Handgun hunting was once strictly the purview of revolver owners, but times are changing. Today you’ll notice a number of customers looking for semi-auto handguns specifically for hunting, and it pays to be prepared. Making sure your team is educated on the ins and outs of handgun hunting is a good way to maximize sales and keep customers coming back. Keep in mind that parts of this are state specific, and you’ll need to encourage customers to do due diligence on checking out laws in your area.

Side note: This isn’t legal advice; it’s simply information given for educational purposes. If you or your customers have questions regarding laws and regulations in your area, speak with a qualified attorney (don’t assume the local game warden knows, because they frequently do not).

Understanding What Handgun Hunting Really Is

Perhaps the top thing you don’t want happening is a customer being told that magnum revolvers are the only choice for handgun hunting. While revolvers offer a lot of benefits, especially for larger game, there’s far more to the handgun hunting world. Semi-autos and bolt-action pistols both qualify as fantastic hunting options. The key to successful handgun hunting is simply using the correct caliber and understanding how it works.

Encourage team members to ask customers if they had a platform already in mind rather than simply handing them a revolver. Semi-autos in calibers 10mm and up are great; bolt-action pistols are available in both pistol and rifle calibers. This open-minded attitude is helpful for increasing sales because not only does it stop the potential alienation of certain customers, but it also tends to make the gun more financially feasible.

The key here is that whatever platform the customer prefers, it needs to be enough gun for the animal they’re hunting, and they must be familiar with what it — and they — can and can’t do. They might not know the capabilities of the barrel length and caliber just yet, but once they’ve made their purchase, they should spend time at the range learning about effective distance and how yardage affects drop rate. Handgun hunting is more challenging than hunting with long guns, and that’s something customers need to understand as well. This skill will take practice, and that practice needs to take place at the range, not in real-time on a hunt.

Where Can Customers Handgun Hunt

Customers can handgun hunt in most states; it’s the specifics that change by location. For example, Iowa requires hunters utilize 357 Magnum or larger — with a minimum 4-inch barrel — and in Montana, traditional handguns are fine, but the barrel can’t exceed 10.5 inches in a WRA (Weapons Restricted Area). Then there’s Texas, where just about anything goes and many animals can be hunted with handguns year-round.

A few things to check the local laws on for handgun hunting:

  • Caliber requirements, including minimum, maximum, centerfire versus rimfire, and straight-walled versus bottleneck.
  • Barrel length might have a minimum or maximum and can vary by the specific piece of land the customer is hunting.
  • Seasons and dates when handgun hunting is legal.
  • Whether the handgun can be carried with other weapons (there are a few unique laws about this).
  • Self-defense-related handgun carry while hunting versus using a handgun to hunt.

There’s a significant amount of disinformation and misinformation about handgun hunting. The best way to ensure you’re giving customers correct information is to do the reading yourself on your state’s DNR (Department of Natural Resources) or Fish & Game site. Some game wardens will be familiar with the laws, but not all of them will, partly because handgun hunting remains a niche method despite its increasing popularity. And while we certainly encourage educating your team so they can speak to customers from a position of knowledge, it’s also important to remind customers to do their own research. You, your team, and your store can’t assume the legal responsibility for what customers might do. Always remind customers to read the laws for themselves.

Handgun Options

Taurus TH10

Customers getting into handgun hunting don’t have to make a major investment into the gun, and that’s a must to remember. It’s nice to make big sales, but acknowledging the realities of cost — especially for a brand-new hobby — is smart customer relations. The Taurus TH10 is a semi-automatic that’s an excellent entry model for handgun hunters. It’s chambered in 10mm, which is a capable hunting round, and it’s easy to run.

The Taurus TH10 is a double-action/single-action (DA/SA) with a thumb safety that also acts as a decocker. If you’re dealing with a customer who’s not a fan of the DA/SA platform, remind them it’s a good idea for hunting because it increases safety and reduces the likelihood of taking a shot too early. The factory trigger is good with a smooth pull right out of the box, which is a huge bonus. This pistol has a 15 +1 capacity, a 4.25-inch barrel, and drift-adjustable sights. The shorter barrel — for a hunting gun — might surprise some customers, but it’s a nice, maneuverable size that works well on game within reasonable distances. It’s also easier to carry holstered, which is a bigger plus than many hunters will realize at first.

MSRP $567.99

Visit taurususa.com to learn more.

Magnum Research BFR

The Biggest Finest Revolver (BFR) line manufactured by Magnum Research is comprised of high-quality guns that are stellar for hunting. These revolvers include features like Bisley grips, brushed stainless steel finishes, and five- or six-shot cylinders. And thanks to the creativity of the company, there’s also more to this line than a few magnums. Models are offered in long and short cylinders with calibers including 350 Legend, 360 Buckhammer, 460 S&W Magnum, 500 S&W Magnum, 44 Magnum, 454 Casull, 480/475 Linebaugh, and 500 Linebaugh. There’s even one in 444 Marlin for the truly dedicated big-bore aficionados.

Barrel length varies on the BFRs, giving customers the choice of staying relatively short and manageable or going longer for improved ballistics and accuracy. Length ranges from 5 to 10 inches, with certain lengths only offered in specific calibers. There’s significant weight to these revolvers, which helps offset felt recoil and muzzle rise. These are beautifully made revolvers, and it’s far too common for people to forget Magnum Research makes them. For sale purposes, stock the BFR in 44 Magnum or 350 Legend for hunters, but if you want to add some fun, have one in something like 500 Linebaugh as well.

MSRP starts at $1,455

Visit magnumresearch.com to learn more.

Handgun Hunting Accessories

From a business perspective, the fact that handgun hunting requires accessories is great. It’s possible for a customer to buy a handgun and go, but life will be far easier — and their hunt more successful — if they pick up some useful odds and ends. After all, there’s not much more frustrating than realizing a small, affordable piece of gear would’ve saved quite a headache (or saved the entire hunt).

Primos Gen 3 Tall Tripod Shooting Sticks

Shootings sticks are a must for most handgun hunters. It’s possible to brace against a tree or support the barrel on a fence, but those things aren’t always available. Customers can use the Primos Gen 3 Tall Tripod Shooting Sticks to ensure they never miss a shot for lack of support. This is especially important with the heavier handguns because it gets challenging to hold them on target offhand for an extended length of time.

The Primos Gen 3 Tall Tripod Shooting Sticks have three legs, as the name suggests, and that’s good for handgunners because it offers truly solid support. Bipods are offered in other models from Primos, but for handgun hunters, it’s best to point them to a tripod. This tripod’s height can be adjusted quickly using the trigger at the top, and the legs telescope quietly. Height is adjustable between 24 and 62 inches, making it possible to use these shooting sticks sitting, kneeling, or standing. Let customers know that utilizing the Primos Gen 3 Tall Tripod Shooting Sticks is a vital part of a successful hunt. Not much is worse than a missed shot.

Galco Brush Hog Belt Holster

A holster is a must for handguns small enough to carry. The Galco Brush Hog Belt Holster is a quality option for semi-autos from companies like Colt, GLOCK, and Tisas. It’s made using premium steerhide and formed to fit the model of gun for some retention. A wide protective flap protects the pistol and can be easily opened with one hand. It’s even easy to manage while wearing gloves. The holster is compatible with belts up to 1 3/4 inches. It also works with a variety of weapon-mounted lights and carry optics, which is even better for handgun hunters (on that note, don’t forget to recommend a red-dot sight to your customers).

An interesting and highly useful feature of the Galco Brush Hog Belt Holster is the fact that it can be used with Galco’s Belt Drop. The Belt Drop is an additional accessory, so consider stocking it alongside the holster itself. Hunters utilizing the Belt Drop can expect a faster draw, better clearance around equipment like rain gear, and a height that rides below the level of a backpack’s waist straps. Galco manufactures the holster with a leg thong that works well with the Belt Drop as well. Not all hunters want or need a holster at belt level, and the Belt Drop makes the Brush Hog truly height adjustable.