jscusmcvet
Explorer
While I have taken small game with a .22 revolver before, I never used a handgun on deer until yesterday. I had not really planned on it, but an opportunity arose as I was out and about on the farm early yesterday morning before heading to work. 6 deer were browsing through the edge of the wood line. I could see that 2 of them were decent sized does.
We have coyotes and also have evidence recently of a bobcat or two, and as always potential threat from two legged wildlife, so while out and about on the farm or in the woods, I regularly either have a long gun or a full size handgun with me. Yesterday I had my Ruger GP 100 4" 357.
I drew the weapon, slipped up toward them with no issue. Seems some of the spookiness of the last few weeks is gone. At about 20 - 25 yards I took aim and fired on the largest of the two. Clean hit, just below the shoulder. She traveled less than 50 yards and dropped. Turned out the upper leg was shattered, and the round passed through the chest cavity, breaking ribs on the way in and the way out and I think came to rest in the other shoulder (we hope to find it during processing). Winchester Silvertip. If I recall correctly, 140 grains, but I am not sure about that. This is a devastating round.
Had to call in work and let them know I'd be late. I skinned, dressed and quartered her and Ann will process the meat after a few days of curing. Looking for one or two more and the freezer will be full.
It was very exciting and I am pleased with the accuracy of me, the gun and the round. The damage done to both meat and bone reinforces the 357 to me as an effective defense round.
John
We have coyotes and also have evidence recently of a bobcat or two, and as always potential threat from two legged wildlife, so while out and about on the farm or in the woods, I regularly either have a long gun or a full size handgun with me. Yesterday I had my Ruger GP 100 4" 357.
I drew the weapon, slipped up toward them with no issue. Seems some of the spookiness of the last few weeks is gone. At about 20 - 25 yards I took aim and fired on the largest of the two. Clean hit, just below the shoulder. She traveled less than 50 yards and dropped. Turned out the upper leg was shattered, and the round passed through the chest cavity, breaking ribs on the way in and the way out and I think came to rest in the other shoulder (we hope to find it during processing). Winchester Silvertip. If I recall correctly, 140 grains, but I am not sure about that. This is a devastating round.
Had to call in work and let them know I'd be late. I skinned, dressed and quartered her and Ann will process the meat after a few days of curing. Looking for one or two more and the freezer will be full.
It was very exciting and I am pleased with the accuracy of me, the gun and the round. The damage done to both meat and bone reinforces the 357 to me as an effective defense round.
John
