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July 15th, 2020, 04:59 PM #1
Barrel length for handgun hunting?
Looking to pick up an X-frame Smith, most likely a 500 mag. I wanted a performance center model with a 7.5 inch barrel as it would be easier to handle, but am now unsure if the 10.5 inch is the way to go.
The 10.5 has a rail integral to the barrel, so less parts to come loose is a plus, as I would mount a red dot. But I'm mainly concerned about the velocity difference. I don't see myself taking a shot past 100 yards with a handgun, especially without magnification. Soooo, 100 yards and in, would the 7.5 inch barrel be enough to take a whitetail or would I need the 10.5 for the extra velocity?
Edit, ammo would likely be standard factory 350 grain xtp bullet, or similar
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July 15th, 2020, 05:25 PM #2
Re: Barrel length for handgun hunting?
Do you want to handgun hunt, or rifle hunt? 7.5 is plenty.
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July 15th, 2020, 09:58 PM #3
Re: Barrel length for handgun hunting?
What animal? 357 is fine for deer. 500 in any barrel length will ventilate a deer.
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July 15th, 2020, 10:07 PM #4Super Member
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Re: Barrel length for handgun hunting?
I have taken deer with my 6" Anaconda , And I can hit a clay Pidgeon at 100 yards with the scope. If you feel the need for the extra length go for it,
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July 15th, 2020, 10:09 PM #5
Re: Barrel length for handgun hunting?
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July 15th, 2020, 10:15 PM #6Super Member
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July 15th, 2020, 10:42 PM #7
Re: Barrel length for handgun hunting?
If you find one (ballistic chart) I bet you find that there is a big drop in energy at 100 yards when going from a 3” or 4” barrel to a 7” plus. 10” maybe overkill but I would be real sure before you invest.
I’m sure there are some handgun hunting forms out there with good data.
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July 16th, 2020, 01:23 AM #8Grand Member
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Re: Barrel length for handgun hunting?
The ability to hit a deer at 100 yards (with or without magnification) depends on how well you can hold and shoot a handgun. Not the bullet drop. I shoot a Contender pistol and have a number of different barrels for it. I have some 14 inch barrels with higher power scopes that can easily shoot under an inch at 100 yards (and two inches and a little low at 200 yards) when rested on a bench. But try and steady a long and heavy barrel like that and shoot offhand and you would be lucky to hit a paper plate at 100. I can shoot better groups with one of the lighter 10 inch iron sighted barrels.
Maybe I am just getting old and don't have the upper body strength I used to but you should try and handle the pistols you are thinking about. A Smith 500 weighs a lot more than a Contender does but if you can handle the weight of a 10 inch barrel with a scope go for it. If it is too heavy to hold steady (and it is for most people) you will not be handicapped by going to a 7.5 inch or even shorter barrel.
If you are just going for deer a 500 is way over the top. Consider a 44 mag or hot loaded 45 LC. Even with a 300 grain bullet going "only" 1300 fps you will never find a bullet in a whitetail.
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July 16th, 2020, 03:22 AM #9
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July 16th, 2020, 03:26 AM #10
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