Pistol or revolver?

Whether you choose a pistol or a revolver for hunting trapshots is primarily a question of taste. Revolvers can fire more powerful calibers, which is an advantage when trapping heavy cloven-hoofed game.

The most popular revolver calibers for trap shooting are .357 Magnum or.44 Magnum. These calibers offer good reserves and perform well even on stronger game. The disadvantage of a revolver compared to a pistol is the lower cadence (i.e. rate of fire), often higher weight and lower drum capacity, which is usually 5,6 or 7 rounds.

Self-loading pistols are currently available on the market in numerous variants. Among the most popular manufacturers are CZ, Glock, Heckler & Koch and Sig Sauer. Modern pistols are largely made of polymer, making them much lighter than revolvers, which are made exclusively of metal except for the grip panels. Pistols usually have a much higher magazine capacity and the rate of fire of a pistol is also higher than that of a revolver. However, the technology of a pistol is more complicated and therefore more prone to errors. This also applies to safety, the risk of accidental firing from revolvers is close to zero, especially for models with single-action triggers.

One of the most popular compromises for a pistol caliber that can be used for hunting is the .40 S&W. It is, in that sense, the middle ground between the 9mm Luger and the .45 Auto. The .40 S&W has a higher E0 than the 9mm Luger and also a higher V0 than the .45 Auto.

An important factor in handguns is barrel length. The shorter the barrel, the shorter the time in which the powder gases can act on the bullet and accelerate it. In order to transfer as much energy as possible to the projectile, the barrel must be as long as possible. However, in order for the gun to be capable of being guided, the barrel must again be as short as possible.

As a rule, the energy and velocity values for short-barreled ammunition, which are indicated on the ammunition packaging, are determined from 5" (12.7 cm) or 6" (15.2 cm) barrels. However, many hunters and sport shooters tend to overestimate the influence of barrel length on bullet energy.

For the catch shot, most hunters prefer hollow point bullets. However, these respond very quickly, so the depth effect is low with strong game, which is why they are primarily suitable for small game. For strong game, partial jacket bullets should be used.

Anyone who uses a handgun for hunting should practice using it regularly, regardless of whether they choose a revolver or a pistol. The open sights make it much more difficult than with a rifle to fire an accurate shot. However, when choosing a shooting range, it is crucial that it is approved for handguns.

Anyone who wants to buy a handgun is best advised online with the platforms eGun, Auctronia or the weapons market of the VDB .

More exciting reports

Exciting, interesting and informative reports about driven hunt you can also find at our premium partner, the hunting magazine Hunting season. for example in the article "FANGSCHUSSWAFFE - ... und sie dreht doch!"