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!

RE: 22 Handgun question
 

Ruger's are nice. But for snakes I agree with the others, a .22 wont cut it.

RE: 22 Handgun question
 

The ruger 22/45 makes a nice companion for the money. Great semi auto, a little lighter on the pocket book than some of the others. The ruger single six is also a great gun, especially with a 22lr and 22mg combo, just swap the cylinders. My buddy has one of the new walthers, it is a nice gun but the grip doesn't fit my hands as well as the 22/45.

RE: 22 Handgun question
 

My wife shoots a S&W Model 22A. Very nice and very good shooting 22 pistol.

RE: 22 Handgun question
 

What is wrong with a 22 for snakes?? Just shoot them in the head?? I normally am not a Ruger person. But one of my favorite firearms is my single six Ruger. It is not real accurate(but then what Ruger is), but it is great for point shooting out to ten yards. And point shooting(IMO) is the most fun of any of the shooting sports. Try it, you will be surprised how accurate you can become, in a short time frame.

I also have a Browning BuckMark "Silhouette Model". It is the most accurate 22 pistol I have ever seen. It will even out shoot our Model 41. Tom.

RE: 22 Handgun question
 

I agree. I just dont understand this board sometimes. My usuall weapon for a snake is a hoe, a stick, an ax, or my boot. I missed the memo that said a .22 wasnt good enough for snakes.

RE: 22 Handgun question
 

Why shoot them we just catch them and either turn them loose somewhere else or if it is a rattlesnake we will take it home and cook it.

RE: 22 Handgun question
 

Nice gun! I have a older version in 422.

RE: 22 Handgun question
 

vote browning

RE: 22 Handgun question
 

Yes it does. And the .45 Colt with shotshells works even better!