You Use?

I've been at it since around the late '60s mostly with squirrel the intended targets. Started out with the H&R 999 and wore out two of them. Love those top-break models. Progressed thru many others but my latest and probably the one I'll wind things up with is the S&W Model 41. Just like a small rifle out to 50 yds. I think it's the .22 handgun I was always really looking for.

What does everyone here like in a .22 hunting handgun? And why?

Before .22's became illegal for plinking squirrels in this entire area (because there is no nonlead ammo) I also really enjoyed the model 41.

I've had a ton of fun with a S&W m-17 too and was really falling in love with a tricked out Volquartsen Mark II just before the law changed.

If I had to pick just one it would probably be the m-41. There is definitely some magic there.

I have a S&W K-22 that is very accurate as well as a Ruger Single-Six that shoots minute of squirrel. Either works well and I have taken a bunch of tree rats with them.

Ruger Single Six and a Ruger Mark II are what I use.

Ruger Single Six Hunter like this.

It has a fine gold bead front and v-notch rear sights just like those on my Ruger's in .44 and .480. Plus it has provisions for a scope if you wanted to add one. Admittedly the longer barrel may be a hindrance depending on how you carry it but I like the longer sight radius.

quote:

Originally posted by MS Hitman:
I have a S&W K-22 that is very accurate as well as a Ruger Single-Six that shoots minute of squirrel. Either works well and I have taken a bunch of tree rats with them.

What he said, only the k-22 is my dad's. And I like them for rabbits as well, and armadillos, and coons, and ....

I use my Mo.41!!!

Mark I or Ruger Single Six 6.5"

Browning Buckmark 5.5 Field model with a Doctor Optics sight, Ruger Single Six Hunter is next.

I've been using the K22 bought new for about 40+ years now. It does a great job on rabbits. For squirrels I use a highly modified Ruger 10-22.

I used my M-41 for a while until I got a Buckmark Camper and mounted a Millet 30mm dot.

I have used the 41 for years as my main Bullseye gun with and without a dot but just didn't want to mess it up in the field.

They both seem to be about as accurate as each other.

Are there any recently introduced .22s suitable for small game those here have gotten interested in?

I've looked at the Browning model that's the same gun as the Challenger II that I already own. It's got adjustable sights whereas the earlier one doesn't. The newer model should be very accurate. The older model will do 1/4" groups at 15 yds, only problem the group is way high and right and not very practical to try and fix it.

Also there's the new USFA 12 shot single action. The one with the white grips. Pretty interesting too, but no adjustable sights. I kinda like it anyway. Here it is - http://www.usfirearms.com/cat/12-22.asp.

Anyhow, I think I've become partial to bottom feeders in the woods, due to the easy re-loading. That top break H&R 999 is for a revolver fairly quick on re-loading too..

quote:

Originally posted by Redhawk1:
Ruger Single Six and a Ruger Mark II are what I use.

+1

Smith & Wessons. A model 18 in a revolver and a 41 if I want an autoloader.

Th only one I got,HS M-C, good for rabbits and squirrels if there close-real close
lmk

For grouse/ptarmagin/hare,I use a Ruger MKII Gov't Model w/6-7/8" Bull Bbl,topped with a Leupold 4X EER scope mounted in Warne QRW rings/2pc bases.

My grandfather's H&R 676.

I use my Ruger MKIII competition with 6.75" bull barrel. However, one of my friends is partial to his Hammerli trailside.

I use a Ruger single six, and it's very accurate.