HuntingNet.com Forums

HuntingNet.com Forums (https://www.huntingnet.com/forum/)
-   Small Game, Predator and Trapping (https://www.huntingnet.com/forum/small-game-predator-trapping-12/)
-   -   Squirrel hunting with handguns (https://www.huntingnet.com/forum/small-game-predator-trapping/307310-squirrel-hunting-handguns.html)

leman 10-19-2009 04:46 PM

Squirrel hunting with handguns
 
1 Attachment(s)
I know the majority of squirrel hunters use a .22 rifle, and most others use a shotgun. This year I have started using a .22 revolver to shoot these critters. Over the last few years I have missed a very small number of squirrels, so I figured I'd make it a bit more challenging.

Does anyone else here use a handgun for squirrels? If so, what do you use? Include a pic if you'd like.

My squirrel rig is a Ruger Single-Six with a Leupold 2x20 scope on it.

13pointjomc 10-19-2009 05:23 PM

It was a shotgun,until i bought a 17 hmr!!!I LOVE THAT GUN!!!!!!!Marlin 917v 17HMR with CCI ''TNT'' hp,topped with a Centerpoint 3x9x32.I can blast um at 60 yards now!!!!!!I still like huntin with my 22,12 ga,and my 410,but that 17 is my favorite squirrel gun.

jrbsr 10-20-2009 05:05 PM

I have a Ruger Gov't target model 22 lr,
A Taurus Tracker 22 lr revolver,
And a Taurus Tracker 22 mag revolver.
I have been using the 22 lrs on squirrels, I think I will try the 22 mag.

I love to use hand guns to squirrel hunt.

13pointjomc 10-20-2009 05:22 PM

The next gun i buy will be a 22 pistol,what do ya'll recommend i git,i know NOTHING about handguns. thanks

IndyHunter83 10-20-2009 06:09 PM

I had a setup about the same as yours only had both the 22lr and 22wmr cylinders for it. great gun for squirrels. I kinda liked the 22mag for it. Heritage arms makes an economical model I'm thinking of getting. Great time.

jrbsr 10-20-2009 06:48 PM


Originally Posted by 13pointjomc (Post 3479234)
The next gun i buy will be a 22 pistol,what do ya'll recommend i git,i know NOTHING about handguns. thanks

A Ruger Mark 3 would be a good one.
Or A Taurus Tracker revolver.

leman 10-20-2009 08:22 PM


Originally Posted by IndyHunter83 (Post 3479302)
I had a setup about the same as yours only had both the 22lr and 22wmr cylinders for it.

Mine came with the extra cylinder for 22 mag too. I don't think you gain a whole lot with the mag, but they are a lot louder, and a lot more expensive. Some people swear by the mag and it works out great for them. My gun prefers shorts to anything else. My groups are about 1" smaller with them.

13pointjomc 10-22-2009 06:33 PM

1 Attachment(s)

Originally Posted by 13pointjomc (Post 3478002)
It was a shotgun,until i bought a 17 hmr!!!I LOVE THAT GUN!!!!!!!Marlin 917v 17HMR with CCI ''TNT'' hp,topped with a Centerpoint 3x9x32.I can blast um at 60 yards now!!!!!!I still like huntin with my 22,12 ga,and my 410,but that 17 is my favorite squirrel gun.

Attachment 4172 Heres a pic of the 17hmr with a tree rat.

leman 10-25-2009 02:55 PM


Originally Posted by 13pointjomc (Post 3479234)
The next gun i buy will be a 22 pistol,what do ya'll recommend i git,i know NOTHING about handguns. thanks

In addition to the other .22s mentioned, I would recommend a Smith & Wesson model 22a or model 41 depending on how much $ you want to spend. The 22a is a clone of the 41 and costs about 1/4 of the price.

nick_bleuer76 10-25-2009 06:23 PM

With the 17 hmr, you don't aim for head shots, you aim for eye shots!

ilyotehunter 10-26-2009 07:28 PM

browning buckmark .22 i have one with true glow sights. it is very accurate.

deer slayer Jr. 10-26-2009 07:32 PM


Originally Posted by leman (Post 3477943)
I know the majority of squirrel hunters use a .22 rifle, and most others use a shotgun. This year I have started using a .22 revolver to shoot these critters. Over the last few years I have missed a very small number of squirrels, so I figured I'd make it a bit more challenging.

Does anyone else here use a handgun for squirrels? If so, what do you use? Include a pic if you'd like.

My squirrel rig is a Ruger Single-Six with a Leupold 2x20 scope on it.

I use a Rem Viper 522, and a savage 93 17HMR , your single six looks nasty that would be sweet to shoot!

turkey guide 10-28-2009 11:05 AM

I have the Ruger Mark 3 and love to squirrel hunt, rabbit hunt and so on. I originally bought it for coon hunting because it's easy to carry chasing dogs and plenty accurate for shooting coons out of high trees. Mine is the Zytel framed(plastic) heavy target, in 6inch. I use an Uncle Mikes thigh holster and sometimes a shoulder rig. It works very well and seems tough enough to last my lifetime. I shoot 5-600 rnds in a typical target session and never had a problem. This gun is inexpensive for it's quality, I got mine years ago for $205. tax and all, but they probably are more now.

mrtwister_jbo 10-29-2009 04:06 PM

2 Attachment(s)
most of times i use my savage mark 2 but i like my ruger's
twister

jrbsr 10-30-2009 01:32 PM


Originally Posted by mrtwister_jbo (Post 3488864)
most of times i use my savage mark 2 but i like my ruger's
twister


I might be wrong, but It looks like a Ruger Mark 2.

dmiller 11-01-2009 11:50 AM

1 Attachment(s)
I use a 999 sportsman from H&R 9 shot 22Lr open site


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 02:25 PM.


Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.