small game gun of choice
 

I'm new to hunting, but been with my cousin for some small game here and there.

I want to get into it, so I was asking which one everyone prefered to use while small gaming.
I've been looking on different online stores but dont know what the numbers and abrev.'s mean.

Thanks.

RE: small game gun of choice
 

For small game like rabbits, squirrels, etc. I like a Ruger 10/22 its a 22lr and onw of the toughest guns you can get. Most of the abbriveations mean the caliber whickis the width of the bullet. For instance a .22lr is 22 thousandths of an inch in diameter and the lr stands for long rifle which was used to tell the difference between 22long whick was a little shorter and the 22 short which is about half the size of the 22lr.

RE: small game gun of choice
 

ah alright thanks

RE: small game gun of choice
 

How are the kicks on any .22?

RE: small game gun of choice
 

The .22LR is a rimfire and has no recoil (kicks).

The .22 centerfires (such as .223, .222, .22-250) are centerfire and their recoil is very mild.

Being new, I would highly recommend talking with a firearm dealer before making a decision on a caliber / rifle.

RE: small game gun of choice
 

Any straight shooting 22LR (LR stands for Long Rifle)in good condition, even a used one, will serve you well.
Since you are new to hunting, I would visit a few local gun shops looking for a good used 22 LR that you can afford. Ask questions of the shop owner, most are very upstanding knowledgable people and will give you good sound advise.

I would avoid all 22 centerfires at this point in your learning curve, they are over kill on squirrels and rabbits.

22 LR Ammo is cheap, so you can shoot a lot. Have fun :)

RE: small game gun of choice
 

You might also consider buying a shotgun. It can be used for hunting nearly all types of small game and if your hunting interests broaden it can be used for birds and even big game depending on the shot size you use. Shotguns come in various bore sizes; .410 caliber(smallest) 28, 20, 16, 12 and 10 guage. Counterintuitively, the smaller the guage, the larger the bore size. The 12 guage is probably the most popular but the 20 guagealso has many adherents. Like guage,with shot size the smaller the shot # , the larger the pellets, i.e. #2 shot contains larger pellets than #6. For large game you can get rifled slugs that are effective on deer sized animals at ranges out to 100 yards.

RE: small game gun of choice
 

Thanks guys. I dont know how if ill go higher than small game due to college, but I may.

RE: small game gun of choice
 

Let's back up if you don't mind...

Depending upon what part of the US you live in small game can mean different things to different folks...What State do you live in??? Will you be hunting quail, doves or other flying game, you don't want to be shooting a .22 up in the air as the bullet can travel a mile and a half...

Other info is great, we hunt rabbits with begals, so you don't want to be shooting a .22 at a running rabbit on the ground with other hunters around...

How old are you, what is the hardest kicking gun you have shot???

Any other info you might want to provide...

RE: small game gun of choice
 

Good question Need more info.

RE: small game gun of choice
 

I personally havent shot any, but ive been around my cousins while they shot. So, I dont want anything to kick too hard.
I'm not really into shoot birds, so probably about rabbits, squirrels and such.
I live in the Northeast. Syracuse, NY.

RE: small game gun of choice
 

I'd suggest going with a 20 gauge shotgun, loaded with number 6 shot, it would be good for rabbits or squirrels...

Look at a Remington 870 and a Browning BPS, both are pump shotguns and I'm guessing you can find one for around $500...

RE: small game gun of choice
 

I'd have to agree with nchawkeye. Around here 20ga Remington 870 or Mossberg 500 sells for well under $400. The Browning BPS is a fine shotgun, but will push closer to $500. While the 12ga was recommended for larger game, the 20 is also quite capable. Loaded with #6 shot can take squirrels, rabbits and the like. #8 probably good for dove and other smallish birds. I have also heard of loading with buckshot for predators like coyotes and bobcats at close ranges maybe up to 30 or 40 yards. Also can get rifled slug barrel and shoot some of the finer sabot slugs to take deer up to 200 yards.

First and foremost I'd have to say PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. Whatever load you're going to be shooting should be shot through your gun to find out where it patterns. Talk to a reputable gun dealer in your area and take it out to the range. Skeet shooting is probably the best practice with a shotgun and loads of fun.

RE: small game gun of choice
 

How much of a kick does the 20gauge have?

RE: small game gun of choice
 

Not enough to hurt you...I was shooting a .410 when I was 8 and had my own 12 gauge double when I was 12, but I grew up shooting...Plus, there are lighter loads that are avaliable...

RE: small game gun of choice
 

Damn...you must be a big guy then lol
im a big guy..fat and strong

RE: small game gun of choice
 

Anyone can shoot a hard kicking gun comfortably if its held correctly. My 125lb wife shoots a 20 ga without a problem.

RE: small game gun of choice
 

lol holy ****
im 2x her weight :P

RE: small game gun of choice
 

A decent 20 ga would be my pick. For a plinker or target shooting a .22 would be nice. However actually hunting some small game with it requires more skill than the average beginner would have. A decent 20 ga would get you on squirrels, rabbit and small birds even if they are moving. Plus it has fairly limited range so you don't have to be as concious of your suroundings if you live in a fairly populated area. Most places are getting so built up it's hard to safely hunt with a 22 rifle. If you miss your game the the bullets simply travel too far.

My opinion anyway.

Paul

RE: small game gun of choice
 

why dont you join up with your buddies and head out as an observer on a hunting trip or go to the local range to see what its all about before buying anything. there are small game hunting vidoes you could watch to get an idea of whats going on but whatever you do just dont jump into things. a 20 guage shotgun would get my vote if you decide to buy.using a .22 caliber rifle for small game has different safety issues to consider.

RE: small game gun of choice
 

17 hmr....:D

RE: small game gun of choice
 

Check these out before you decide

http://www.rossiusa.com/products/products-matchedpairs.cfm

http://www.rossiusa.com/products/matchedsets.cfm

RE: small game gun of choice
 

.410 shotgun
22lr.
22mag
coyotes on up .243 win.

RE: small game gun of choice
 

Nothing can beat a good shotgun for small game. More states allow shotguns then rifles during small game season and there is a safety factor to consider as well. Not to mention the fact that it is unsporting to shoot birds on the ground except Turkeys.

RE: small game gun of choice
 

My 8 year old is 75 lbs and shoots a 20ga.