entropy
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Whatever your state requires as a minimum. It depends on whether you want a 'coup de gras' gun, or intend to take a deer with the handgun, and then the question becomes what range are you willing to limit yourself to.
What would you regard as the minimum barrel length for a revolver for hunting deer?
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Zaydok Allen
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6”
Garandimal
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4"... with an eye on 6.5.
GR
silicosys4
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I'd consider a 4" barrel suitable for a sub 40yd shot of opportunity, But wouldn't choose a 4" barrel for dedicated handgun hunting.
If I'm specifically choosing a revolver for hunting, I'd go no less than 6". Since I don't have a 6" revolver legal for hunting in my state, I'd pick my 7.5" SRH in .44mag.
If I'm specifically choosing a revolver for hunting, I'd go no less than 6". Since I don't have a 6" revolver legal for hunting in my state, I'd pick my 7.5" SRH in .44mag.
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buck460XVR
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I think silicosys4's post sums it up well........
Folks new to revolver hunting need to know one thing.....you must practice and you must practice a lot before going into the field. You owe that to your quarry. Folks don't quick draw on deer.....so how fast you can pull a revolver from a hip holster is a moot point. Folks also don't shoot at game one handed, most of the time you need to support the gun with a rest for shots over 30 yards. So another inch or two of barrel, is again, a moot point. If one is using irons, another inch or two gives a better sight plane as well as giving more velocity with less recoil. I teach hunter safety and introduce new folks to revolvers all the time. I have 686's in three barrel lengths, 4", 5" and 6". After shooting them for a while with legitimate .357 loads, the one they choose to go back to again and again is the 6". Not only is it more pleasant to shoot, but it also is the most accurate for them as new shooters. As a backup to a rifle, accuracy at ranges outside of 25 yards and barrel length is not a biggie. But then, having a revolver on your side just for "perfect, close range shots" is, IMHO, not really handgun hunting. Leaving the long gun at home is. Having a handgun dedicated for hunting with decent barrel length and sights is a big part of it too. Everyone has their opinion and they are worth exactly what you pay for them.
buck460XVR
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For a secondary weapon, at close range, for those perfect shots, a .357 is more than enough, as long as you are proficient with it. The first 4 deer I took with a handgun were with a .357. For a primary weapon, I'd suggest something that starts with a 4.
ApacheCoTodd
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I started handgun hunting with a Model 57 8+ inched in .41.
THAT was a handful for a beginner.
Then, went to my Dan Wesson 8" in .357 and went down to a 6" because, well.... Dan Wesson and you can switch in a minute.
Eventually thought about going down to 4" but didn't feel as good with it for hunting. Maybe stability, maybe sight radius - I don't really recall. Back to the six!
Keep in mind though, I never hunted with pistol optics and a 4" with optics might be just the thing. I was also VERY particular about single shot kills so was exceptionally picky as to when exactly I was willing to tickle the trigger.
Right now, I am wrestling with this very conundrum once again between a 4 inch and 6 inch 629. Likely stick with the 6 for the woods.
Todd.
THAT was a handful for a beginner.
Then, went to my Dan Wesson 8" in .357 and went down to a 6" because, well.... Dan Wesson and you can switch in a minute.
Eventually thought about going down to 4" but didn't feel as good with it for hunting. Maybe stability, maybe sight radius - I don't really recall. Back to the six!
Keep in mind though, I never hunted with pistol optics and a 4" with optics might be just the thing. I was also VERY particular about single shot kills so was exceptionally picky as to when exactly I was willing to tickle the trigger.
Right now, I am wrestling with this very conundrum once again between a 4 inch and 6 inch 629. Likely stick with the 6 for the woods.
Todd.
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Hokkmike
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I did hunt with a 686 once. It probably cost me a nice 6 point as the buck was clearly in range for the longest time for anybody with a rifle... I remember also it was so cold that day - under 20 degrees. Brrrrr...... Too old for that stuff anymore. (The temps I mean)
Legal issues aside I'd have no issue with 357 for deer. I know it isn't legal in some places, but with ammo designed for big game I have no doubts it'll work. Hunting ammo isn't the same as personal defense ammo.
Once again legal issues aside I'd hunt with a 4" revolver. For me 6" would be about as long as I'd want, any longer and I'd just as soon use a rifle. Not many options for 5" barrels, but that might be the perfect compromise. If I were using a SA revolver one of the 5.5" guns would be my pick.
Once again legal issues aside I'd hunt with a 4" revolver. For me 6" would be about as long as I'd want, any longer and I'd just as soon use a rifle. Not many options for 5" barrels, but that might be the perfect compromise. If I were using a SA revolver one of the 5.5" guns would be my pick.
Our only legal limitation are centerfire ammunition and expanding ammo (cast lead qualifies, that just means no fmj or steel solids). I guess your out of luck if you wanted to use .44 RF.
The length of barrel isn't really a determination for me. If you will shoot a deer at 75 yards with a 7.5" barrel I don't see a reason you couldn't shoot a deer at 25 yards with a 2.5" Ruger Alaskan. As a matter of fact with optics and a good rest why couldn't you manage at 100 yards. Surely your not going to claim a .454 Casull out of a 2.5" has less power than a .44 Rem Mag out of a 6"?
PS I don't normally use optics on a revolver but just wanted to make the point that barrel length of itself isn't really the major factor.
The length of barrel isn't really a determination for me. If you will shoot a deer at 75 yards with a 7.5" barrel I don't see a reason you couldn't shoot a deer at 25 yards with a 2.5" Ruger Alaskan. As a matter of fact with optics and a good rest why couldn't you manage at 100 yards. Surely your not going to claim a .454 Casull out of a 2.5" has less power than a .44 Rem Mag out of a 6"?
PS I don't normally use optics on a revolver but just wanted to make the point that barrel length of itself isn't really the major factor.
adcoch1
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4 is the legal limit in Washington, but I say any length that can still allow your hunting bullet of choice to reach the velocity to function as intended is fine. I wouldn't have any problem with a 3" 357 at closer ranges, but all of my handgun deer have been with the same 7.5" 44 mag.
I personally prefer 7 and a half inch barrels for hunting. 6 in is also great. Anything less compromises accuracy and velocity.
get ready to spend some money on ammo it can be addictive!
Depending on how much you want to spend I'd get a Ruger Super Redhawk in 454 Casull used shouldn't cost you more than 750 and very easy to mount an optic if you choose.
To get a good sight picture I would say five in is the bare minimum four ethical hunting.
Try to build your skills with iron sights don't jump to a scope just to get more distance
Id get a couple of revolvers and scope one and not the other.
Do not need 44 Magnum, but then Id get a Smith & Wesson 629 preferably with an orange glow blade front sight.
357 is plenty for taking deer
I personally hunt deer frequently with a Dan Wesson 357 with an 8 inch barrel with iron sights.
Another great option would be 454 Casull which gives you the ability to go down to 45 Colt and all the way up to the Moon
get ready to spend some money on ammo it can be addictive!
Depending on how much you want to spend I'd get a Ruger Super Redhawk in 454 Casull used shouldn't cost you more than 750 and very easy to mount an optic if you choose.
To get a good sight picture I would say five in is the bare minimum four ethical hunting.
Try to build your skills with iron sights don't jump to a scope just to get more distance
Id get a couple of revolvers and scope one and not the other.
Do not need 44 Magnum, but then Id get a Smith & Wesson 629 preferably with an orange glow blade front sight.
357 is plenty for taking deer
I personally hunt deer frequently with a Dan Wesson 357 with an 8 inch barrel with iron sights.
Another great option would be 454 Casull which gives you the ability to go down to 45 Colt and all the way up to the Moon
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RJM52
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Don't think barrel length matters as much of being able to hit your target with the selected gun.
My standard is a 8.5x11 piece of typing paper laid on it's side or a 9" paper plate. As far away I can hit the target every time from a FIELD position with a particular gun is the max range for that gun...
I prefer .41 Magnum but most any gun will put venison in the freezer if you do your part..
Bob
My standard is a 8.5x11 piece of typing paper laid on it's side or a 9" paper plate. As far away I can hit the target every time from a FIELD position with a particular gun is the max range for that gun...
I prefer .41 Magnum but most any gun will put venison in the freezer if you do your part..
Bob
NeroM
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Have hunting revolvers with 4 5/8, 6, 6 1/2 and 7 1/2 inch barrels.
Can reliably bust on edge clay birds at 35 yds with each, gun control is hitting what one is aiming at.
Like around 6" best - a nice combination of sight radius, ballistics and handling.
Can reliably bust on edge clay birds at 35 yds with each, gun control is hitting what one is aiming at.
Like around 6" best - a nice combination of sight radius, ballistics and handling.
44 mag 6" bbl is my preference as I have always done for years.
The S&W 29 with 8" bbl for actual hunting with handgun without a rifle.
I have always carried a 44 mag when rifle hunting on the ground because= before hunting tents we
just made ground blinds or sat against a good background, which made it super hard to turn all
the way around with a rifle if deer are close, where as with the revolver just point & pull the trigger
if they have sneaked up on you.
The S&W 29 with 8" bbl for actual hunting with handgun without a rifle.
I have always carried a 44 mag when rifle hunting on the ground because= before hunting tents we
just made ground blinds or sat against a good background, which made it super hard to turn all
the way around with a rifle if deer are close, where as with the revolver just point & pull the trigger
if they have sneaked up on you.
Dustbowl
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If you’re going to deer hunt with a handgun and be serious about it, i’d say 6 to 8 inch barrel. My caliber of choice is 357 or 41mag. I’ve anchored a deer with a Dan Wesson 357 with 8 inch barrel. I’ve also had to track one 400 yards. It can be done in 357 with good shot placement.
Now a days I’ve moved to 41mag with 6.5 inch barrel in a Ruger Blackhawk and 8 inch barrel in a Dan Wesson. The Speer Deep Curl bullet in 41 really preforms for me.
Now a days I’ve moved to 41mag with 6.5 inch barrel in a Ruger Blackhawk and 8 inch barrel in a Dan Wesson. The Speer Deep Curl bullet in 41 really preforms for me.
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Master Blaster
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Delaware law:
Handgun Hunting
Handguns legal for deer hunting are limited to revolvers and single shot pistols with a barrel length of at least 5.75 inches and no longer than 12.5 inches that use straight-wall handgun ammunition in .357 to .38 caliber with a cartridge case length of no less than 1.25 inches and a maximum case length of 1.82 inches, or in .41 caliber to a maximum of .50 caliber and a maximum case length of 1.82 inches.
The handgun must be carried openly on a sling or in a holster and not concealed.
Handgun Hunting
Handguns legal for deer hunting are limited to revolvers and single shot pistols with a barrel length of at least 5.75 inches and no longer than 12.5 inches that use straight-wall handgun ammunition in .357 to .38 caliber with a cartridge case length of no less than 1.25 inches and a maximum case length of 1.82 inches, or in .41 caliber to a maximum of .50 caliber and a maximum case length of 1.82 inches.
The handgun must be carried openly on a sling or in a holster and not concealed.
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dickydalton
Member
The last deer I shot in Minnesota was with my 4" 44 Mountain Revolver.
Barrel
Barrel length has no bearing on accuracy. As others have mentioned, the greater sight radius can aid some in shooting more accurately but that is a matter skill and familiarity.
Barrel length has no bearing on accuracy. As others have mentioned, the greater sight radius can aid some in shooting more accurately but that is a matter skill and familiarity.
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Vern Humphrey
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I have two "deer guns" in .45 Colt, a New Service and a Ruger Blackhawk. Both have 5.5" barrels. I find longer barrels cumbersome, especially if you're sitting in a blind or driving to and from your hunting area.
Michael Tinker Pearce
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Washington State was stuck on stupid a few years back; I haven't checked lately but I hope they have changed the law. The requirement was a centerfire pistol with a 4" factory barrel. That was it. If you got a Beretta Jetfire .25 ACP with the factory 4" barrel it was technically legal!
I'm seriously considering a 4-5/8" single action or a 4" double action, likely in .41 Magnum or .44 Magnum. Eastern Washington Mule deer might require a 150 yard shot, or if they are in the rough it could be 5 yards. Rifle for the long range stuff, leave the rifle and use the handgun in the pucker-brush. The shorter barrel will carry easily and ride well in the car, and not be too much in the way when the rifle is being used. On the west side of the mountains I almost never get a shot over 25-50 yards at the outside, and I'm confident in my ability at those ranges, so the shorter barrel is viable as a primary for that.
I'm seriously considering a 4-5/8" single action or a 4" double action, likely in .41 Magnum or .44 Magnum. Eastern Washington Mule deer might require a 150 yard shot, or if they are in the rough it could be 5 yards. Rifle for the long range stuff, leave the rifle and use the handgun in the pucker-brush. The shorter barrel will carry easily and ride well in the car, and not be too much in the way when the rifle is being used. On the west side of the mountains I almost never get a shot over 25-50 yards at the outside, and I'm confident in my ability at those ranges, so the shorter barrel is viable as a primary for that.
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