Help deciding on my first handguns

[havensal]

I have had my permit for a few years and now have the finances to purchase a couple handguns. I THINK I have decided to get a "super single six" just for fun and for small game hunting. I do alot of hiking and usualy carry my ruger 10/22 (rifle). I think a single six will be a good replacement for that. I shot my dad's six this weekend, shoots good but I think a revolver would be a better field gun than anything else, for me anyways. With that said I am also looking for an 9mm auto for larger game (varment) and shooting practice for deer season. I am looking at the Glock 17 or the 34. I have heard that the 34 is a touch more accurite than the 17, Is this true? I am focusing on accuracy because I live in a small town so I can't justify to my self buying a gun just for protection, It has to have some practical hunting value. I know, I know I want my cake and to eat it too. As for deer hunting I am stuck between an Encore/Contender or a Ruger Super Black Hawk .44 Mag. I have been using my Dad's hawk for the last few years and LOVE it. In NY we can only use handguns or Shotguns so I can't use my rifles. I have a .270 and a .222 so any handgun would probably be in .270, for reloading ease. I am young and uneducated in the ways of the auto's, all I have shot are single action revolvers. I hope I didn'd bore you to much, but I want to provide as much info as I can so your responses can be as helpfull as they can be. Thank you in advance.

[brian54]

Forget the Glock go with the XD9. Or at least check them out. The only thing glock has over this gun is that its been around longer. So its been proven in the field. But the XD has a lifetime warranty and its cheaper. Also better safety features than the glock. Heres the link to springfields sight

www.springfield-armory.com/prod-xdpstl-service.shtml

Best Wishes
~Brian

[trapper]

havensal : I, too, do a lot of backpacking and hiking. For that purpose, I carry a model 66 Smith and Wesson .357 with a 2 1/2 inch barrel. I load it with Corbon 200 grain cartridges. It is fairlly light for longer trips where weight is an issue. For hunting I really like the Super Blackhawk .44 mag with 7 1/2 inch barrel. My favorite load for it is Federal CastCore. From time time I hunt deer with my Smith and Wesson Model 27 with 3 1/2 inch barrel. The .357 is fine for deer and protection. Shoot .38's for practice and plinking. Good luck.