Pistol while deer hunting......

[Adam Helmer]

Mr. 16 gauge,

You pose a very interesting question about a shot-loaded pistol for woods loafing. I have a percussion .45 rifled single shot pistol that I like to carry afield stoked with patched round ball. I think a .54 or .60 smoothbore single shot pistol would fill your request.

I recall in the past handguns ran to the larger calibers and I read about a .58 caliber M1855, as I recall, Calvary single shot that was rifled. A .58 caliber smoothbore would be ideal, in my view, as it could use patched round ball or shot as the user desired. I do not know of any such handgun or kit, but Pedersoli or some other maker should bring one to market. A .58 smoothbore with an ounce of shot would be a great small game getter.

Adam