[Jeff Higgins]

Yes. Quite a few actually. Plus quite a few head of other big game. It's a lot of fun, and quite a challenge. Approach it a lot like bow hunting - the effective ranges are about the same, at least when shooting ethically at unwounded game.

Why not iron sights? I have never used anything else, and (I'm a little ashamed to admit...) I've shot game at somewhat "unethical" ranges with said open sights. I won't say how far, since I really don't want to get into that, but suffice to say open sights will work just fine at "ethical" handgun ranges. The Blackhawk is blessed with outstanding open sights, entirely suitable at handgun hunting ranges.

I hate to say it, but if you feel you need "better" sighting equipment, there is, in all honesty, something else at play here. Don't make the mistake of thinking that better sights, be they optical or whatever, will make you a better handgun shot. Sights are never the limiting factor in handgun shooting, although many would like to convince themselves that their sights are the only thing holding them back. They are not - only one thing is holding back most erstwhile handgun hunters.

Practice - that's it, that's all. More of it than most would think. A couple thousand rounds a year through your hunting handgun is almost enough. I'm not kidding... Until you can pile them all onto a standard paper plate at, say, 100 yards from field positions with hunting loads, you are not ready to hunt with your handgun. The handgun is by far the toughest arm to learn, and there are no shortcuts. Certainly none you can just buy and screw to the top of one. Practice, practice, and more practice. You will know when you get there. When you do, you will chuckle to yourself at the thought of your previous "need" for "better" sights. That's when you will be ready to hunt with a handgun.

So much for the shooter - now onto the gun, or more accurately, its caliber. I know guys shoot deer with the .357 every season. I've done it, and never will again. I'll use it on coyotes, maybe, but even they can be kind of tough. It is simply lacking in power - no ifs, ands, or buts. With a proper hard cast, heavy bullet, it achieves all the penetration of the bigger bores, but it makes a lot smaller hole. Jacketed bullets are hopeless, be they soft or hollow points - they simply lack the necessary penetration.

But, if you insist, at least buy some quality ammo with hard cast bullets, from Buffalo Bore or someone like that, with 158-180 grain bullets. And start practicing - for next year. Weekly, if not more often. Short sessions of maybe a few cylinder's worth are better than long sessions where you get tired and form bad habits.

Oh, and while you are practicing with the .357, be looking for something bigger. Something that starts with a "4". Another Blackhawk would be ideal, validating the practice you've gotten with the .357.