which semi-auto pistol caliber is good for the hunting defense

[ZX9RCAM]

To get the needed penetration, it might be best to go with SP completely.

 

[just jk]

the last time i was in Colorado on a hunt - where bears were an issue - the .44 revolver was a pretty popular carry

 

[ZX9RCAM]

I have a friend that uses a .44 mag to hunt Black Bear, he has killed a few.
Kind of an adrenaline junky....

 

[Sugar Land]

44 is a good load. The point is can you shoot and piss your pants at the same time?

 

[ZX9RCAM]

44 is a good load. The point is can you shoot and piss your pants at the same time?

I'm sure I could learn fairly easily.

 

[Sugar Land]

I'm sure I could learn fairly easily.

Hope you are a fast learner.

 

[General Zod]

thank you all, The 45ACP is a good caliber for defense, I didn't see many people mention the 1911 which is almost everyone has it. Why?

Because you asked about caliber, not model. And I don't know that "almost everyone" has a 1911 - but it's safe to say a good number of us are properly enlightened...

 

[London]

No bears in Texas - but there are cougars. And coyotes. And feral hogs...

My usual choice for the "uh-oh, that critter is after me" gun is .45ACP, but I'm fairly confident a 9mm JHP (my second choice) will drop a cougar. It might take the whole magazine to discourage a boar, though.

I once read a story about a charging mountain lion that was shot 6 times with a .357 mag before it would fall. Unusual? I don't know. I've never shot a big cat, let alone several.

Because of that story I pass on semi-auto's for hiking in lieu of a nice .44 mag wheelgun. I'd rather have too much than too little.

 

[navyguy]

How about a 45/70

Magnum Research .45/70 Revolver Shooting - YouTube

 

[TreyG-20]

Semi-Auto pistol. Hmmm.... Well I would normally suggest a G20 like most others here, but why not do a little better. I give you the Draco pistol. 30 rounds of 7.62x39. Hey it is a pistol and semi-auto.

 

[Moonpie]

Semi-Auto pistol. Hmmm.... Well I would normally suggest a G20 like most others here, but why not do a little better. I give you the Draco pistol. 30 rounds of 7.62x39. Hey it is a pistol and semi-auto.

AWWWW!!!!! That's cheatin'.

 

[TX-Rifleman]

Semi-Auto pistol. Hmmm.... Well I would normally suggest a G20 like most others here, but why not do a little better. I give you the Draco pistol. 30 rounds of 7.62x39. Hey it is a pistol and semi-auto.

Good for anything I guess, after 30 hits, if he or it still charging, I will gave up

 

[ervdrvr1]

Being that you said semi-auto(I prefer revolvers for a hunting side-arm), I would say a Desert Eagle Mark XIX in .44mag. Heck...if you have the cash, you can get all six barrels(6" & 10") and mags(+bolt for .357) for .357, .44, & .50AE all with one pistol....and you can actually carry it without it being obtrusive....That aught to just about cover anything in N. America....just sayin.....

 

[Sugar Land]

Yep that would do it.

 

[rushthezeppelin]

How about a 45/70

Magnum Research .45/70 Revolver Shooting - YouTube

I see your 45/70 and raise you a 50/90

Custom Big Bore Handgun BFR .50-90 Sharps.MOV - YouTube

This thing kicks more like a zebra than a mule.

Semi-Auto pistol. Hmmm.... Well I would normally suggest a G20 like most others here, but why not do a little better. I give you the Draco pistol. 30 rounds of 7.62x39. Hey it is a pistol and semi-auto.

Keep your dirty stinking ATF technicalities out of this place

 

[ArmyZach]

Semi-auto? 45ACP. I would carry 10mm if I had it.
1911 for me.
Glocks are meant for city streets, not the woods. ;-)

 

[itchin]

Lol. Glocks are fine pistols wherever you may need one. I prefer a revolver as a hunting side arm as well.

 

[hellishhorses]

Glocks are meant for city streets, not the woods. ;-)

For why?

Fewer parts, lightweight, high-capacity, built to run full of mud, water, sand, etc. What makes a revolver a better hunting sidearm? Not being a smartass, I'd really like to know. I understand that there are just as many stressed parts in the glock as the revolver, but don't see how it would be any less reliable, unless we're using them as clubs/hammers.

 

[ArmyZach]

For why?
Not being a smartass, I'd really like to know.

I was being the smart ass about Glocks on city streets only.

Revolvers better for hunting? It comes down to calibers and tradition.

 

[hellishhorses]

I was being the smart ass about Glocks on city streets only.

Revolvers better for hunting? It comes down to calibers and tradition.

Need to get my sarcasm meter recalibrated