. Even in thick cover and sitka spruce (common for me) I'm sorry I just don't need one. Just another bit of useless kit that I'd carry around and regret.

 

[DavyG]

Yep but with a pistol you don’t have to get off your horse, pilgrim!

344 yds with a snub nosed 38 special…

 

[Triggermortis]

Seems to me that those that have a pistol understand the benefits of having one.
Those that can’t get one granted don’t ….

 

[alberta boy]

I've owned quite a few handguns over the years , I still own quite a few . They have their place . As my old man used to say , " A handgun is what you use to get to a real firearm ". I had carry permits for wilderness areas and usually had a large calibre revolver of one form or another on me for the rare SHTF moments . As I said , they have their place , but I've always preferred to rely on a long gun of some type .
I'm sure I've related this story on here before , but bear with me . When I was still a young punk , I was guiding for a well respected Outfitter in the Wilmore Wilderness reserve in the western part of Alberta . The owner was a widely respected and experienced guide who taught me a lot . There is a large and healthy Grizzly and Black Bear population in the area and we all had some run ins with aggressive bears . We were sitting around the fire one night and the conversation turned to the inevitable subject of firearms for bear defense . The usual large bore bolt and levers were brought up along with various 12 gauge shotguns . Then the subject turned to handguns . I had a Ruger Black Hawk in 45 Colt that I was very proficient with . The other guides had similiar pistols . George listened to us for a while before telling us that the most important thing to do with our pistols was to file off the front sight . When we asked why , his response was " That way it won't hurt so much when the bear takes it off you and sticks it up your ass ". A handgun is better than a pointy stick , but if I had my choice , it'd be a long gun in one form or another . YMMV

AB

 

[landowner]

I don't think I know anybody who uses a pistol for HD in stalking, I'm trying to think of a situation in which the rifle would not suffice.

 

[muddy42]

If that’s aimed at me @sikamalc there’s genuinely no jealousy involved at all, I have no need for an HD pistol and no desire to own one. I do have a .357 LBR and .22 LR LBP which I do enjoy shooting so I’m not against pistol ownership.

I also see no issue for them being granted for those who have a genuine reason, I just don’t agree that everyone needs one or has good reason just because they stalk deer; apparently based on the above that is true!

Likewise. I don't need one, I don't really understand it when other stalkers say they need one, but I 100% support their right to apply and if granted to posses a HD pistol. I don't think that's inconsistent is it?

 

[Dunwaters]

Just wondering, quite a few looking for or using pistols, a few using a knife but no one mentioning that good old continental stalwart, the spear.
It could be ideal in many situations, you dont have to be as close as you do with the knife so its safer, and with a decent shaft it has nearly the same range as hand gun.
With a cross guard or baffle fitted you can safely hold the spitted animal away from your weems and nether regions.
They’re available in carbon fibre and stainless steel for the modern highly desirable tactical look, or in wood and carbon steel for the traditionalists.
So why not a spear or a pike for HD?

 

[Norfolk Deer Search]

Seems to me that those that have a pistol understand the benefits of having one.
Those that can’t get one granted don’t ….

Had one, sold one, don't need one!

For the seasoned professionals in certain circumstances, yes, it’s a vital tool, to the average, Stalker not required!

 

[VSS]

Had one, sold one, don't need one!

For the seasoned professionals in certain circumstances, yes, it’s a vital tool, to the average, Stalker not required!

I'm sure that your detractors in the "consultation" thread will be relieved to see that, despite the strong line you take, you classify yourself merely as an "average stalker", rather than a "seasoned professional".

 

[Bavarianbrit]

Just wondering, quite a few looking for or using pistols, a few using a knife but no one mentioning that good old continental stalwart, the spear.
It could be ideal in many situations, you dont have to be as close as you do with the knife so its safer, and with a decent shaft it has nearly the same range as hand gun.
With a cross guard or baffle fitted you can safely hold the spitted animal away from your weems and nether regions.
They’re available in carbon fibre and stainless steel for the modern highly desirable tactical look, or in wood and carbon steel for the traditionalists.
So why not a spear or a pike for HD?

Pig sticking refigured.

 

[Norfolk Deer Search]

I'm sure that your detractors in the "consultation" thread will be relieved to see that, despite the strong line you take, you classify yourself merely as an "average stalker", rather than a "seasoned professional".

No, not at all I just don’t see the point in investing in a useless piece of kit, why spend an obscene amount of money on a pistol when you can use a knife!

My pistol was a good pistol, I earn seven times what I paid for it when I sold it!

 

[Bavarianbrit]

No, not at all I just don’t see the point in investing in a useless piece of kit, why spend an obscene amount of money on a pistol when you can use a knife!

My pistol was a good pistol, I earn seven times what I paid for it when I sold it!

Only because of the 1997 ban making them into Rolex must haves.

 

[Norfolk Deer Search]

Only because of the 1997 ban making them into Rolex must haves.

100% spot on!

 

[palmer_mike]

Still want a Luger mind, but sorry nothing to do with hd

Indeed, I’d love to have a Luger as well. If unrestricted auto handguns were allowed for HD I might even use that as an excuse (not that I’d be taking it out stalking with me), of course all the shooting I’d be doing with it would be to aid my familiarisation with said pistol, in case I ever needed it for HD (im thinking I’d probably need to be doing a lot of regular practice to stay up to speed with it )

 

[palmer_mike]

Just be nice too plink of a eve and not on a range, just harmless fun, old apples and the likes, nothing macho or sinister about it. .

Yep absolutely. I recently got a black powder revolver for just such entertainment. A centrefire pistol would be fun without all the cleaning and reloading hassle

 

[Bavarianbrit]

Indeed, I’d love to have a Luger as well. If unrestricted auto handguns were allowed for HD I might even use that as an excuse (not that I’d be taking it out stalking with me), of course all the shooting I’d be doing with it would be to aid my familiarisation with said pistol, in case I ever needed it for HD (im thinking I’d probably need to be doing a lot of regular practice to stay up to speed with it )

Chap in my village has a naval P08 from 1914 with the longer barrel in an immaculate matching number condition.

 

[alberta boy]

A thing of beauty no doubt

They are . I've had two over the years . Firearms from a different era . To be honest , I prefer the P38 or a Browning Hi Power , but apples and oranges .

AB

 

[alberta boy]

Yep absolutely. I recently got a black powder revolver for just such entertainment. A centrefire pistol would be fun without all the cleaning and reloading hassle

They are a lot of fun .......... stinky , messy fun , but fun .

AB