Suggestions for a relatively compact .22 Mag, simi or wheel gun to carry while bird hunting. Suggestions?

Hard to beat the Ruger Single Six with .22LR/.22 Magnum cylinders for value, though it works better in a holster than in a vest.

For vest pocket carry I'd be looking at an S&W J-frame. Currently S&W shows two .22 Magnum models on their web site, model 351 C and 351 PD.

My personal favorite is the long-discontinued model 51. If you're interested I have some information and a video on this model at http://web.me.com/davesgunvide...ad_About_Greece.html

I wouldn't mind finding a nickel-plated model. My model 51 is in a bit too nice shape to alter, but if I ever found one in sound condition but badly blue-worn, I'd have a rust resistant finish applied, maybe Robar NP3.

What's it gonna be carried for? Popping a varmint or a VARMINT?

You already are toting a shotgun, so the little varmint category is covered. If for PD, then carry a fighting caliber in a fighting platform.

Carry buck or slug (or both) if legal in your state for the scatter gun as well.

Check to insure you can indeed carry any rifled weapon while bird hunting, some states say the only legal gun in possession for birdies is a shotgun w/ or w/o a plug or capacioty less than whatever, with shot less than size 4 or whatever, so you may be walking a thin line if you carry a handgun or even buck/slugs.

But, if you can carry something other than a bird gun, carry a fighting gun.

Unless you are limited to a 22 caliber barrel I'd go up in size a little. I know that there is land in North Carolina that is limited for pistol caliber. On the other hand I wouldn't want to get shot with a short barreled .22 Mag either.

For revolvers there are several choices. The lowest price probably being the Heritage Rough Rider. I don't think you could go wrong with the Ruger either. For double action I think Taurus also makes one but it could be big like the Trapper series. Off hand I can't think of many .22 Mag semi's. AMT made one, auto mag based. Keltec has their new one out, the PMR-30. The only other one I saw on line was also based on the AMT design.

I have shot a lots of varmints over the years I haven't wanted to use a shot gun on. I would use a regular 22lf instead opens up a lot more hand guns. S@W kit gun ruger bearcat small 22 auto ect.

I have killed things to deer size with a regular 22lf pistol no need for the mag.

Besides where legal it can be just plain fun to have a handgun along.

Use a holster things have a habit of falling out of bird vest pockets.

.

I have for many years carried a 4 inch barreled AMT 22 mag semi auto no matter what I was hunting, it is a great little gun to have along. High Standard is making then again so if you are looking for a semi auto check them out.

I'm a big fan of the Ruger Single-six but it's a little bulky under the vest. Not really concerned about carrying while bird hunting. With a CPL I can carry anytime.

Buy the Single Six and send it to someone to get converted into a "Sheriff" model with short barrel and bird's head grip. That should be just right for vest carry.

I have a Taurus SS revolver with a 4" barrel. 7 or 8 shot I believe. Might fit the bill.
Peter.

If the Keltec PMR-30 were accurate and reliable (which it's not), that's the type of pistol I would recommend.

Which isn't it? I haven't read any reviews yet. My guess is the 30 round magazine binds up and catches rims.

quote:

Originally posted by Sam:
Which isn't it? I haven't read any reviews yet. My guess is the 30 round magazine binds up and catches rims.

Iffy on reliability! Iffy on accuracy!

I used to have a Grendal. Accuracy was yuck past 10-15yds. For personnal defense it was good enough. I think if they were to create some type of rotary mag like Ruger utilizes the reliability of feeding would be greatly increased. I sold my old Grendal. I would like to find one of the new ones.....can't locate one.

I would like to see an ACCURATE handgun/compact single shot rifle adopted to 5.7x28!

Wouldn't this make the ultimate type of "hunter/gatherer" break down shotgun/rifle in a Savage 24-C type configuration?

Man, it would be SO easy to to download this RELOADABLE cartridge to .22LR levels!

Like someone mentioned, I'm not sure what you're trying to accomplish but if you've got to have a .22 mag, I'd think the Ruger Single Six Convertible, preferably in stainless (they made some a few years back) would be as good as any in a short barreled version. I can't imagine what you really want a pocket pistol in that caliber for while bird hunting but, hey, if you want it, that suits me. Personally, I'd just carry a few rounds of buck or slugs or both and it would cover any situation that a .22 mag pocket pistol will reasonably handle. If you're thinking personal defense on the way to and from bird hunting, I'd step WAAAY up in caliber.

You sound like a "belt and suspenders guy" and that's fine. I like the FN 5.7 idea. Well-balanced handgun, very accurate and they don't weigh much. Seriously, I think your idea of a concealed weapon has merit for reasons I won't go into but one thing I would consider is weight. If you hunt as hard as I do, every unneeded ounce is a liability. Maybe I'm just getting old but I make a point of keeping excess gear to a minimum.

You never did say what you're intended use is. But, if all you want is a "vest pocket " 22 Mag, you won't find anything smaller or lighter than a North American Arms Mini-Revolver.