Simple Q...

[TAB]

SHOULD( key word here) a 1911 be used for hunting deer?

I'm not talking about handgun hunting in general.  just 1911s.

[hodman]

Should -no
Could - Yes

OK so why do you ask?

Jon

[TAB]

Just a try to prove to myself that majority of gun onwers/ hunters are not complete





Latly I seem to be getting the vibe that more and more gun owners have gone completely off the edged...seems like we are shooting ourselfs in the foot time and time again.

[MikeBjerum]

No

Here in Minnesota there is a requirement that the case length must be 1.285 inches, except 10 mm which must be .95 inches.

[m25operator]

TAB,  not a simple question.

1) Which 1911.

2) What caliber, remember you can have a Grizzly .50 magnum, 10mm, 45 super, .50 GI, all capable of hard heavy hits on light skinned animals, within a given distance. You can also have a 1911 in .22lr, .38spl, 9mm, .38super etc... not normally recognized as deer cartridges.

3) Why? Well maybe thats all you have, maybe you like to challenge yourself and limit yourself to more basic or inferior tools like a bowhunter, you know the limitations of yourself and your equipment and will only work within those parameters.

To answer your question:

1) YES, If the hunter is willing to work within the limitations of the cartridge and the accuracy of the particular pistol and her/his personal capabilities.

2) Best tool, no.

3) Adequate tool yes, within its limitations, remember the .45acp is meant to stop things in the 250lb range by design.

Your picture of the donkey in the well is disturbing, I hope you got it out alright. The skin looks so very loose it could be dead or very emaciated.

As for shooting ourselves in the foot, 1) RULE #1, NEVER POINT A GUN AT ANYTHING YOUR NOT COMPLETELY WILLING TO DESTROY.

[Sponsor]

[Bill Stryker]

My first deer, a seven point whitetail, was taken with a standard US Army issue M1911. It was my issue weapon. Range was 25 yards at least. Ammo was standard 230 grain ball issue stuff. Dropped the deer in his tracks with one shot throught the heart. That was in 1967 at Ft. Hood, TX.

I still carry a Colt .45 Gold Cup when we follow a blood trail in the rifle zone. That's so there will only be one rifle -- it's my safety rule. But I load it with Golden Sabers or Hydroshocks, whichever I have on hand. It works very well for finishing off a downed or wounded deer.

Now, I use a Ruger No. 1 in 7x57 most often for deer. Killed more with that little rifle than anything else.

Or if I am hunting in the shotgun zone, I use an 870 deer shotgun that is so old it has a smooth bore (bought before rifle barrels on shotguns were legal), but it groups 1 oz. slugs well. I took a nice 10 point with that shotgun at Ravenna Army Ammunition Depot in 1982. But, I have gone out to my stand on occasion with one of my 1911s in .45 ACP because in Michigan that is legal to do in the shotgun zone.

Do I recommend that someone else use a .45 ACP M1911 to hunt deer? NO WAY. Will I stop? Well, I might try the XD45 next year.   

[hawkeye1]

Good question.  I have often thought of taking a deer at close range, broadside with my 1911.  I think that a good quality jacketed hollowpoint, placed correctly will do the job.  Perfect for the job at hand?  No, but it would do the job if the shooter will limit himself to the right shot and the right range.  I always have mine with me when I am in the woods.  Just have not had the right shot present itself,,,,yet.  Maybe this week will change all that.  I will let you know.

[red rider]

I am planning on taking a deer with a 10mm 1911. I have a 200 xtp load worked up, and I am limiting myself to 30 yards or less.

[Hazcat]

Should -no
Could - Yes

OK so why do you ask?

Jon

+1 on this.  Live animals are not for 'experimentation'.  Hunting is fine, I do it myself, but I make sure to use a decent caliber and take a good shot to make a clean, quick kill.

And I think that this is NOT like hunting with a tactical rifle. I have no problem with that except for proper caliber for the game.  Your going to irritate a lot of people for no gain except 'bragging rights" and I don't think most people will like the bragging.

[red rider]

Please explain the objections to deer hunting with a 1911.

A well placed shot of suitable caliber will penetrate vitals. The only objection can think of is that one may not get a profusely bleeding through and through shot to aid in tracking.