Handgun Hunting

Looks like there is a lot of support among the shooting and hunting community for the reintroduction of handgun hunting. Not going to mention any names just yet, but the person I know who is pushing this is a well respected hunter and shooter with close ties to the military and law enforcement community. Just have to comment on the ethical part, as well as the part on the accuracy of handguns and shooter practice. The ethical part would be covered by minimum calibers just like rifles - with that it would be no different than bow hunting. You are limited by range, so as a hunter you need to define your limits so you know when to shoot or not. as far as accuracy goes, would I shoot at a rabbit or grouse with my 9mm Sig - probably not but also would probably never want to hunt with it. With a 6 inch or 8 inch barrel on a .357 or .44 magnum revolver though I would suggest that a white tail deer would be in easy range out to about 50 yards. I have a Ruger .22 autoloading pistol with a 6 inch bull barrel with which I could easily hit a rabbit or grouse with out to probably 25 yards - and if I had younger eyes, even further. So I think returning to handgun hunting is plausible with the only roadblock being political.

Dare to dream. No one ever thought they would ever get rid of the long gun registry either. I think a long thread with most people liking the idea is the first step down a long road to right a wrong.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Pat32rf

Afraid I have to agree with Bushmoose about the number of shooters who just don't take the time to learn to shoot their FIREARMS. You have to remember however that it is normal for a hand gunner to fire between 50 and 250 rounds PER WEEK.

---

Fixed it for you!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Blackwolf

This board is used to express ideas, not that we are all yes men. I stated clearly why I would not support reintroducing handguns to hunting, and if any province were to allow it Alberta would be the first. Yet because I state my ideas and because they are not the same as yours, you berat and call us names. In actual fact that is bullying. As far as what constitutes Ethical???? Thats a topic for another thread.

---

The whole argument about what firearm is suitable is just wrong. There are those here that would say that rifles or shotguns should not be allowed for deer, it should be bows only. I see all the posts referring to the yahoos out in the bush once a year shooting at anything with their rifles,,,,.

And then I see the comments that bow hunting should be banned because they don't practice enough and too many wounded and lost deer as a result. Of course there are those that would only hunt with a traditional bow, compound and crossbows should be banned, they are nothing more than a rifle with a different projectile.

Then there are those that use the muzzle loaders, for them that is the only way to hunt, but I'd have to say, drop a pre measured charge down the barrel, push a bullet/ sabot down the barrel and stick a primer on the nipple, what's the difference between that and a bolt action rifle?

But many will say, use a high power rifle, go for a quick and painless kill, drop the game right on the spot, no lost game,,,,,

This doesn't seem to be much different from the boaters arguing about power or sail! We are pretty much all interested in being out in the bush, having a good time with friends, why do we need to argue over the methods of taking game? If it is legal, and if it does the job, and if it is ethical, why should any one of use decide for the others how they hunt?

If we can't stick together, it is very possible that they may attack your form of hunting next. Stand by me and I'll stand by you as well, and together we can protect our heritage.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Blackwolf

I have never shot any animal with a handgun with the exception of my air pistol on grouse/pigeons. However I was trained in their use. So for the most part I have to rely on ballistic charts to tell me what is adequate and what is not. Can you take a moose with a handgun??? Why would you?

---

Just one, no make that 2 words. Thompson Contender.

As hunters and firearms owners, we should always support each other in our chosen pursuits. Regardless of whether I bow hunt or not, I do not dismiss bowhunters or their objectives, since they are a hunter, and at the end, we aren't so different.

The same argument goes for firearms. At the end, those of us who own and shoot firearms really shouldn't pick apart anyone who wants to use their guns in sport, regardless whether we see the appeal or not.

There are enough anti- hunters / firearms groups out there without us being divided amongst ourselves.

Having said that, this is a discussion forum, where differing viewpoints should be discussed, that is what makes it interesting. Even if it is 9 pages worth.

I do not see it coming to pass where handguns are permitted for hunting in Canada, as the traction the anti gun establishment has gained since it was legal is great. If it were to somehow be allowed, great. The one main reason why I haven't got my RPAL is I see no good reason to own something I cant just take out and shoot whenever / wherever I like. I'm sure if handgun hunting were allowed, you'd see a lot more folks getting their RPAL.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by PaulR

Just one, no make that 2 words. Thompson Contender.

---

That should work for moose... http://www.vincelewis.net/60magnum.html

In places where handgun hunting is legal and prominant, Is there many accidental shootings? i feel like handgun hunting would cause alot of this.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BuckWisperer

In places where handgun hunting is legal and prominant, Is there many accidental shootings? i feel like handgun hunting would cause alot of this.

---

I wouldn't guess that it is any higher than where long guns only apply.

The rules for safe shooting always apply, regardless of the size of the barrel.

yeah... i took my restricted liscense not too long ago and it amazed me how easily/how often people loose muzzle control with a handgun.. just made me think of some yahoo's out with handguns would be real bad news