Elk...........finally!

[sixshot]

I've been chasing elk all fall & today I finally connected. Tomorrow (sunday) is the last day so I ended up cutting it pretty close but when you do it with a sixgun (iron sights) it can take a while to get the job done. Last years cow was around the 15th of november, taken with an OM Ruger 45, this elk was taken with a Ruger Bisley 45, shot was 65 yds using the 325 gr LBT slug, 22.5 grs H110 & a mag primer, work up to this load as its a very powerful combination running right at 1200 fps in my 5 1/2" Bisley.
The shot hit the elk low on the shoulder, went through the heart & lungs & exited the offside, the lek stumbled backwards 2-3 steps & I smacked it again, this one slightly lower & an inch or so farther back. The elk dropped at the shot. This is my 11th animal this year, most with the 41 Bisley & a 230 gr Keith. I took my bear with the 44 SBH & a 250 gr Keith.
This was my 25th elk, maybe the hardest one ever although it was quite easy to get out. Some other hunters showed up, helped me load it on the 4 wheeler, I drove down to some flat country , gutted the elk there to keep it clean & headed for home, its been a great hunting season, I've hunted 93 days since my spring bear, best year ever.
This is the entry hole through the shoulder & into the heart.
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k3/6shot_01/100_1717.jpg
The Barranti shoulder rig has been a joy to wear throughout the season, its called the Northwest Hunter style.
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k3/6shot_01/100_1718.jpg
The big 325 gr slug did a real number on the heart & lungs.
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k3/6shot_01/100_1723.jpg

Dick

[Bigjohn]

Well done!

Hope it fills your freezer for the year, should be some good eating there, mate.

John

[45nut]

Cant argue with that result! 45 Colt,, since 1873!

[fatnhappy]

Wow, how'd you find an elk with no legs? :)
Congrats. That looks like a stellar feat of marksmanship!

[Ivantherussian03]

Nice job--time to head for the barn!!

[MtJerry]

Elk with a handgun! You, sir, are my hero !!!!!

Congratulations!

[vanilla_gorilla]

The big 325 gr slug did a real number on the heart & lungs.
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k3/6shot_01/100_1723.jpg



Yes, yes it did.

A 325 at 1200 even makes my working .44 load of 250 at 1100ish kinda puny. I doubt the tiny little deer we have down here would know the difference anyway, though.

[NHlever]

You sir can sure shoot a handgun in the field. My hat is off to your hunting, and your shooting. Congratulations on another great hunt! I've been a little weak, and tired from chemotherapy this fall ( getting better now), and your pictures, and stories have helped get me out there as much as I have been able. Thanks for sharing!

[Thumbcocker]

Congratulations! I always look forward to your posts. Single action revolvers in standard calibers, iron sights, and boolits. The way it was intended to be. Excellent shot placement too.

[JDL]

Most excellent and with a handgun! Backstrap, mashed potatos, gravy, green beans, and hot rolls. Wonderful!
JDL

[sixshot]

NHlever, sorry to hear about taking treatments but you are showing a lot of heart by getting out a little bit & at least trying, don't ever give up! ever! Glad you got some enjoyment out of the story, I've put a much more detailed version on the Ruger forum (gallery) but don't know how to copy & paste it over here.

Again, hope you enjoy everyday!

Dick

[waksupi]

Congrats, Dick!

[Bullshop]

Quick turn around, theres more behind ya!!! Thats a tall fence there they must have some a them long legged cattle down there. 11 animals this year, WOW! What do you do with all them animals?
BIC/BS

[sixshot]

Bullshop, I give most of the meat to the church members, there's always someone needing the meat. I weigh 270 lbs & the calf was bigger than me, lots of good meat.

Dick

[JeffinNZ]

Could you not have got closer to the middle of the heart!?

GREAT SHOT and animal.

[NHlever]

Well, I've seen about everything in the woods this year that isn't legal to shoot, couple of bull moose ( one nice one) and a few does, so maybe now I can get serious! Just came in from my stand on the ridge behind my house....... snowing now here, and we have nearly an inch so far tonight. I carried my stainless 5 1/2" SBH .44 today.

[John F.]

Great work, and thanks for sharing your outing and results with us!! It's always
interesting to follow the exploits of folks in other areas of the country, and to see how boolits are performing in the field!

Thanks again, and congrats!!
John

[DJWright]

Congratulations 'sixshot', well done.

[runfiverun]

dick shoots well in the field, cause he puts in the time at the range.
and practices at distance and in field positions.

[Red River Rick]

I envy our southern neighbours, handgun hunting is legal in most states. Unfortunately our laws forbid the use of handguns for hunting up here in Canada (bummer). But being the law-abiding citizen that I am, I try to follow the rules (cough, cough).

Sixshot:

Congratulations. It's hard enough hunting elk with a rifle, never mind bagging one with a handgun or bow. Good work.

RRR

[Ernest]

Wonderful story and pictures!!!

[Rafe Covington]

Congrats, good shooting. I am a 45 Colt fan myself.:redneck:

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Harold

[45&30-30]

Congratulations sixgun! What load did you use in the OM last year for your elk?

[sixshot]

Sorry for the late reply, we've relocated to Arizona for the winter. The elk last year was taken with a 260 gr Keith & 24 grs of H110 & a LP magnum primer, slug went clear through (as always) the cow ran about 20 yds sliding on her nose in the snow.

Dick

[MT Gianni]

Dick that looks like the country N of 8 Mile if i can ask. Gianni

[Lloyd Smale]

wow 11 animals in one year. Sure wish i had the hunting opertunitys you have!!!

[sixshot]

MT Gianni, I live just north of eight mile (Soda Springs) but there aren't a lot of elk in that exact area (some) but anywhere further north or east & things get pretty exciting.

Lloyd, its my best year every, nice to be retired! If you ever get out this way stop in, make sure you bring a gun!

Dick

[45&30-30]

Hmm...All the way through. Pretty close to Elmers 18.5/2400. Very interesting. Thanks for posting your findings.

[runfiverun]

there is one herd there by sixshot. but they cover a big area and it is pretty tough access.
<---attempted that hunt this year, ain't gonna do it again.