Deer hunting with a pistol?

Anyone here deer hunt with a pistol?

I am just doing some investigating, is a .357 legal and big enough?

Do you typically use a scope or iron sights?

If you can use a .357, what would be the rec load?

I hunt with a handgun
357 will work and is legal
use a scope when ever you can
it will inprove your accuracy
check out
http://www.handgunhuntermagazine.com
lots of great info
I shoot a T/C Contender super 14 in 44mag, 7-30waters,
30-30 all for deer with 2x and 2-7x scopes

I hunt with a handgun
357 will work and is legal
use a scope when ever you can
it will inprove your accuracy
check out
http://www.handgunhuntermagazine.com
lots of great info
I shoot a T/C Contender super 14 in 44mag, 7-30waters,
30-30 all for deer with 2x and 2-7x scopes

I took a deer, my first with a pistol last year. 44 S/W with Iron sights. You’ll have to check on the reg.s for Minnesota. In Iowa you also have to have a minimum length barrel. Good luck!

I took a deer, my first with a pistol last year. 44 S/W with Iron sights. You’ll have to check on the reg.s for Minnesota. In Iowa you also have to have a minimum length barrel. Good luck!

In Wisconsin I believe there is a minimum amount of kinetic energy it must have at the barrel.

In Wisconsin I believe there is a minimum amount of kinetic energy it must have at the barrel.

Thanks.

I am going top look it up also, but I bet you guys can answer it quicker, is it legal to use a pistol in so MN?

Thanks.

I am going top look it up also, but I bet you guys can answer it quicker, is it legal to use a pistol in so MN?

Yes it is. I have shot many deer with my pistol in mn. Check the regs about what calibers are legal. They used to go by casing length with calibers such as a .45 so all you could use was a .45 super in that caliber. There were law changes and I dont know if that was included. It is a great challenge! good luck.

Yes it is. I have shot many deer with my pistol in mn. Check the regs about what calibers are legal. They used to go by casing length with calibers such as a .45 so all you could use was a .45 super in that caliber. There were law changes and I dont know if that was included. It is a great challenge! good luck.

It up’s the percision of the shot I have got 8 deer with a 357mag 10″ barreled TC w3X9 Scope using 125gr hp\ w Max load of unique powder, all have gone down good with deceant hits out to 100 yards , good hunting

Stan

It up’s the percision of the shot I have got 8 deer with a 357mag 10″ barreled TC w3X9 Scope using 125gr hp\ w Max load of unique powder, all have gone down good with deceant hits out to 100 yards , good hunting

Stan

Other Restrictions
• Rifled barrels on shotguns are legal statewide.
• No person may discharge a firearm or an arrow from a bow on, over,
across, or within the right-of-way of an improved public highway
(including but not limited to federal, state, county, and township roadways)
at a big game animal or a decoy of a big game animal that has
been set out by a licensed peace officer.
• A person may not use a dog or horse to take big game.
• Except for bears, a person may not take big game by archery while in
possession of a firearm.
• Big game may be taken statewide with firearms, including handguns and
muzzleloaders that meet the definition of legal firearms(See page 57).

So if I read this right I can use a pistol statewide

Other Restrictions
• Rifled barrels on shotguns are legal statewide.
• No person may discharge a firearm or an arrow from a bow on, over,
across, or within the right-of-way of an improved public highway
(including but not limited to federal, state, county, and township roadways)
at a big game animal or a decoy of a big game animal that has
been set out by a licensed peace officer.
• A person may not use a dog or horse to take big game.
• Except for bears, a person may not take big game by archery while in
possession of a firearm.
• Big game may be taken statewide with firearms, including handguns and
muzzleloaders that meet the definition of legal firearms(See page 57).

So if I read this right I can use a pistol statewide

10 inch barrel 357 T/C I think would be fine very accurate, shorter barrels 357 (revolver 6″or 8″ not as accurate) is a little on the small side but legal in a lot of states….I’d suggest going a little larger if you are going with a revolver. The key with a pistol is shot placement. It’s a must with lower powered hand guns.

Whatsa

10 inch barrel 357 T/C I think would be fine very accurate, shorter barrels 357 (revolver 6″or 8″ not as accurate) is a little on the small side but legal in a lot of states….I’d suggest going a little larger if you are going with a revolver. The key with a pistol is shot placement. It’s a must with lower powered hand guns.

Whatsa

I’ve looked into it. The regs in MN only reqire a .45cal or larger, (except a .45 ACP cal that is used in semi autos such as the 1911 by all gun makers and other semi autos such as Glock is not legal) those that wish to hunt with a semi auto need a 10mm at a min). I think the .357 will work fine but the key is practice, practice, practice, – if you can shoot a tight group at long yardage you will be fine.

I’ve looked into it. The regs in MN only reqire a .45cal or larger, (except a .45 ACP cal that is used in semi autos such as the 1911 by all gun makers and other semi autos such as Glock is not legal) those that wish to hunt with a semi auto need a 10mm at a min). I think the .357 will work fine but the key is practice, practice, practice, – if you can shoot a tight group at long yardage you will be fine.

Yes, handguns are legal statewide. Even in the shotgun zones. You can even use a T/C contender in a 308 in the shotgun zone. The legal handgun calibers are listed on the DNR site.

Yes, handguns are legal statewide. Even in the shotgun zones. You can even use a T/C contender in a 308 in the shotgun zone. The legal handgun calibers are listed on the DNR site.

There is a list of legal and illegal calibers at the mn dnr website. Type legal bir game cartriges at the homepage search. I have used my 1911 in .45 winchester magnum. Its my carry gun and I shoot well with it which is why I chose to hunt with it. Check out the website for all the info you need.

There is a list of legal and illegal calibers at the mn dnr website. Type legal bir game cartriges at the homepage search. I have used my 1911 in .45 winchester magnum. Its my carry gun and I shoot well with it which is why I chose to hunt with it. Check out the website for all the info you need.

I’ve been hunting with a .44 Mag Ruger Super Redhawk since I was 17. (Egads, now that I do the math, I’ve been hunting with that thing for as many years.) I have it equiped with a Aimpoint 2000, which provides no magnification – it has the red dot that does not project onto the target.

I love the added challenge it presents to hunt with it. Though in truth – I hunt pretty heavy cover and rarely have a shot that is beyond 50 yards.

I’ve been hunting with a .44 Mag Ruger Super Redhawk since I was 17. (Egads, now that I do the math, I’ve been hunting with that thing for as many years.) I have it equiped with a Aimpoint 2000, which provides no magnification – it has the red dot that does not project onto the target.

I love the added challenge it presents to hunt with it. Though in truth – I hunt pretty heavy cover and rarely have a shot that is beyond 50 yards.

Courtesy of the MN DNR website Check it out.
Legal Big Game Rifle & Pistol Cartridges & Shotgun Shells
M.S.A 97B.031
At Least .23 caliber and case length of at least 1.285 inches

Legal Big Game Rifle Cartridges

* 6mm PPC
* 6mm Bench Rest Remington
* 240 Weatherby Magnum
* 240 Belted
* 242 Nitro
* 243 Winchester
* 243 WSSM
* 6mm Remington (244 Remington)
* 6mm Lee Navy
* 244 H & Magnum
* 25-20 Winchester (WCF)
* 25-25 Stevens
* 25-35 Winchester
* 25-36 Marlin
* 25 WSSM
* 25 STW
* 250 Savage (250-3000 Savage)
* 256 Newton
* 256 Winchester Magnum
* 257 Roberts
* 25 Remington
* 25-06 Remington
* 257 Weatherby Magnum
* 6.5mm TCU
* 6.5×50 Japanese Arisaka
* 6.5x52mm Carcano
* 6.5x53mm R
* 6.5x54mm Mannlicher-Schoenauer
* 6.5x55mm Swedish Mauser
* 6.5 Grenel
* 6.5 Remington Magnum
* 260 Remington
* 264 Winchester Magnum
* 6.8x43mm Remington SPC
* 270 Winchester
* 270 WSM
* 270 Weatherby Magnum
* 275 H & H Magnum
* 280 Ross
* 280 Remington / 7mm Express Remington
* 7mm-08 Remington
* 7-30 Waters
* 7mm BR Remington
* 7mm TCU
* 7mm Mauser (7x57mm)
* 7.35mm Italian Carcano
* 7x61mm Sharpe & Hart Super
* 7x64mm Brenneke
* 7x65mm Argentina
* 7x72mm Rimmed
* 7.5x55mm Swiss Schmidt- Rubin
* 7.5×54 French MAS
* 7.62x39mm Russian
* 7.62x54mm Rimmed
* 7.65x53mm Mauser
* 7.9x57mm JR
* 7.73mm Vom Hofe
* 7.7x58mm Japanese Ariska
* 7mm STW
* 7mm WSM
* 7mm Weatherby Magnum
* 7mm Remington Magnum
* 284 Winchester
* 30 Newton
* 30 Remington
* 30 Herrett
* 30 M1 Carbine
* 30-30 Winchester
* 307 Winchester
* 308 Winchester (7.62mm NATO)
* 30-06 Springfield
* 30-40 Krag
* 300 Savage
* 300 Whisper
* 300 WSM
* 300 Remington SA Ultra Mag
* 300 Weatherby Magnum
* 300 Winchester Magnum
* 300 H&H Magnum
* 308 Norma Magnum
* 318 W-R
* 32 Remington
* 32 Winchester Self Loading
* 32-20 Winchester
* 32-40 Winchester
* 32 Winchester Special
* 325 WSM
* 33 Winchester
* 338 Remington Ultra Mag
* 338 Winchester Magnum
* 303 Savage
* 303 British
* 8mm Mauser (7.92 Mauser)
* 8mm Remington Magnum
* 8x51mm Lebel
* 8x58mm R Krag
* 8x15x46mm R
* 8x50mm R
* 9.3x72mm R
* 9.3×74 mm R
* 10.75x63mm
* 11mm Mauser
* 11mm Spanish
* 32 Winchester
* 32-20 Winchester
* 325 WSM
* 338 Winchester Magnum
* 340 Weatherby Magnum
* 348 Winchester
* 350 Remington Magnum
* 351 Winchester Self Loading (WSL)
* 35 Remington
* 35 Winchester
* 35 Whelen
* 356 Winchester
* 358 Winchester
* 350 Remington Magnum
* 358 Norma Magnum
* 375 Holland & Holland Magnum (H & H)
* 375 Weatherby Magnum
* 378 Weatherby Magnum
* 375 Winchester
* 38-40 Winchester
* 38-55 Winchester & Ballard
* 38-56 Winchester
* 38-72 Winchester
* 40-60 Winchester
* 40-72 Winchester
* 40-82 Winchester
* 401 Winchester Self Loading
* 405 Winchester
* 416 Rigby
* 416 Remington Magnum
* 416 Weatherby Magnum
* 44-40 Winchester
* 450 Nitro Express
* 450-400 3 1/4″
* 444 Marlin
* 45-70 U.S. Government
* 458 SOCOM
* 458 Winchester Magnum
* 460 Weatherby Magnum
* 465 Nitro Express
* 470 Nitro Express
* .50 Beowulf
* 50 Browning (50BMG)
* 50-75 Government
* 50-95 Winchester
* 50-100 Winchester
* 500 NE 3″
* 577 NE 3″
* 577 Snider
* 585 Nyati
* 700 Nitro Express
* 10 gauge Shotgun slug
* 12 gauge shotgun slug
* 16 gauge Shotgun slug
* 20 gauge Shotgun slug
* .410 gauge Shotgun slug

Muzzle-loader portion of 97B031

5. the muzzle-loader used is incapable of being loaded at the breech
6. the smooth bore muzzle-loader used is of at least .45 inches: and
7. the rifled muzzle-loader used is a caliber of at least .40 inches

Legal Big Game Pistol Cartridges

* 10 mm Automatic (shorter than 1.285″ case but legal by statute 97B.031 subd.7c)
* 357 Herrett
* 357 Magnum
* 357 Remington Max
* 41 Remington Magnum
* 44 Remington Magnum
* 44 Auto Mag
* 440 Corbin Magnum
* 45 Colt (45 Long Colt)
* 45 Winchester Mag (legal by statute exemption, case is shorter than 1.285)
* 454 Casull
* 475 Linebaugh
* 460 S&W Magnum
* 480 Ruger
* 50 Action Express (legal by statute exemption, case is shorter than 1.285)
* 50 Alaskan
* 50-110
* 500 Smith & Wesson Magnum

Illegal Cartridges

* Caliber is either too small in diameter and or case length is too short.

Illegal Rimfire Cartridges

* 17 HMR
* 17 HMR Hornady Mach 2
* 22 Short Rimfire
* 22 Long rimfire
* 22 Long Rifle Rimfire
* 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR)

Illegal Centerfire Rifle Cartridges

* 17 Remington
* 204 Ruger
* 218 Bee
* 5.45 x 18mm Soviet
* 5.7 x 28mm FN
* 22 Hornet
* 22 PPC
* 220 Swift
* 222 Remington
* 222 Remington Magnum
* 223 Remington (5.56 NATO)
* 223 WSSM
* 22-250 Remington
* 224 Weatherby Magnum
* 225 Winchester
* 256 Winchester
* 7.62x25mm Russian Torarev

Illegal Centerfire Pistol Cartridges

* 221 Fireball
* 22 Remington Jet
* 25 Auto (.25ACP)
* 30 Luger ( 7.65mm)
* 32 Short Colt
* 32 Long Colt
* 32 Smith & Wesson
* 32 Smith & Wesson Long
* 32 Auto (.32ACP)
* 38 Short Colt
* 38 Long Colt
* 38 Smith & Wesson
* 380 Automatic
* 38 AMU
* 38 Special
* 38 Super Automatic
* 9mm x 18mm Makarov
* 9mm Luger
* 9mm Ultra
* 9mm Winchester Magnum
* 357 /.44 Bain & Davis
* 357 Sig Auto
* 40 Smith & Wesson Automatic
* 400 Corbon
* 44 Smith & Wesson Special
* 45 Auto (.45ACP)
* 45 Auto rim
* 45 Schofield
* 460 Rowland

Note: Bold print typically/originally a handgun cartridge.

The information on this list was compiled from the following sources:

* DNR list dated Sept. 15, 1982
* DNR list dated May 21, 2001
* Cartridges of the World 7th Edition
* NRA Firearms Fact Book 3rd Edition
* Sierra Bullets Technician Phone Line
* Winchester Ammunition 2005 Product Guide

Not all legal or illegal cartridges are included as there are many more obsolete or foreign cartridges as well as wildcat cartridges not listed.

Revised September 7, 2005
Ross M . Opsahl
Regional Training Officer/Conservation Officer
651-686-7998

Courtesy of the MN DNR website Check it out.
Legal Big Game Rifle & Pistol Cartridges & Shotgun Shells
M.S.A 97B.031
At Least .23 caliber and case length of at least 1.285 inches

Legal Big Game Rifle Cartridges

* 6mm PPC
* 6mm Bench Rest Remington
* 240 Weatherby Magnum
* 240 Belted
* 242 Nitro
* 243 Winchester
* 243 WSSM
* 6mm Remington (244 Remington)
* 6mm Lee Navy
* 244 H & Magnum
* 25-20 Winchester (WCF)
* 25-25 Stevens
* 25-35 Winchester
* 25-36 Marlin
* 25 WSSM
* 25 STW
* 250 Savage (250-3000 Savage)
* 256 Newton
* 256 Winchester Magnum
* 257 Roberts
* 25 Remington
* 25-06 Remington
* 257 Weatherby Magnum
* 6.5mm TCU
* 6.5×50 Japanese Arisaka
* 6.5x52mm Carcano
* 6.5x53mm R
* 6.5x54mm Mannlicher-Schoenauer
* 6.5x55mm Swedish Mauser
* 6.5 Grenel
* 6.5 Remington Magnum
* 260 Remington
* 264 Winchester Magnum
* 6.8x43mm Remington SPC
* 270 Winchester
* 270 WSM
* 270 Weatherby Magnum
* 275 H & H Magnum
* 280 Ross
* 280 Remington / 7mm Express Remington
* 7mm-08 Remington
* 7-30 Waters
* 7mm BR Remington
* 7mm TCU
* 7mm Mauser (7x57mm)
* 7.35mm Italian Carcano
* 7x61mm Sharpe & Hart Super
* 7x64mm Brenneke
* 7x65mm Argentina
* 7x72mm Rimmed
* 7.5x55mm Swiss Schmidt- Rubin
* 7.5×54 French MAS
* 7.62x39mm Russian
* 7.62x54mm Rimmed
* 7.65x53mm Mauser
* 7.9x57mm JR
* 7.73mm Vom Hofe
* 7.7x58mm Japanese Ariska
* 7mm STW
* 7mm WSM
* 7mm Weatherby Magnum
* 7mm Remington Magnum
* 284 Winchester
* 30 Newton
* 30 Remington
* 30 Herrett
* 30 M1 Carbine
* 30-30 Winchester
* 307 Winchester
* 308 Winchester (7.62mm NATO)
* 30-06 Springfield
* 30-40 Krag
* 300 Savage
* 300 Whisper
* 300 WSM
* 300 Remington SA Ultra Mag
* 300 Weatherby Magnum
* 300 Winchester Magnum
* 300 H&H Magnum
* 308 Norma Magnum
* 318 W-R
* 32 Remington
* 32 Winchester Self Loading
* 32-20 Winchester
* 32-40 Winchester
* 32 Winchester Special
* 325 WSM
* 33 Winchester
* 338 Remington Ultra Mag
* 338 Winchester Magnum
* 303 Savage
* 303 British
* 8mm Mauser (7.92 Mauser)
* 8mm Remington Magnum
* 8x51mm Lebel
* 8x58mm R Krag
* 8x15x46mm R
* 8x50mm R
* 9.3x72mm R
* 9.3×74 mm R
* 10.75x63mm
* 11mm Mauser
* 11mm Spanish
* 32 Winchester
* 32-20 Winchester
* 325 WSM
* 338 Winchester Magnum
* 340 Weatherby Magnum
* 348 Winchester
* 350 Remington Magnum
* 351 Winchester Self Loading (WSL)
* 35 Remington
* 35 Winchester
* 35 Whelen
* 356 Winchester
* 358 Winchester
* 350 Remington Magnum
* 358 Norma Magnum
* 375 Holland & Holland Magnum (H & H)
* 375 Weatherby Magnum
* 378 Weatherby Magnum
* 375 Winchester
* 38-40 Winchester
* 38-55 Winchester & Ballard
* 38-56 Winchester
* 38-72 Winchester
* 40-60 Winchester
* 40-72 Winchester
* 40-82 Winchester
* 401 Winchester Self Loading
* 405 Winchester
* 416 Rigby
* 416 Remington Magnum
* 416 Weatherby Magnum
* 44-40 Winchester
* 450 Nitro Express
* 450-400 3 1/4″
* 444 Marlin
* 45-70 U.S. Government
* 458 SOCOM
* 458 Winchester Magnum
* 460 Weatherby Magnum
* 465 Nitro Express
* 470 Nitro Express
* .50 Beowulf
* 50 Browning (50BMG)
* 50-75 Government
* 50-95 Winchester
* 50-100 Winchester
* 500 NE 3″
* 577 NE 3″
* 577 Snider
* 585 Nyati
* 700 Nitro Express
* 10 gauge Shotgun slug
* 12 gauge shotgun slug
* 16 gauge Shotgun slug
* 20 gauge Shotgun slug
* .410 gauge Shotgun slug

Muzzle-loader portion of 97B031

5. the muzzle-loader used is incapable of being loaded at the breech
6. the smooth bore muzzle-loader used is of at least .45 inches: and
7. the rifled muzzle-loader used is a caliber of at least .40 inches

Legal Big Game Pistol Cartridges

* 10 mm Automatic (shorter than 1.285″ case but legal by statute 97B.031 subd.7c)
* 357 Herrett
* 357 Magnum
* 357 Remington Max
* 41 Remington Magnum
* 44 Remington Magnum
* 44 Auto Mag
* 440 Corbin Magnum
* 45 Colt (45 Long Colt)
* 45 Winchester Mag (legal by statute exemption, case is shorter than 1.285)
* 454 Casull
* 475 Linebaugh
* 460 S&W Magnum
* 480 Ruger
* 50 Action Express (legal by statute exemption, case is shorter than 1.285)
* 50 Alaskan
* 50-110
* 500 Smith & Wesson Magnum

Illegal Cartridges

* Caliber is either too small in diameter and or case length is too short.

Illegal Rimfire Cartridges

* 17 HMR
* 17 HMR Hornady Mach 2
* 22 Short Rimfire
* 22 Long rimfire
* 22 Long Rifle Rimfire
* 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR)

Illegal Centerfire Rifle Cartridges

* 17 Remington
* 204 Ruger
* 218 Bee
* 5.45 x 18mm Soviet
* 5.7 x 28mm FN
* 22 Hornet
* 22 PPC
* 220 Swift
* 222 Remington
* 222 Remington Magnum
* 223 Remington (5.56 NATO)
* 223 WSSM
* 22-250 Remington
* 224 Weatherby Magnum
* 225 Winchester
* 256 Winchester
* 7.62x25mm Russian Torarev

Illegal Centerfire Pistol Cartridges

* 221 Fireball
* 22 Remington Jet
* 25 Auto (.25ACP)
* 30 Luger ( 7.65mm)
* 32 Short Colt
* 32 Long Colt
* 32 Smith & Wesson
* 32 Smith & Wesson Long
* 32 Auto (.32ACP)
* 38 Short Colt
* 38 Long Colt
* 38 Smith & Wesson
* 380 Automatic
* 38 AMU
* 38 Special
* 38 Super Automatic
* 9mm x 18mm Makarov
* 9mm Luger
* 9mm Ultra
* 9mm Winchester Magnum
* 357 /.44 Bain & Davis
* 357 Sig Auto
* 40 Smith & Wesson Automatic
* 400 Corbon
* 44 Smith & Wesson Special
* 45 Auto (.45ACP)
* 45 Auto rim
* 45 Schofield
* 460 Rowland

Note: Bold print typically/originally a handgun cartridge.

The information on this list was compiled from the following sources:

* DNR list dated Sept. 15, 1982
* DNR list dated May 21, 2001
* Cartridges of the World 7th Edition
* NRA Firearms Fact Book 3rd Edition
* Sierra Bullets Technician Phone Line
* Winchester Ammunition 2005 Product Guide

Not all legal or illegal cartridges are included as there are many more obsolete or foreign cartridges as well as wildcat cartridges not listed.

Revised September 7, 2005
Ross M . Opsahl
Regional Training Officer/Conservation Officer
651-686-7998