re: Any of you folks ever white tail hunt with a pistol?

I've deer hunted exclusively w/ handguns for 20 years or so. Most folks wouldn't call them pistols, but the ATF calls them handguns. My handguns are single shots w/ long barrels and scopes. I started w/ a 44 Mag Redhawk, but it just wasn't accurate enough. I then moved to the T/C Contender platform. With the Contender I killed deer using barrels w/ non-factory calibers from 6 mm to 375. The last 5 years or so I've been using bolt action handguns, Remington XP-100's and a Savage Striker. I killed more deer w/ a 6.5 JDJ Contender, but the past few years I've been using mostly a 7-08 and a 284 Win. I admire anyone who hunts game w/ a traditional handgun. Mine aren't as challenging as a traditional handgun as my handguns are more accurate and shoot much flatter than revolvers. Nevertheless, they do add an extra challenge to the sport. I also use bolt action pistols on prairie dog hunts. If anyone's looking for an extra challenge in their deer hunting and they already have a T/C Encore, get a handgun barrel (7-08 would be a good one to start with) and put a 2-7X handgunscope on it. The most difficult part of the game is learning to use the scope. In addition, one needs a good rest. Try it out....you might find you like it.

XP-100 in 7-08

XP-100 ini 284 Win

XP-100 in 260 Rem