Setting Up the Hunting Handgun

Handgun hunting is one of the most challenging—and rewarding—ways to pursue game. Success depends on setting up your handgun with the right platform, sights, and accessories.

Revolvers

Revolvers are a classic hunting choice, from small-game rimfires up through .44 Magnum for elk. Good sights are critical: a sharp partridge front sight or a fiber optic/gold bead improves visibility in low light. Rear sights should be simple and steady.

Many hunters eventually move to optics. Traditional handgun scopes provide magnification but struggle in low light and magnify wobble. Red dots, on the other hand, shine for handgun hunting. They’re fast, clear, and extend effective range. Chris has relied on Ultradot red dots—like the Matchdot II—to make clean shots past 100 yards.

Single Shot Handguns

Single shots, such as the Thompson Center Contender/Encore or Remington XP-100, allow for powerful rifle cartridges in a handgun platform. With muzzle brakes and rifle scopes, they can take game at extended ranges, making them the “just in case” gun when stalks don’t allow revolver-range shots.

Accuracy & Ammunition

Grips that fit properly, a clean trigger, uniform cylinder throats, and a fresh crown all add accuracy. Ammunition choice matters too—bullets must expand properly at handgun velocities. Chris favors modern monolithic and fracturing designs for reliable performance.

Why It Matters

Handgun hunting forces you to close the distance, pass on easy rifle shots, and make every detail of your setup count. As Chris puts it, it’s the challenge that keeps him coming back.

✨ Ultradot Note: Whether you’re carrying a revolver into dark timber or a single shot across the prairie, hunters rely on Ultradot optics—like the Matchdot II and UD30 Gen 2—for clarity, durability, and performance when it matters most.

Too read Chris’s full article:  Setting up the Hunting Handgun – Inside Safariland