[Jeff Higgins]

So, how many of you have actually had the opportunity to kill anything with a handgun? I'm obviously not talking humans (at least I hope none of you have been unfortunate enough to have had to do that), so how about game animals? More specifically, game animals about the size of us?

I have. I've lost track of how many. I've used a revolver off and on over 40 years of hunting. I've had the opportunity to observe the reaction of animals hit by a variety of handgun loads and, as a result, have formed some strong opinions. I've "autopsied" all of them in an effort to recover bullets so I can determine how they performed. I've formed some strong opinions from that as well.

And, well, my opinion formed from all of that is that none of these little pocket guns, nor the calibers in which they are chambered, are worthy of my consideration as defensive arms. The may very well be "great little pocket..." somethings, but certainly not guns. No burden whatsoever to carry, but likewise no real threat to anyone you might feel the need to shoot with it.

There is a lower limit. All of these are not just a bit below mine, they are substantially below what I'll accept when it comes to defending myself or my family. If I feel the need to be armed (which where I live is really quite seldom, which I admit may be a very bad approach in and of itself), I will make allowances regarding how I dress so as to accommodate a worthwhile, effective defensive arm.

Would any hunter even attempt to kill an average size whitetail with one of these?