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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 20:52

    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.R	Title	User	Personal Name	Date	Lines
879.1		SA1794::CHARBONND	Fred was right - YABBADABBADOOO!	`Fri Dec 28 1990 11:00`	9
	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... ;-)
879.2	My vote (I'm NRA and I vote): Desert Eagle	16400::HORN		`Fri Dec 28 1990 14:32`	34
	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
879.3	ANY .44 Mag is big and heavy...	BOSTON::HICKS	I'm the NRA	`Fri Dec 28 1990 14:47`	8
	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.
879.4	lock that wrist	SA1794::CHARBONND	Fred was right - YABBADABBADOOO!	`Fri Dec 28 1990 15:36`	6
	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.
879.5	DE is gas operated	TOOK::DEKKER		`Thu Jan 03 1991 16:05`	8
	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
879.6		BRABAM::PHILPOTT	Col I F 'Tsingtao Dhum' Philpott	`Fri Jan 04 1991 07:50`	21
	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)