22 Handgun question
 

Just a quick question I am thinking about buying a new 22 auto pistol just have on my side at the deer camp this summer as a snake charmer. I am looking at the Browning Buckmark and the Smith and Wesson 22 auto.


Have you heard anything good or bad about either?

RE: 22 Handgun question
 

Both are good, but you must be a good shot to shot them in the head. A 38 with shot shells works good on snakes....

RE: 22 Handgun question
 

I know it's not what you asked, but I'd also go with a light weight 38 special with rat shot over a 22LR for snake protection.

RE: 22 Handgun question
 

HAve you considered a .22 revolver? The only thing I hate about .22 auto pistols is that they are mostly single action. I hate the idea of carrying a loaded pistol with only a safety preventing it from going off or having to cock it and then fire it. A revolver with a transfer bar can always be at the ready or consider a double action.22 auto with an exposed hammer. Also consider that alot of .22 pistols maynot cycle the action with rat shot and it will essentially be a single shot. Got a taurus 93 which is a nice compact gun and S&w makes a 317? which has a nice and lightweight aluminum frame. Also S&W used to make a small steel frame 22 which would bea beauty if you can find one. Ruger bearcat is also a a nice camp gun also. Hope it helps. take care.

RE: 22 Handgun question
 

I have a Buckmark Camper, and its a great shooter. I've also owned a few Rugers over the years, a Mark I, a Mark II, and a Mark III. They were great guns as well, and I'm still kicking myself for pawing 'em off. One of my hunting buddies owns them now, 3 of 'em caught me at a weak moment and bought 'em all off me. :(

I'm not a big fan of the Smith, don't fit my hand at all. I have a buddy that has one, and he absolutely loves it. This is the same buddy that bought my Ruger Mark II off me, he shoots the Smith over the Ruger.

RE: 22 Handgun question
 

Thanks for the ideas.....I have a 357 that I put shot shells in but it is really heavy on the hip. I was thinking the 22 would be easier to tote around...didn't think about the safety issue until now thanks.

RE: 22 Handgun question
 

I carry a Ruger stainless with a 6 7/8 barrel for snakes and CCI hollow points, works well...It groups inside 1 1/2 inches at 25 yards, plenty accurate for snakes, I don't leave one in the chamber, just rack one in when needed...

I also have a Ruger .357 that I used to use with rat shot, doesn't kill past 10-15 yards...

RE: 22 Handgun question
 

I used to have a buckmark and loved it, one of the guns I wish I would have never sold. I also had a ruger single six with the interchangeable cylinders (22/ 22 mag) and it was a pretty nice gun as well. And I had a 22 AMT automag in 22 magnum that was awesome as well, but they don't make them anymore. REALLY wish I would have held onto that one.

Paul

RE: 22 Handgun question
 

what about the wakther p22. I own one and like it a lot, very small,its a double action too.

RE: 22 Handgun question
 

My vote is for the best .22 semiauto on the market-ruger!