The Best Hunting Handguns for Close-Range Game

Not every hunt calls for a rifle. When you’re in tight cover or stalking quietly through thick woods, a hunting handgun can be the right call—if it’s the right gun. These handguns hit hard, carry well, and offer enough accuracy and punch to handle close-range game like whitetails, hogs, or even black bear. If you’re thinking of going into the field with a sidearm, these are worth a serious look.

Ruger Super Blackhawk

The Super Blackhawk is a classic .44 Magnum single-action that’s built to last and known for real-world reliability. It’s a favorite among handgun hunters for good reason.

It hits hard, shoots straight, and handles hot loads without coming apart. It’s not light, but the extra weight helps tame recoil when the hammer drops.

Smith & Wesson Model 629

This double-action .44 Mag gives you more speed on follow-ups and a smoother trigger in either mode. It’s rugged, accurate, and field-proven.

It balances well for a large revolver and has enough barrel options to fit your needs. Toss a scope or red dot on it and it’s deer-ready.

Glock 40 MOS

If you’re looking for a semi-auto option, the Glock 40 MOS in 10mm gives you magazine capacity and optics-ready convenience. It’s flatter shooting than most expect.

It’s built around the proven Glock platform, and when loaded with quality 10mm ammo, it has enough power for deer or hogs at close range.

Taurus Raging Hunter

The Taurus Raging Hunter comes in several hard-hitting calibers like .44 Mag and .454 Casull and includes a solid rail for optics. It’s built with hunting in mind.

Recoil is manageable thanks to the ported barrel and heavy frame. It’s surprisingly affordable, too, given how much power it brings to the field.

Magnum Research BFR

This beast isn’t for casual shooting, but it’s one of the most powerful revolvers built for serious handgun hunting. Available in calibers like .45-70 and .500 JRH.

The BFR is hefty, but it’s also ridiculously accurate. With the right setup, it’s capable of clean kills beyond what most would expect from a handgun.

Ruger Redhawk

The Redhawk is a tank of a revolver, often chambered in .44 Magnum or .45 Colt. It’s been a longtime favorite among hunters who want strength and dependability.

Its double-action trigger is heavy but smooth. It’ll handle any factory hunting load you throw at it—and keep going season after season.

Thompson/Center G2 Contender

The Contender isn’t a revolver or semi-auto, but its single-shot versatility earns it a spot here. You can swap barrels and calibers depending on the hunt.

In .357 Magnum, .44 Mag, or even .30-30, it offers rifle-like accuracy in a pistol-sized platform. It’s perfect for still hunting or hunting from a blind.

Smith & Wesson Model 57

For those who appreciate the power of the .41 Magnum, the Model 57 delivers flatter shooting and less recoil than the .44, but still plenty of punch.

It’s got the same elegant build quality of the 29/629 series and balances beautifully. Great option for those who don’t want to overdo it on recoil.

Ruger Blackhawk Convertible

This single-action option gives you flexibility, especially in the .357/9mm convertible version. Great for small game and practice with cheap 9mm, and serious loads with .357.

It’s accurate, rugged, and makes a perfect companion in areas where versatility matters. Not as heavy-hitting as some, but totally capable in the right hands.

Dan Wesson Specialist (10mm)

This 1911-style 10mm isn’t cheap, but it’s tuned for performance. You get a longer sight radius, match-grade barrel, and one of the best triggers in a hunting pistol.

It runs smoothly, handles recoil well, and makes a great backup gun in bear country—or a primary for hogs and whitetail at bowhunting distances.