first timer in Africa, wanting to use handguns

Keith44SWC · May 20, 2026

Howdy folks, I've been lurking quite a bit and have a couple questions.

I have a hunt with African Trophy Pursuit scheduled June of next year, 2027. I'm going with my father and brother, my brother had won the hunt at a gun bash. We have a week and an impala apiece, and anything else we want to pay for.

I hunt mostly deer and almost exclusively with a handgun. I also shoot long range competitions, IHMSA. And I shoot almost exclusively my own cast bullets. So I'd really like to use handguns for this hunt but if it isn't reasonable I'll use a rifle.

What kinds of animals might I get within handgun distance of? I have three guns in mind: a 629-3 Classic 8 3/8" iron sights, a 500 S&W 6.5" with an Ultradot, and a 41 Mag Ruger Blackhawk 7.5" scoped. I'm pretty solid at 50 yards off hand with iron sights, further if I need to be, or if I have a rest.

Also if it just isn't a good idea to take handguns I'm willing to hear that too.

Thanks!

Mekaniks · May 20, 2026

You won't have a problem. Lots of folks bow hunt in Africa and handgun ranges are similar.
Have fun!

TTundra · May 20, 2026

Check out @edward and his various posts and hunt reports. If you're a competent handgunner, you can take just about anything available assuming the right equipment. With what you have listed, any PG is within reason.

Chat with your PH and outfitter on what you would like to do and they can assist in what preparations are required as well as be ready for your arrival on how to get you on the animals you want.

Hogpatrol · May 20, 2026

Check with your outfitter on his methods, geography, blind usage and usual ranges. Some are strictly rifle and way longer ranges than 50 yards on plains game. Have hunted where one couldn't get within 200 yards of a springbok. Other than that, good to go with all three but would definitely go with a pre approved permit.

samson7x · May 20, 2026

Very cool and definitely possible. I'm also considering taking a 629 next year for some PG.

Have you checked into the permit process? Is it any different than bringing a rifle? I've heard no semi automatic pistols but revolvers are fine.

D-Orcutt · May 20, 2026

I would advise bringing a rifle as well, I would hate to handicap yourself on the first hunt. For me it was more the experience than the gun.

Keith44SWC · May 20, 2026

Thanks, folks!

I did check with my PH and he said revolvers were good to go as long as I went through the appropriate permit process.

I’ve been doing ongoing “research” with revolver hunting and cast bullets, I’d love to be able to take one animal each with the 41, 44, and 500.

Cherokeetracker · May 21, 2026

I think you will do fine but the may be one hurdle. That would be you are only allowed 2 handguns. You will have to check. I would suggest premium jacketed bullets unless you are casting your own. I have seen too many cast either come apart, skid, and fail in some way. But cast have been used with success when the formula is correct for the task. I might add or suggest a powder coated bullet if you go with cast. Ask your PH as he may or may not go with your choice. Having a backup with a good solid such as a CEB or a Swift A frame since these are both proven choices. You may well know what you can use already. Being well prepared increases your chances of success . Good luck.

Keith44SWC · May 21, 2026

Cherokeetracker said:
I think you will do fine but the may be one hurdle. That would be you are only allowed 2 handguns. You will have to check. I would suggest premium jacketed bullets unless you are casting your own. I have seen too many cast either come apart, skid, and fail in some way. But cast have been used with success when the formula is correct for the task. I might add or suggest a powder coated bullet if you go with cast. Ask your PH as he may or may not go with your choice. Having a backup with a good solid such as a CEB or a Swift A frame since these are both proven choices. You may well know what you can use already. Being well prepared increases your chances of success . Good luck.

I'll check with my PH on number of guns and cast bullets. I am casting my own. Thanks for the heads up.

dogcat1 · May 21, 2026

Be prepared to show restraint if you are budget constrained.
Realize that Africa oufitters, especially in South Africa and Namibia, make virtually all of their money on trophy fees. You are going to find a target rich environment and will see dozens of "shooters" every day.
An impala is fun to hunt but you get one in the first few hours you are there. Be prepared to hunt a variety of smaller and medium size critters as your outfitter will nudge you to do so as that is where he makes his money.
You bought a "bait" hunt - one given or offered in the hopes/plans you will shoot 5 to 10 additionaly animals. And you likely will....

Hogpatrol · May 21, 2026

dogcat1 said:
Be prepared to show restraint if you are budget constrained.
Realize that Africa oufitters, especially in South Africa and Namibia, make virtually all of their money on trophy fees. You are going to find a target rich environment and will see dozens of "shooters" every day.
An impala is fun to hunt but you get one in the first few hours you are there. Be prepared to hunt a variety of smaller and medium size critters as your outfitter will nudge you to do so as that is where he makes his money.
You bought a "bait" hunt - one given or offered in the hopes/plans you will shoot 5 to 10 additionaly animals. And you likely will....

Spot on. I just looked at their trophy fees. OUCH! $1290 for a common springbok???? YGBFKM.

Prices - African Hunting Safari with African Trophy Pursuit

africantrophypursuit.com

first timer in Africa, wanting to use handguns

Keith44SWC

Mekaniks

TTundra

Hogpatrol

samson7x

D-Orcutt

Keith44SWC

Cherokeetracker

Keith44SWC

dogcat1

Hogpatrol

Prices - African Hunting Safari with African Trophy Pursuit

Members online

Forum statistics

Proudly sponsored by

Latest posts

Latest profile posts

Share this page