Looking For a .22 Handgun For Close-up Squirrel Hunting

[Onebad06vtx]

Just do as I do, start in august and squirrel hunt around your stands to clean out the squirrel population.
I keep this up several times until deer season starts.
Sure you might see a few that have moved in so to speak but the majority will be gone.
When sitting in the stand, movement is the key.
Scan with your eyes as much as possible and make really slow movements.

 

[KJW]

I assume you already have your license to carry a handgun in Indiana? I see in a later post you're dissuaded from getting a suppressor for fear of being on a government list. The same logic may apply to getting a license to carry a handgun. My point being, it is illegal to carry a handgun while deer hunting with other equipment in Indiana unless you have a license to carry.

 

[patience0830]

S&W Victory with a suppressor. You're already on a vindictive socialist government's list.

What's one more? I use my unsuppressed S&W 41. And have killed deer with a bow 5 minutes after whacking a squirrel with it. If the deer don't see you move or smell you., the noise doesn't seem to bug them enough to cause them to change their pattern unless you hit something near them and cause a disturbance they can see.

 

[eric001]

Yup, I do indeed have the LTCH... and yup, I'm on that list. I just try to keep as low a profile as possible, posting on a heavily watched gun-related website notwithstanding. (Should there be purple there?? Can't decide...) Anyways, between Nat, Aero, and deo, I think I have a really good starting list to look into. I am thinking used may be a good idea to save some $$, so it may come down to whichever one comes up first with the best price. If I don't like it, I could always just turn around and put it back into the classies!

 

[doddg]

If I don't like it, I could always just turn around and put it back into the classies!

1. You have my full support.
2. Sorry, couldn't help myself, but that is my profile: buy, shoot, sell, until I find what I want to keep.

 

[BrettonJudy7]

1. You have my full support.
2. Sorry, couldn't help myself, but that is my profile: buy, shoot, sell, until I find what I want to keep.

If anyone could give you a good recommendation on an accurate .22 pistol it should be this man right here.

I know this might sound sarcastic, but being completely serious. Any suggestions?

 

[doddg]

If anyone could give you a good recommendation on an accurate .22 pistol it should be this man right here.
I know this might sound sarcastic, but being completely serious. Any suggestions?

1. I have been through 2 dozen, maybe more .22LR pistols and revolvers in the past 19 months: looking for the best value, like yourself, and I've even indulged in some that cost a bit more.
2. I saw a page of some .22LR pistols here that I'd love to have just reading this thread!
3. I love to go to the range and pit a few .22LRs against each other to see which is best and that has evolved as I have gone from spending $200 to $300, to $400, to $500 to even $1000 in different .22LR pistols.
4. I have two Ruger Mark 4 ($300 & $325), three S/W 22A-1 ($190, $200, $225), a Browning Buckmark ($275), S/W Victory ($275), Colt Target ($525), and some others like my S/W 41 (that I have $1000 invested so far). I have a couple of 1911 types that I have $350 and $300 invested. I tell you these prices so you'd know what to expect.
5. With these different guns and others that I've sold, I have posted range pics at 20', 30', 40' and maybe even some 50', but I can't see where I'm hitting even at 40'.
6. All the above are really close in accuracy in my hand, and any can give you a decent accuracy for what you'd have in them.
7. I loved my $175 Beretta Neos, and it beat out some other .22LRs that I have sold, and sometimes even some of the above at times, but the above have been more consistent. As I started to spend more, I got a little better results in accuracy, but nothing earth-shattering, but I know I'm the X factor with my sight.
8. My best friend forced me to sell him the Neos when he was visiting a couple of weeks ago: I loved that gun; it was different than most, and the best value of any.
9. Buy two, shoot them and see which one is the best for you, selling the "weaker" gun, then repeat the process: it worked for me.

 

[Black Smoke]

Kel Tec PMR30 in case you miss on the first shot.

[video=youtube;A2KZMI-qNvY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2KZMI-qNvY[/video]

 

[BrettonJudy7]

1. I have been through 2 dozen, maybe more .22LR pistols and revolvers in the past 19 months: looking for the best value, like yourself, and I've even indulged in some that cost a bit more.
2. I saw a page of some .22LR pistols here that I'd love to have just reading this thread!
3. I love to go to the range and pit a few .22LRs against each other to see which is best and that has evolved as I have gone from spending $200 to $300, to $400, to $500 to even $1000 in different .22LR pistols.
4. I have two Ruger Mark 4 ($300 & $325), three S/W 22A-1 ($190, $200, $225), a Browning Buckmark ($275), S/W Victory ($275), Colt Target ($525), and some others like my S/W 41 (that I have $1000 invested so far). I have a couple of 1911 types that I have $350 and $300 invested. I tell you these prices so you'd know what to expect.
5. With these different guns and others that I've sold, I have posted range pics at 20', 30', 40' and maybe even some 50', but I can't see where I'm hitting even at 40'.
6. All the above are really close in accuracy in my hand, and any can give you a decent accuracy for what you'd have in them.
7. I loved my $175 Beretta Neos, and it beat out some other .22LRs that I have sold, and sometimes even some of the above at times, but the above have been more consistent. As I started to spend more, I got a little better results in accuracy, but nothing earth-shattering, but I know I'm the X factor with my sight.
8. My best friend forced me to sell him the Neos when he was visiting a couple of weeks ago: I loved that gun; it was different than most, and the best value of any.
9. Buy two, shoot them and see which one is the best for you, selling the "weaker" gun, then repeat the process: it worked for me.

This is what I was waiting for! I've been plinking with my Walther P22 (compensated model), for a little over a year now, but have been wanting to get more accuracy. I had a Colt 1911-22, (That was actually made by Walther, but licensed to use the Colt logo and brand name) that I liked, but had no real emotion for. Sold it to a buddy of mine. Now looking to get more serious about accuracy.

My P22 is great, but is finicky with ammo. It needs to be run wet or else ammo will hickup. In your experiences, have you found a specific .22 handgun that has not had a problem with lots of different types of ammo? Not sure if I worded that correctly.

 

[Areoflyer09]

This is what I was waiting for! I've been plinking with my Walther P22 (compensated model), for a little over a year now, but have been wanting to get more accuracy. I had a Colt 1911-22, (That was actually made by Walther, but licensed to use the Colt logo and brand name) that I liked, but had no real emotion for. Sold it to a buddy of mine. Now looking to get more serious about accuracy.

My P22 is great, but is finicky with ammo. It needs to be run wet or else ammo will hickup. In your experiences, have you found a specific .22 handgun that has not had a problem with lots of different types of ammo? Not sure if I worded that correctly.

Look for a well made, well supported & non-precision designed 22. When I say non-precision, I don’t mean inaccurate but to avoid the pistols made for precision target shooting (i.e. the SW 41 and the like). The precision guns tend to be more finicky about they are fed, though they do reward that aspect with accuracy.

My preference are Rugers because they have the support to allow me to tinker. Otherwise, the Victory, Neos of Buckmark are all solid options as well. All 4 should eat just about anything you feed it, but as with all 22s they will be most accurate with a certain round and there may be ammo that specific pistol may not like.

 

[Mongo59]

I have always been fond of the High Standard line from back when they were made in Hamdon, Ct.

Double 9's and Sentinel's are good shooters. I have one of "The Gun" models that is the best fixed sight .22's I own.

But the target pistols are just "way out there" as far as putting lead on target. I have a few Citations and a pair of HD Military models that will go all day with the right ammo.

If you think you need "light speed" ammo and a hollow point to kill tree rats then these guns are not for you. With standard velocity round nosed ammo a passable marksman will look like Daniel Boone or Davy Crockett when thinning the tree rat herd.

 

[Alexis Machine]

A Ruger Charger on a sling with a decent optic is all you need for every squirrel within 40 yards of your position.

 

[INGarand]

I have a S&W 422 that is deadly accurate and have taken many Squirrels with it. The point of a past thread about a revolver is also valid. Gives the option of using different types of ammo.

 

[doddg]

Look for a well made, well supported & non-precision designed 22. When I say non-precision, I don’t mean inaccurate but to avoid the pistols made for precision target shooting (i.e. the SW 41 and the like). The precision guns tend to be more finicky about they are fed, though they do reward that aspect with accuracy.

My preference are Rugers because they have the support to allow me to tinker. Otherwise, the Victory, Neos of Buckmark are all solid options as well. All 4 should eat just about anything you feed it, but as with all 22s they will be most accurate with a certain round and there may be ammo that specific pistol may not like.

1. Exactly what I would have said, but he did so with less words.

 

[doddg]

A Ruger Charger on a sling with a decent optic is all you need for every squirrel within 40 yards of your position.

1. I have seen those and wondered if they would be fun as a really accurate pistol (the ones I've seen come with a "stand."

I have a S&W 422 that is deadly accurate and have taken many Squirrels with it. The point of a past thread about a revolver is also valid. Gives the option of using different types of ammo.

2. I've wondered if I should pursue one of those. I like the concept of having at least one of the different brands/models for different shooting nuances.
3. I have ended up with 3 of the S/W 22A-1 b/c they are inexpensive and shoot well. I have 3 different grips, which is how I justify it, but I will decide this summer which 2 to sell, unless I cut all 3 of them, but I'm sure I'll keep one of them based on point #2.

 

[hANNAbONE]

Ruger Mark IV 22/45 LITE with a rail.

Mount a Bushnell TRS25 on top and zero @ 25 yards.

Lights out, squirrels ... and more fun than a person outta be able to have.

I also added a flash hider just for fun - but you wouldn't need too.

this one is just like mine...(*no suppressor on mine*)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RoWoWVPFmb4

 

[Skullglide]

I use a colt cadet. Pretty good challenge.

 

[eric001]

Hhhmmmmm... It seems like Ruger Mark IV's keep coming up over and over. Not too surprising after the reading I've been doing on those already. Kind of looking like either one of those or a revolver of some kind.

Time for the waiting game, to see when something shiny comes up at the right price. I sure am glad I sprung for site supporter, as my chances of ever getting to 50 quality posts are slim to none.

 

[Areoflyer09]

The Mark series are hard to be for reliable, accurate and affordable. 4 generations, multiple variations each and pretty much give a $250 to $700 price range depending on generation and model.

The Mark IV is hot item right now due to the simple take down, but if you are willing to learn you can save some cash on an older generation. Really isn’t a wrong answer of the bunch, just down to preference.

 

[ghitch75]

i don't understand how people have trouble taking down a MK Ruger?.....i guess it's because i have done it for 40 years?...