Handgun hunting is my passion. I pursue every manner of game from tiny vermin to big game with a handgun. There is something special to me about carrying a fine revolver, pistol, or single shot into the field.
Background
For a couple decades I built custom hunting handguns for people across the United States. From revolvers, 10mm 1911, and single shots in rifle chamberings and those guns were used around the world to take game. My customers were looking for the best handgun for the job since they were stepping into rifle season while limiting themselves. Just like them I became accustomed to hunting with a perfectly tuned firearm. I was already limiting myself by leaving the rifle at home; may as well have what advantage I can otherwise.
Roughly three years ago that all changed for my customers and I. I retired from custom gunsmithing even though the phone never stopped ringing. Customers would reach out wanting to know where to go for their next custom, but so many pistol smiths had retired.
The Search
I began searching for an out of the box option. Something that did not need to be tuned by a gunsmith. I started with a couple well-known single action type revolvers and those performed well for me. But, from my professional background I knew that many people found a single action grip more difficult to shoot. Double action grip designs tend to be easier for most to shoot accurately.
Let’s fast forward to the Shot Show two years ago. I was wandering around Shot Show soliciting sponsors for my match, Handgun Hunter’s Competition, and as I rounded a corner my eyes became fixed on a target. There was a gun company I had never heard of with glass cases full of revolvers. In the background was a logo where I could clearly read “Made in Germany.” As if a hook and line were in my mouth I was pulled into the booth.
Hands On
Before long I had one of these revolvers in my hands as they were talking about the features. I was focused on the revolver as my eyes dissected the gun. I could hear the words over my own thoughts though. Phrases that included “No MIM parts”, “Machined from barstock”, and “Drilled and tapped for S&W optics mounts” were not missed by my ears. I ordered a Spohr revolver on the spot!
The First of Many
My first Spohr was at my FFL in just a couple weeks. I ordered the Spohr 286 Competition in 357 magnum. The 357 is an excellent hunting cartridge capable of taking deer size game cleanly a whole lot farther than the internet will have you believe. The 357 is one of my all-time favorite multipurpose cartridges. This is due to its inherent accuracy and vast plethora of factory ammo and reloading components.
Now the clock was ticking since my first ever exotics hunt was booked, and I wanted to get this gun in the field. I mounted an Ultra-dot Gen2 30mm optic and headed for the range. I did some initial testing with a favorite 158 Hornady XTP handload and was impressed. Roughly 1 inch at 50 yards is nothing to scoff at for a handgun.
At this time, I was also working on a mono metal bullet review, and I had to try some Cutting-Edge Bullets in the Spohr. I selected the 105 grain Handgun Raptor loaded over a heavy dose of Ramshot Enforcer powder. The velocity and accuracy were very good, so I went ahead and established my zero and practiced with the combination.
Texas Exotics
As stated, I had never been on exotics hunt before, thus I did not know what to expect. I prepared for the hunt just like I would for hunting in my home state of Wyoming. Once I arrived, I was pleased to see just how large this ranch was. It was several thousand acres with just a perimeter fence.
On this hunt I took four animals. An axis buck, axis doe, black buck, and a ram. The farthest shot was about 80 yards and all the animals dropped with just one shot from the Spohr 357. The Cutting-Edge Bullets did an outstanding job delivering terminal performance showing that bullet weight isn’t everything.
Competition
Following the quick hunting success with the Spohr I then dove into my other passion, competition shooting. Of course I used the revolver in my match, Handgun Hunter’s Competition, but I also began shooting Action Pistol matches with it.
HHC places the competition in simulated hunting scenarios. The courses of fire demand both accuracy and precision from realistic field shooting positions. I look at it like a long weekend of marksmanship training for the handgun hunter.
Action pistol is a well-established NRA and CMP competition. The most famous match is the Bianchi Cup. The various courses of fire really push the accuracy requirements and tighten down the time limit. The targets look easy until that timer goes off!
Competition is a great tool that I use to enhance my marksmanship skills for the hunt.
This Hunting Season
For 2025 Spohr had a new gun on the market that is chambered in the king of the hill cartridge for the handgun hunter; 44 magnum. I was lucky enough to receive the first Spohr 44 magnum in the USA. Spohr had sent it to me for testing in the field, but it was bittersweet. A good friend and fellow writer had plans for that 44.
