The Gear You’ll Need For Handgun Hunting

In our previous blog, we told you about the reasons why people choose handgun hunting over hunting with a rifle. In most cases it’s because they find handgun hunting to be more sporting than other forms of hunting, usually because you have to track your prey and get closer to it. Other people like doing it because they simply love removers so much.

So while that might answer why people like handgun hunting, it doesn’t talk about the gear needed. Can you just grab your Ruger LCR and speed loader and go after elk? Absolutely not, unless you want a very ticked off elk. Even if you have a .44 Magnum, you’re going to want to consider a few more pieces of equipment before you head off on a hunt. Let’s take a look at the most common types of gear used in handgun hunting.

Choose Your Firearm

We’ll go into great depth on these types of hunting handguns in a future article, but for now we’ll just let you know about some of the more popular and accurate options.

• Smith & Wesson Model 29 (or Model 629) – The Model 29 is considered the granddaddy is handgun hunting, as it was the first consumer model to fire the .44 Magnum cartridge. It has been in production for an amazing 62 years, first offered to the public in 1955. (The 629 is the stainless steel version, which many hunters choose because it holds up better to inclimate weather.) We have speedloaders for them here.
• Thompson/Center Contender – One of the most popular options for handgun hunters is the Thompson/Center Contender. This is a single-shot break-action pistol that is infinitely customizable. All you have to do is switch out the barrel and you can go from a plinking .22 up to a .45-70 Government or .44 Magnum. It’s also one of the most accurate pistols ever made, and considering it’s a single shot it had better be! (Also, considering it’s a single shot we don’t make speedloaders for it.)
• Ruger Super Blackhawk – Looking a bit more old-timey even though it was released after the S&W Model 29, the Blackhawk and Super Blackhawk come in a variety of calibers, the most common being .41 Magnum and .44 Magnum for handgun hunting. Like the Model 29, it’s also still in production. We carry speedloaders for them right here.
• Taurus Raging Bull – The Raging Bull is a big, powerful, loud gun that packs a wallop when you shoot it. The most common handgun hunting calibers are .44 Magnum and .454 Casull, but you can even find one on the secondary market that shoots .500 S&W Magnum cartridges if you really hate your wrist.

Scope

Nearly every handgun hunter uses a scope. Now it might seem weird that a hunter refuses to use a rifle but still relies on a scope, but just remember that the point of the hunt is to take the animal down in one shot. Winging it five times with typical sights is just cruel, so having a good scope is a must on most hunting handguns. The power of the scope you’ll require will depend on your prey and how close you think you can get to it.

Of course, a scope is only useful when it’s steady. That’s why you’ll want to investigate a good…

Monopod or Tripod With Shooting Cradle

Depending on what you’re hunting, you’ll have the option between a monopod (one-leg support) or tripod (three-leg support). If you’re too close to the prey, you might alert them to your presence if you take the time and effort to click out the legs on a tripod; a monopod might be better. But if you’re going for something that’s 200 yards away, you’ll be able to get the tripod out, which you’ll probably need at 200 yards!

Just make sure you get one that’s meant for shooting and not for photography. The u-shaped cradle of a hunting tripod holds your handgun steady while still allowing you to disengage it quickly.

Holster

One of the most convenient aspects of handgun hunting is how easy it is to carry around your firearm. Instead of carrying a heavy rifle on the shoulder all day long, all you have to do a strap on a revolver holster that can accommodate a scope. You’ll always have your firearm at the ready, and you can use both hands to part the brush instead of always using one to hold onto your rifle.

It’s also easier to manipulate when you’re in a…

Blind

Blinds aren’t a necessity for handgun hunting, but they are an option. While blinds are most often thought of for birding, some hunters use them for bigger game if the animals follow a reliable path. If you’re a hunter using a blind, drawing a handgun in a blind is easier than a much longer rifle.

Glasses

Shatterproof shooting glasses or goggles should be standard practice whenever you’re shooting, whether you’re indoors or out, hunting or just spending an hour at the range. The lenses can also work as sunglasses to help cut down on the glare that might prevent you from getting the shot you want.

Ear Protection

When you’re shooting some of the biggest cartridge in the world, it’s going to be loud. And with handguns being louder than rifles in the first place, big cart + handgun = hearing loss…unless you’re wearing proper ear protection. Like we’ve said before, earplugs and earmuffs make a great combination to ensure you don’t go deaf by the time you’re 30.

Gloves

Again, you’re shooting incredibly large calibers when handgun hunting, and if you’re using a revolver and the first shot goes awry, you’re going to want to have hand protection that pads your hand so that you don’t balk at firing that fourth round of .454 Casull. If you already own a large-caliber handgun, it’s likely you understand the need for these gloves. If you’re about to buy one, if only takes a few rounds before you do understand!

Are you ready to become a handgun hunter? It takes a little extra gear and a lot of practice, but people who try it often love it. Come back next time to learn a few tips on how to become even better.