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Squirrel hunting with handguns

Old 10-19-2009, 04:46 PM
  #1  
Spike
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Default Squirrel hunting with handguns

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.
Attached Thumbnails Squirrel hunting with handguns-single-six.jpg  
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Old 10-19-2009, 05:23 PM
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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.
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Old 10-20-2009, 05:05 PM
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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.
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Old 10-20-2009, 05:22 PM
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The next gun i buy will be a 22 pistol,what do ya'll recommend i git,i know NOTHING about handguns. thanks
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Old 10-20-2009, 06:09 PM
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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.
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Old 10-20-2009, 06:48 PM
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Originally Posted by 13pointjomc
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.
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Old 10-20-2009, 08:22 PM
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Originally Posted by IndyHunter83
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.
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Old 10-22-2009, 06:33 PM
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Originally Posted by 13pointjomc
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.
Squirrel hunting with handguns-pa220069.jpg Heres a pic of the 17hmr with a tree rat.
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Old 10-25-2009, 02:55 PM
  #9  
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Originally Posted by 13pointjomc
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.
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Old 10-25-2009, 06:23 PM
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With the 17 hmr, you don't aim for head shots, you aim for eye shots!
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