Handguns For Deer

by
posted on March 25, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
qa_ah2015_fs.jpg (15)

Q: I hunt with a .357 Mag. revolver and have killed several deer with it, with only a couple requiring a second shot. However, my hunting buddies tell me I am undergunned. What do you think?

A: It seems this topic comes up whenever someone expresses an opinion about a particular cartridge and its effectiveness on game. There will always be those who take exception to your stance, through their own personal beliefs and experiences. While the .357 Mag. is a capable deer round in the hands of a good marksman at limited ranges, the smallish magnum leaves very little margin for error. Loaded with a proper bullet and combined with good shot placement (which applies to any and every cartridge) the .357 Mag. will cleanly take deer, as you have discovered.

Having said that, most of the handgun hunters we know have a tendency to ere on the larger side with regards to calibers. Their preferences begin with the larger .41 Mag. and .44 Mag.

Latest

Ruger American Gen 2 Lede
Ruger American Gen 2 Lede

Top 10 New Hunting Rifles for 2025

As the year draws to its inevitable close, we asked Philip Massaro to select his top 10 favorite rifles that debuted in 2025. Without any further adieu, let’s dive into the list.

The 4 Classic Hunting Platforms

Andi Bogard takes a look at the classic actions and platforms that laid the foundation for today’s hunting rifles.

Conservation Partners Launch Novel Turkey Nesting Research

Predator populations—nest raiders and full-feathered turkey killers alike—are growing across the United States. To determine if their increasing numbers are a leading cause of wild turkey population declines, Turkeys For Tomorrow (TFT) has announced a groundbreaking study on predator impacts on nesting and poult-rearing success.

Muleys The Old Way: Traditional Muzzleloading

Aram von Benedikt and his son took part in one of the oldest American traditions there is: muzzleloading for deer with a traditional smokepole. Read on for more about their adventure.

MSU Deer Lab Celebrates 50 Years

For 50 years the Mississippi State University (MSU) Deer Lab—a partnership between the university’s Forest and Wildlife Research Center (FWRC) and MSU Extension Service in Starkville, Miss.—has delivered nationally recognized research on deer biology, habitat management and land stewardship.

#SundayGunday: Our Top 5 in 2025

Sitting on your couch in an eggnog stupor, wrapping paper still draped off every chair in sight? Still procrastinating getting up, cleaning, up or any sort of behavior that could be remotely described as productive? Here's something to keep you further occupied in your sedentary state. Read on, to check out our Top 5 #SundayGundays of 2025, as selected by you, our audience.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.