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

Majestic Deer In A Forest Glade 2026 01 07 07 17 03 Utc
Majestic Deer In A Forest Glade 2026 01 07 07 17 03 Utc

What Summer Buck Sightings Tell Us

Dreaming of fall? Here are some things to look for during your summertime scouting.

One Out of Every Four Hunters Won’t Hunt in 2026

One out of every four hunters who hunted the 2025 season will not hunt in 2026. That startling statistic was arrived at by Southwick Associates after conducting a survey of 28,447 hunters in 20 states.

Says You: Sightseeing on a Hunt?

Editor-in-Chief Scott Olmsted's monthly response column to questions posed by our members. This time, we're discussing hunting practices and traditions, and making some long-distance connections.

First Look: CVA Cascade SR

CVA has announced the Cascade SR. This suppressor-ready version of the company's standard Cascade, is built for hunters who need a compact, maneuverable rifle.

Fueled by AI: Boone and Crockett Club Launches Big Game Records Live 2.0

The Boone and Crockett Club recently launched Big Game Records Live 2.0, a major evolution of its digital platform that transforms the world’s oldest big game records database into an interactive analytics tool for hunters.

Lightweight AR-10: Building a Hunt-Focused Backcountry Rifle (Part 1)

Curious how to create a .308-chambered AR-10 that *doesn't* suck to carry into the backcountry? Dennis Bradley does just that, off a DPMS-pattern lower, and comes it at a shocking weight (read on for the exact number, but it is sub 2). Read on, to see how he does it.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.