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?

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....

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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

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

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