The 411 On Handgun Hunting: 5 Guns Worth Adding To Your Collection

Aaron Spuler is a firearms enthusiast and recreational shooter. Follow more or his work at The Weapon Blog

With efficiency and ease of long-range hunting being all the rage, it seems hunters are seldomly branching out to try new hunting methods. One new sporting method picking up steam and attracting more hunters each year is handgun hunting. Whether it’s the thrill of trying something new or a better chance of landing a hard to get hunting tag, more hunters are switching over to handgun hunting.

Handguns present a new challenge for experienced hunters as they demand increased skill from hunters. Unlike a rifle, which can take shots up to 500 yards, compact weapons require the hunter to closely stalk the desired game. Instead of finding a spot to sit and wait around for big animals to come in range, hunters need to be on the move, tracking and stalking diligently.

If you’ve decided to up your game and give handgun hunting a go, start preparing before the big trip. From increasing your physical fitness to whittling down packing essentials, you have a lot to do to prepare for your hunt. However, a critical step in preparing is selecting the proper gun for your adventuring needs.

Taurus Raging Hunter

Unlike the Taurus g2c, which is chambered in 9mm, easily concealable, and best suited for self-defense purposes, the Taurus Raging Hunter attracts hunters looking for an elevated experience. Every hunter has unique wants and expectations when choosing their go-to handgun, and for many, the Taurus Raging Hunter is a perfect fit. Whether it’s the all-weather grips, the factory standard Picatinny rail, or the surplus of power caliber options, the Raging Hunter is ideal for experienced outdoorsmen.

Next Best Handguns For Hunting Ruger Super Redhawk

The Super Redhawk has been one of the top-selling hunting handguns since it debuted in 1987 because of its ability to withstand outdoor wear-and-tear. While hiking and searching for the perfect game, it’s easy to scratch up and dirty your gun. However, Ruger’s Super Redhawk is a sturdy, durable model built to withstand years of hunting use and abuse.

Glock 20

There are few gun manufacturers as ubiquitous and well known as the Glock. Just like other firearms, the Glock 20 shoots fantastically and reliably each time you pull the trigger. This specialized handgun is chambered in 10mm, which may not seem like the correct caliber for big game hunts, but it has taken down bears, hogs, and mountain lions throughout its existence. Another selling point for the Glock 20 is its magazine capacity of 15 rounds—three times the amount most revolvers can hold.

Thompson Center G2 Contender

Thompson Center is known for making high-quality hunting rifles perfect for experienced outdoor enthusiasts. The G2 Contender is a multi-caliber platform that offers barrels ranging from .17 HMR up to 7mm and .308. The G2 contender features a larger rifle stopping power in the small frame of a pistol.

“Do You Feel Lucky, Punk?” Smith and Wesson Model 29

The S&W Model 29 was the first commercially available handgun specifically designed to shoot a .44 magnum cartridge. Popularized by Clint Eastwood in the hit classic Dirty Harry, the model 29 is a suitable choice for hunters looking for several barrel lengths. The Model 29 equips hunters with a .44 magnum cartridge powerful enough to take down large game such as elk, moose, or bears in one easy shot.

Final thoughts

Buckling down and selecting as an avid hunting enthusiast is not an easy decision. There are countless models with various add-ons and configurations, which can be overwhelming as you shop for a model that fits your specific needs. However, with ample research and concrete hunting expectations, you can purchase a gun that checks-off your requirements