Though hunting handguns are often few and far between, we were pleasantly surprised to find a host of new and updated platforms on display at Shot Show 2023. Most major firearms companies were showing off their latest and greatest handguns, though there was one notable omission. Given all that, we have compiled a list of the hunting handguns we’re looking forward to pulling the trigger on this season. 
 

Taurus Raging Hunter 10-inch

 

The Raging Hunter was all the rage at the range. (Photo: Seth Rodgers/Guns.com)


Taurus was marketing its freshly branded Hunt line at SHOT Show. While most of the guns were existing revolvers, largely from the Raging family, one newbie stood out. The Taurus Raging Hunter 10-inch is an eye-catching .460 S&W Magnum with a beast of a muzzle brake. It has a two-tone build, fiber optic iron sights, and rubberized grips. Top and bottom integral rails make it easy to add optics, bipods, and other accessories. The five-round wheel gun uses an unfluted cylinder and double lockup. Like other firearms in .460 S&W, the Taurus Raging family will also fire .454 Casull and .45 Colt. The lengthy wheel gun clocks in at 4.45 pounds and will be a contender in the bigger game market. MSRP is set at $1,269.99.
 

Related: New - Taurus Raging Hunter 460 S&W Magnum

 

S&W Model 350

 

Smith & Wesson enters the .350 Legend handgun market. (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com)


Though officially introduced in late 2022, Smith & Wesson’s Model 350 – chambered in the straight wall .350 Legend – has been awfully scarce. We finally got eyes on a sample at SHOT Show 23. The chambering has been a hit, not only with straight-walled-casing hunters in those states limited to such, but with a broader hunting market with its low-recoil and sub-200-yard performance.

S&W is late to the .350 Legend handgun party, but they’re now packing the most rounds. To that end, the Model 350 sports an impressive seven-round cylinder, more than enough firepower for even the pickiest hunters. There’s a 7.5-inch barrel, adjustable rear sight, and stainless construction. Built around the company’s bulkiest X-Frame – home to rounds like the .460 S&W and .500 S&W – the Model 350 offers substantial firepower for hunters in a considerably softer-shooting platform.  MSRP is set at $1,599. The .350 Legend has already proven itself deadly on deer-sized game. 
 

Related: Smith & Wesson Goes Legend with Model 350 Revolver
 

Rossi RM66

 

Rossi is back and ready for the hunt. (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com)


After a lengthy hiatus, budget-friendly brand Rossi is back in the wheel gun game and introducing several models. The one that should interest hunters most is the longer, 6-inch RM66. That is a stainless steel .357 Magnum with a square butt. Naturally, it fires .38 Special rounds as well. The SA/DA six-shooter uses a replaceable, hammer-mounted firing pin.

The rear sight is fully adjustable and acquires nicely with the red ramp front. Wraparound rubberized grips, a full underlug barrel, and the gun’s 34.4-ounce weight help with recoil. MSRP is set at $620.99, making it one of the more affordable in its class, especially with the stainless build. Those seeking more of a carry sidearm should look to the related 3-inch barreled RM63. 
 

Related: New Rossi 357 Mag Revolvers at SHOT Show 2023


Bond Arms Cyclops
 

 

Though it may be a stretch to fit a short-barreled one-shooter into a piece on hunting handguns, here we are. The Bond Arms Cyclops is simply a must-see, must-shoot sidearm. Whether venturing into bear country or impressing friends on the range, the Cyclops will certainly live up to its name. The break-action .45-70 Government brings an old-school heavy rifle round to a handheld blaster.

These beasts use a 4.25-inch barrel, full stainless-steel build, proprietary high-strength grips, and iron sights. Kudos to American-made Bond Arms, with their history of heavy-built derringers, for adding to the Cyclops name with a related eyebrow and face detail around the muzzle. MSRP is set at only $699, with additional thumping calibers in .454 Casull, .44 Magnum, and .50 AE. 

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