Semi-auto Pistol Hunting

[kingnereli]

I've done all my deer hunting with a shotgun. However, this past season a cousin of mine turned me on to pistol hunting. The challenge appeals to me. He uses a S&W (not sure of the model) revolver in .357 with a six inch barrel. Now I just need to buy the right gear. I know that conventional wisdom says a revolver is the preferred choice for hunting but I am, at least, entertaining the idea of setting up a semi-auto for this purpose.

I am looking for suggestions or advice. Or to see if I am crazy for wanting to use a semi-auto. My first thought was a Desert Eagle with a 10 inch barrel and a pistol scope, but the price is a bit of a turn off. I've also considered a 1911 in 10mm. I carry .45 for self defense, but don't feel this would be the most humane choice for dear.

Desert Eagle: Does anyone own/use this setup? Is the range and accuracy suitable for hunting? .44 or .50AE?

10mm 1911: Would you recommend a long slide (6in) or is 5 inch satisfactory? Could I adapt a factory gun (such as a Delta Elite) for hunting purposes or should I build one specifically for hunting?

Is there anything else I should consider or should I just scrap the whole idea and get a suitable revolver?

 

[VUPDblue]

10mm doesn't meet Indiana's standards. Case length must be at a minimum 1.16". The 10mm's case is .992 IIRC.

 

[spainy79]

The plan was after purchasing my DE in .44 was to order the .50 10 inch barrel. That has never happened. I have taken my DE out before and even got to shoot it at a doe but not enough trigger time with the gun resulted in a miss. I may get it back out this November and try again only if I take one during archery. I need to practice with it more too, haven't shot it in a while. If you haven't already check out the Magnum Research site for the Trophy Club. I want one of those damn shirts.

Magnum Research maker of the world's most powerful handguns

 

[kingnereli]

10mm doesn't meet Indiana's standards. Case length must be at a minimum 1.16". The 10mm's case is .992 IIRC.

I thought the case length specifications were for centerfire rifle cartridges. I'll have to look that up again.

 

[kludge]

1.16" case length and .243" bullets minimum on handguns.

.50 cal minimum on muzzleloading pistols.

Oh, and .30 carbine isn't allowed, neither is .25-20... and maybe some others.

In semi-auto pistol cartridges, there are right few that meet the criteria (unless it's like an AK pistol or other non-standard pistol)... 10mm Magnum and .45 Winchester Magnum are two that come to mind.

 

[VUPDblue]

1.16" case length and .243" bullets minimum on handguns.

.50 cal minimum on muzzleloading pistols.

Oh, and .30 carbine isn't allowed, neither is .25-20... and maybe some others.

In semi-auto pistol cartridges, there are right few that meet the criteria (unless it's like an AK pistol or other non-standard pistol)... 10mm Magnum and .45 Winchester Magnum are two that come to mind.

I'm pretty sure that the minimum diameter is .357.

 

[tyrajam]

Minimum diameter for rifles shooting a pistol cartridge is .357

Minimum diameter for pistols is .243.

That way, you can shoot a contender pistol in .243 and it is legal, but you can not shoot a .243 rifle because the bullet is too small in diameter AND the case is to long.

 

[Mgderf]

I COULD be wrong, that's happened at least once before that I am aware of, but I was under the impression that ALL semi-auto's were a no-no to hunt with (deer anyway), mainly due to cartridge sizes, calibers or case lengths.
I know there are one or two manufacturers that make a .357 mag in semi-auto, but for instance, .45acp is TOO SMALL! Not a long enough case.
Do you just not like revolvers? I've taken Indiana white-tail with:
Taurus model 607 in .357 mag 4" ported barrel
Taurus model "Raging Bull" .454 casull 8-3/8" ported barrel
Other Pistols I've taken white-tail with:
Thompson Center Contender .357 mag 10" barrel
Thompson Center Contender .44 mag 10" barrel
Thompson Center Contender .410/.45 colt 12" barrel

 

[VUPDblue]

You could use a DE or Automag in .44mag or .357, or an Automag in .41mag...

 

[kingnereli]

I COULD be wrong, that's happened at least once before that I am aware of, but I was under the impression that ALL semi-auto's were a no-no to hunt with (deer anyway), mainly due to cartridge sizes, calibers or case lengths.
I know there are one or two manufacturers that make a .357 mag in semi-auto, but for instance, .45acp is TOO SMALL! Not a long enough case.
Do you just not like revolvers? I've taken Indiana white-tail with:
Taurus model 607 in .357 mag 4" ported barrel
Taurus model "Raging Bull" .454 casull 8-3/8" ported barrel
Other Pistols I've taken white-tail with:
Thompson Center Contender .357 mag 10" barrel
Thompson Center Contender .44 mag 10" barrel
Thompson Center Contender .410/.45 colt 12" barrel

No, I actually like revolvers. I just got the idea because I haven't seen a dedicated semi-auto hunting pistol. Now I know why. I guess it will have to be the Desert Eagle if I end up going for it. Can someone reference the applicable statutes for this. I believe everyone. I have just been unable to find it for myself.

 

[Jack Ryan]

No, I actually like revolvers. I just got the idea because I haven't seen a dedicated semi-auto hunting pistol. Now I know why. I guess it will have to be the Desert Eagle if I end up going for it. Can someone reference the applicable statutes for this. I believe everyone. I have just been unable to find it for myself.

DNR: Hunting Guide

I just go with the time tested and dead deer proven, what seems to work for every one else, 44 mag. I don't figure I need any thing special to do the same thing every one else can do and if it works in their hands it should work extra better in my capable hands. 44 mag, Ruger Redhawk, 629 S&W and if I want to use a rifle I use an NEF 44 mag instead of trying to turn a hand gun in to a handS gun or hand rifle. 44 mag = dead deer. 12 guage = dead deer. 45 Hawken = dead deer. PSE = dead deer.

Or I guess it's not really the hunting for some people it's the reinvention of the wheel.

 

[kingnereli]

DNR: Hunting Guide

Thank you for the link.

Or I guess it's not really the hunting for some people it's the reinvention of the wheel.

I do sense some annoyance in your post at going against conventional wisdom. I am just looking for a project. That's all. Sheesh.

 

[Jack Ryan]

Thank you for the link.



I do sense some annoyance in your post at going against conventional wisdom. I am just looking for a project. That's all. Sheesh.

Not annoyed at all, sorry if it came across that way. Just I've been caught up in "the project" more than once myself and realised I was making the project the goal instead of the means to achieve the goal.

 

[kludge]

I just got the idea because I haven't seen a dedicated semi-auto hunting pistol.

Wildey Guns

Not cheap.