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Conference vmsnet::hunting$note:hunting

Title:The Hunting Notesfile
Notice:Registry #7, For Sale #15, Success #270
Moderator:SALEM::PAPPALARDO
Created:Wed Sep 02 1987
Last Modified:Tue Jun 03 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:1561
Total number of notes:17784

879.0. "Handgun Hunting with an AUTOLOADER???" by BOSTON::HICKS (I'm the NRA) Thu Dec 27 1990 17:52

    I'm interested in your opinions about using an autoloading handgun for
    hunting.  I'd be particularly interested in recommendations as to
    particular guns and calibers and why you think they'd do they job, and
    hearing from someone that has had some real experience hunting with an
    autoloading handgun.
    
    My main reason for asking is: I don't like revolvers, and I'm not
    excited about single-shots.  Please, wheelgun shooters, don't take it
    personally, and don't try to sell me on revolvers.  I realize that
    nearly ALL handgun hunters use revolvers or single shots, I just don't
    happen to like them.  Just my own personal preference.
    
    Some background assumptions:
    
    	1) THIS IS NOT THE PLACE FOR THE "HUNTING WITH HANDGUN VS. RIFLE
    DEBATE."  There's another note about that.
    
    	2) Assume that we're talking good, clean-kill shots are presented
    at relatively short range... 80, maybe 100 yards, MAX.  No scope needed.
    
    	3) I don't intend to go after anything larger than a deer.  I
    suppose anything larger is debatable, but I myself wouldn't do it.
    
    Given that I'm limiting myself strictly to autoloaders, I've only got a
    couple of choices:  1) a Delta Elite (10mm) or 2) a Desert Eagle.  I've
    not seen nor read of anyone using 10mm for hunting, though it looks
    good on paper.  I've fired a 1911-style .45 and liked it; I've
    never shot a Desert Eagle, and I don't know anyone that has one
    (they're not real popular in Massachusetts, from what I gather.)  I'm
    6'0", 180lbs and I could probably handle it, but I wouldn't want to buy
    one without a thorough test drive.
    
    So what say you, noters?  Barrage me with your opinions... any and all
    insight, speculation, hearsay, and wild yarns gladly appreciated.
                                  
    <<< Tim >>>
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name		DateLines
879.1SA1794::CHARBONNDFred was right - YABBADABBADOOO!Fri Dec 28 1990 08:009
    IAI, formerly AMT, has a 10mm with 7 inch barrel. They're also
    coming out with a 10mm *magnum*.
    
    I'd personally opt for the Desert Eagle in 44 Magnum, possibly
    with one of the longer barrels.
    
    Dana
    
    PS of course, for that price you could buy _two_ revolvers... ;-)
879.2My vote (I'm NRA and I vote): Desert Eagle16400::HORNFri Dec 28 1990 11:3234
    	I agree with .1, go for the Desert Eagle.  I have about 10
    revolvers and pistols in my gun collection (no single shots yet).  I
    have a Desert Eagle and like it very much.  
    
    	There are many advantages to the DE (Desert Eagle).  For example,
    you have a nice range of barrel lengths to choose from, two calibers
    to choose from (they are interchangeable) and they make them in about
    10 different finishes (you can be stealthy like me and use the flat
    black model -- or -- you can go in style with the chrome (either two
    tone or total chrome)).  
    
    	There are only two draw-backs that I have found, but both are very
    minor.  1.  The gun is a little weighty.  But if you can handle the
    extra weight you will soon find that this turns into a great advantage.
    The extra weight helps keep the gun level after a shot.  In other
    words, there is less jump, thus you are able to get back on target
    faster.  This is a noticeable difference.  2.  The .357 really needs
    the 180 gr rounds to ensure full cycling each time.  I have found that
    anything lighter than a 180gr Federal will not always kick it back hard
    enough to re-chamber another round.  At first I thought that this was a
    problem only with my gun, but I have since found that this is a
    complaint of others as well.  But, again this is a minor problem since
    Frederal 180 gr bullets are easy to come by and Federal makes a good
    factory load.  Now, this might be something that you could correct by
    loading your own with a lighter bullet and a hotter load -- THAT IS
    JUST A GUESS, I'M NOT A RE-LOADER YET, SO PLEASE ASK AN EXPERT IN
    RE-LOADING FIRST.  
    
    	I put the milit sights on mine and it is right on.  100 yards is
    not a problem.
    
    	Well good luck and good hunting.
    
    Scott
879.3ANY .44 Mag is big and heavy...BOSTON::HICKSI&#039;m the NRAFri Dec 28 1990 11:478
    re: .2 - drawbacks...
    
    The weight of the Desert Eagle is often quoted as a drawback, but I
    looked it up in the G&A Annual and it is the same as any of the big
    revolvers that shoot .44 Mag.  And I wouldn't consider anything less
    than .44 Mag, so the .357 problem doesn't bother me.
    
    Thanks for all the input... keep it coming.
879.4lock that wristSA1794::CHARBONNDFred was right - YABBADABBADOOO!Fri Dec 28 1990 12:366
    re .2 Are you sure you're not relaxing your wrist a bit too
    much ? Like any auto-loader, the DE is meant to operate by
    the slide moving by recoil against a relatively 'fixed' 
    frame. If the frame 'gives' too much the action will not 
    cycle fully. (I've done this with a 45.) Firm wrist ensures
    full cycling.
879.5DE is gas operatedTOOK::DEKKERThu Jan 03 1991 13:058
    The DE is gas  operated with a massive rotory bolt,  it does not
    use recoil like the 1911. 
    
    I have a DE with both .357 and .44 barrels.  It is well suited for
    hunting.  I have used it when bear hunting (but didn't see a bear) and
    to finish off a wounded wild boar (~250 pounds).
    
    Ed
879.6BRABAM::PHILPOTTCol I F &#039;Tsingtao Dhum&#039; PhilpottFri Jan 04 1991 04:5021
    
    This I think highlights one of the big advantages of the Desert Eagle -
    it is easily converted between calibres, which to some extent offsets
    the high initial cost - especially if you need different calibres for
    different jobs.
    
    I personally slightly prefer the Wildey design, but on the occasions
    I've shoot a Desert Eagle (including one in an experimental 10mm
    chambering) I haven't had any trouble with it, and would unhesitatingly
    recomend it to anybody who doesn't have small hands.
    
    Perceived recoil is somewhat less than a .44 magnum revolver. The only
    drawback is the need to use [semi] jacketed ammo to avoid fouling the
    gas port.
    
    /. Ian .\
    
    (PS: as far as I know IMI don't intend bringing out the 10mm yet - it
    was produced as a military evaluation piece, not as a civilian
    prototype - they are pursuing the "bigger is better" line for the
    civilian market)