Anyone Handgun Hunting from a Saddle?

[BowhunterXC]

After many years of hunting varmints with a handgun, I decided to try my hand at deer hunting with one. This was back in 2013, but I purchased a Ruger Super Redhawk 44 Mag. with a 9 1/2" barrel and a Sightmark Ultra red dot sight, specifically for deer hunting. It was some of the best hunting that I've experienced, except for bowhunting. It's very similar, up to the point of squeezing the trigger. Less weapon weight, hands free to look around with binoculars and always warm inside a heated hand muff.
I'd like to try it, this season, from my Cruzr XC tree saddle.

Has anyone tried handgun hunting from a tree saddle?

 

[bigmike23]

Not from a saddle, but tried from my stand a couple times. Passed on every deer so far but pulverized a few porcupines last year

 

[boyne bowhunter]

I have hung with the handgun quite a few times. I haven't had the opportunity for a shot yet but the advantages are pretty obvious. Aside from the reduced weight and improved packability, you're facing the tree which provides ample rest opportunities along with the bridge. No worries having to pull it up either, it goes right in the holster. The lowering is what always gets me with a long gun. I always seem to end up with it laying in the snow at the end, optics completely soaked. No worries with the pistol.

 

[Petrichor]

Yep brought a 22 pistol for squirrel hunting. Very fun and like the pistol in the saddle.

 

[BackSpasm]

I hunt from my saddle with my .44 revolver. It goes in a holster I made which marries up to my binocular harness. I love how compact it is and how easy to maneuver

 

[NMSbowhunter]

Never tried it out of a saddle but I have set up in a turkey chair in a very thick bedding area waiting to slip one of these 250 grain Keith Semi wadcutter hollow points into a deer. So far, I haven't had any volunteers.

 

[phatkaw]

I was pretty amazed about how nice one-sticking is with my.44!

 

[woodsdog2]

This thread got me thinkin' I have a Ruger New Model Blackhawk Convertible in .357 and 9mm (two cylinders) and I'm going to order a Weigand mini mount for a Burris Fastfire 3 and I plan on hunting with it a lot this year especially in the saddle. I've thought about this before off and on and what a convenience. Most of my setups are close up to deer movement anyway so why not? What holsters are you recommending? I heard about the Diamond D out of Alaska and they can custom make one to accommodate a red dot sight. What are you handgun hunters using?

 

[phatkaw]

This is what I had made to fit my pi'stola a bunch of years ago...

https://ringlercustomleather.com/shop/ols/products/wyoming-combination-holster

I absolutely love it!

 

[Crcusmonky]

I have used the diamond d and it was very nice. I have also used the kenai chest holster from gunfighters inc. This one is nice as well, a little stiff.

I also have considered this one. It’s a holster that fits on a belt or bandolier type.

Bandito Scoped Holster, Thompson Contender

This web page displays information about the Bandito Class A Scoped Holster. It's made from premium grade cowhide leather.

www.pistolpackaging.com

 

[woodsdog2]

Alot of great options to consider. Thanks fellas!!

 

[mlk3454]

I have used the diamond d and it was very nice. I have also used the kenai chest holster from gunfighters inc. This one is nice as well, a little stiff.

I have a Diamond D for my Super Redhawk in 480 Ruger and the Kenai for my Glock 20 10mm and would recommend both.

 

[10essee]

S&W 686 Deluxe 7rd 7” 357mag with a Leupold 2.5-8x32 with a Weigand base and triple rings. Cocobola grips from Hogue. I shoot Buffalo Bore 140gr Barnes XPB and they are HOT!!! A cylinder full of then and stuff starts getting tender but that will smash anything on the other end.

 

[woodsdog2]

S&W 686 Deluxe 7rd 7” 357mag with a Leupold 2.5-8x32 with a Weigand base and triple rings. Cocobola grips from Hogue. I shoot Buffalo Bore 140gr Barnes XPB and they are HOT!!! A cylinder full of then and stuff starts getting tender but that will smash anything on the other end. View attachment 63879View attachment 63882

Beauty of a piece!!!

 

[10essee]

Beauty of a piece!!!

Thank you. I love it. I will say you definitely know you’re carrying it though.

 

[woodsdog2]

Thank you. I love it. I will say you definitely know you’re carrying it though.

Weigand rings too?

 

[10essee]

Weigand rings too?

Yes.

 

[Icedog]

I have taken 4 does with the Ruger super redhawk 44 mag and 1 doe and a 5 point with the Ruger gp100 357 mag. Haven't got any from the saddle yet

 

[woodsdog2]

Got my Weigand Mini mount in yesterday and installed it on my New Model Blackhawk .357 mag last night. Waiting for the thread locker to dry and will mount a Burris Fast Fire III on this. I am stoked about this!!

 

[10essee]

Got my Weigand Mini mount in yesterday and installed it on my New Model Blackhawk .357 mag last night. Waiting for the thread locker to dry and will mount a Burris Fast Fire III on this. I am stoked about this!!View attachment 63932

I looked at That model when I bought the S&W but couldn’t find one with long enough barrel. I wanted at least 8” barrel but settled for the 7” on the 686