Hand gun advice for newby

RichZ · Apr 11, 2010

I'm thinking of buying a handgun for emergency euthanasia of my livestock (goats and sheep). I haven't found a satisfactory way of euthanizing them in an emergency (terrible injury, etc), short of calling the vet which sometimes can take too long, if she has a bunch of farm calls ahead of me. I've never owned or even shot a handgun before. Someone told me that a snub nosed 38 is what I want for this job, but I don't know if that's the best way to go. I won't be using this gun often (hopefully) so I want to keep the cost as low as possible. I also want the simplest gun possible, would that be a revolver? I guess if the economy keeps going the way it is, it might be used for personal protection on my farm, if it's more handy than my rifle.

So, I know lots of you are extremely knowledgeable about handguns, so I'm eager to hear your suggestions.

Thanks!!!

/pine · Apr 11, 2010

A large caliber is not needed for dispatching livestock but a well placed shot is paramount...I suggest something like a Ruger Blackhawk with a 6" barrel in a caliber you are comfortable with...
A good gun shop should let you test fire an array of guns in different calibers...

CurlyDave · Apr 11, 2010

A .38 or .357 revolver is the easiest to use and requires the least practice to develop reasonable proficiency.

A snub nosed .38 or .357 is harder to aim & control for a newbie, but is an excellent choice if you ever decide to carry concealed.

Either a 4" or 6" revolver in .357 (can also fire .38) is an excellent starting point and Ruger is hard to beat for value and durability.

JCB · Apr 11, 2010

Rich,

You're probably gonna be amazed at how in-accurate a handgun can be. Go with a longer barrel so you can have a reasonable chance of putting the bullet where you wanted it to go when standing a pace or two back.

Smaller caliber will be cheaper and should work just fine for you.

texasjohn · Apr 11, 2010

You have a rifle? That's completely satisfactory for goats/sheep. Even a .22 will work with a goat or sheep. My grandfather dispatched goats and sheep by cutting their throats... works quickly although a bit messy. Have done this myself.

If your priority is low cost, you are already there.

If it is to get the absolutely most simple and reliable handgun, it's a revolver.

If it is self defense, and a pistol, although many opinions exist, mine is that the smallest useful caliber is 9mm. I have a Kel Tec PF9.... smallest, lightest 9mm pocket carry pistol available, automatic, made in USA, lifetime warranty around $300. Mine has a laser sight, I carry it daily, everywhere, with CHL, never had a FTF, FTL. Ammo is affordable, about $15 or less for 50 rounds.

Useful realistic and practical range of a handgun is within 10 feet. Every live target I've ever used mine on took only one head shot: rattlesnake, sheep, 1300 lb bull. Short barrels make tack driver accuracy impossible. Get a longer barrel, increase accuracy, makes pocket carry impossible. You can't use a pistol unless you have it with you when you need it.

You define your priorities and choose. Everybody has an opinion on this subject, typically a restatement of their personal logic and decision re a handgun.

RonMar · Apr 12, 2010

4"-6" revolver, .357 either single or double action... IMO 2" really limits a pistol's usefullness unless you want to carry it in your pocket(also dangerous for the inexperienced). But what calibre rifle do you have? Any thing over a .22 will effectively do what you need. Personally I think a .22 is a little small for the guaranteed quick and humane larger animal dispatch. Especially in inexperienced hands.

My .02, good luck...

mustangsallysdad · Apr 12, 2010

RichZ said:
I'm thinking of buying a handgun for emergency euthanasia of my livestock (goats and sheep). I haven't found a satisfactory way of euthanizing them in an emergency (terrible injury, etc), short of calling the vet which sometimes can take too long, if she has a bunch of farm calls ahead of me. I've never owned or even shot a handgun before. Someone told me that a snub nosed 38 is what I want for this job, but I don't know if that's the best way to go. I won't be using this gun often (hopefully) so I want to keep the cost as low as possible. I also want the simplest gun possible, would that be a revolver? I guess if the economy keeps going the way it is, it might be used for personal protection on my farm, if it's more handy than my rifle.

So, I know lots of you are extremely knowledgeable about handguns, so I'm eager to hear your suggestions.

Thanks!!!

S & W model 65 stainless steel double action revolver...3" bbl, fixed sights, round butt....38/.357. reasonably small should you ever decide to carry, can fire .38's (cheaper for practice or dispatch of livestock), can step up to hotter .357's for personal defense/home protection, corrosion resistant and simple to operate. Can be found as a used trade in at most gun shops or as police trade ins in a lot of locales. $275-$350 used. One of the best all around revolvers S & W ever made.

Egon · Apr 12, 2010

Get a singe barrel singe shot .410 and use slugs.:thumbsup:

PaulieD · Apr 12, 2010

Rich,

NY law prevents other gun owners (including stores) from loaning out their guns to you for practice, and the state also makes it difficult to obtain a license, so start early. But, living within driving distance of Springfield Mass. offers you a great opportunity. Smith and Wesson (in Springfield) has a shooting range that is part of their facilities. If you visit the facility they will charge you approximately $35 for the use of the range, and then charge you for each box of cartridges you use.

When I was trying to figure out what handgun to buy, I made two trips with a friend of mine who was also interested in handgun shooting. We'd split a box of 50 rounds for each handgun we tried and tried out five handguns and three different cartridges.

By going through this exercise I was able to settle on a 357 revolver. Most of the time I load it with 38 or 38+p rounds, but it is nice to have the capability of handling a heavier load.

But you may have an entirely different experience. Auto's might tend to fit your hand better than a revolver. Or you might opt for the 45 ACP round (the size makes it sound intimidating, but it actually seems to shoot softer than the 357).

I made the trip, enjoyed the experience, and learned more about myself and the weapons in which I was interested. Whether you make the trip or not, let us know what you decide on.

Paul