Hey all. Not sure where to post this but would like to be able to hunt squirrel with a nice handgun and was wanting to see if there's anyone in the forum that does this and what they use. Please, no rifles. Really want to give the little fellows a chance. Lol. Would like to use a S&W if possible.

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S&w 38 mod10,xd 9mm,mk1,HP22

The only handgun I've ever used to hunt squirrels is a Thompson Center Contender with a .410 barrel, but I don't guess that really counts. I've saw some people use pistols like the Ruger Mark series or the Browning Buckmark to hunt small game like rabbits, but squirrels can be challenging enough with a rifle.

I've shot more squirrel with a beat up prewar Colt Woodsman than anything else.

My Ruger Mark 1 bull barrel 22, my High Standard B and my M 34 have killed some too.

An old, somewhat finish challenged Woodsman can be found for a very reasonable sum as can a pretty good older High Standard.

I'd buy a Woodsman or High Standard.


I only shoot standard velocity 22 ammo: more than enough for this application.

I have used my beretta m9a1. Shot a rabbit with a +p super lite fragmenting hollowpoint. Obviously we didn't harvest it for meat. LOL

My m9a1 is ridiculous accurate, I'd like to get out and do some hunting with it again. It really kicks some ***.

You can always use the Taurus judge. 410 and 45. Have to get pretty close to use the 410 though. The spread was ridiculous.

Thanks for response. Will keep those in mind.

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S&w 38 mod10,xd 9mm,mk1,HP22

S&W 17 8 3/8" .22 and a S&W 14 8 3/8" .38 loaded with wad cutters, a few with a S&W 48 .22 mag 8 3/8"...head shots only,I like the long toms.

I've taken prairie dogs and rabbits with a Ruger,haven't had a chance to hunt with my pre 18,but it should work just fine.

The guy I acquired this 648 from claimed the reason he had purchased it was for "fox control" in Colorado. I haven't shot any with it but am sure that it would do the job if called on. No, 648s aren't usually black, this one has been cerakoated. And scoping a S&W is generally not recommended by the collector crowd but this one had it when I got it. Locals here frown on shooting firearms in the city limits so my squirrels drop via a Beeman Kodiak 22 caliber pellet rifle. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

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Taken more than my share of tree rats with this one---

Many years ago, when shooting Bullseye, I used a S&W Model 41 with a 5" lightweight field barrel. With a sanded-down set of factory target grips, it fit fine in a 1911 GI style flap holster which provided good protection. Accuracy with match ammo was excellent. Seriously wish I hadn't sold it!!!

Model 34 4" kitgun is good if you have the eyes for it.
Tried a borrowed 4" 63 and it wasn't nearly as accurate as the 34 no-dash.

I agree that a Colt Woodsman (pre-war preferred) 6.5" is the cats' meow.
Lucked into 1 with a V-notch rear and small bead front sight. Didn't know how that combination would work, but it turned out to be vastly superior on small "field" targets for me than the usual Patridge sight. You don't cover up as much of the target, and the little gun shoots like it has radar on it. I zero mine 1" high at 25 yards so I can set the target just on top of the sight, and it is deadly out to 50 yards or so. I did a comparative accuracy test between a good lot of Eley and some CCI Standard velocity ammo when I got it -- six, 5-shot groups at 25 yards. Group sizes were virtually identical, so I just use CCI Standard and save the extra money to spend on Eley for my .22 rifle.

I also have a lot of experience with the old Hi-Standard Model B, and while it is a truly bullet-proof design (probably more durable than the Woodsman, if I had to guess), the trigger was no-where near as good as that on the pre-war Woodsman. Sights were not nearly as good as on the long-barreled "Target model" pre-war woodsman. (They called the long barrel Woodsman a "Target", and the 4" barrel version a "Sport.") The Target came with adjustable sights, while the 4" came with fixed. YMMV.

Good luck!
John

I don't know how many rabbits and squirrels have fallen to my K 22. It got to the point that my hunting buddy and I set a new rule. Head shots only. This caused us to be better shots and did not ruin any meat.

The last time I did that was with a Browning Buckmark Bullseye, 7" barrel topped with a Leupold 4X28 dialed in to use Winchester Super X HP,s that would consistently make head shots at 25 yds, with a good rest. It was a squirrel thumping machine. ...............why I thought I had to trade it , I don't know. But I did.

Any of the previously mentioned handguns will do the same with some tuning and practice. I had a custom made leather chest holster that I was smart enough to keep. It's simple, lightweight and comfortable to hunt with. I had a photo of it somewhere once upon a time. EDIT: Here it is.
Go have some fun and make up a batch of squirrel dumplings,.........and then call me!

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I have shot them with almost every SW rimfire I own, but the most effective is my 648 .22 mag. with a 2x Leupold scope on it. For squirrels I feed it with CCI .22 WRF 45 grain loads. Quiet, accurate, and they shoot to the same point of aim as .22 SuperX magnums do out of this handgun at 50 yards.

buckmark hunter with red dot works fine for me .

AS FAR AS AN S&W THAT WILL GET THE JOB DONE---THIS IS MY NO-DASH 8 3/8" MODEL 617 IN .22LR. IT HAS AN ULTRA DOT , 30MM, RED DOT ON IT, USING A NO-DRILL SCOPE MOUNT, THAT IS NOT DESTROYING THE ORIGINALITY OF THIS BEAUTIFUL REVOLVER. THIS HANGUN SHOOTS LIKE A RIFLE, AND WILL KNOCK AN ACORN OUT OF THE PAWS OF A SQUIRREL ABOUT TO TAKE A BITE…. A SET UP LIKE THIS WILL COST NORTH OF $1,000. BY THE TIME YOU ARE DONE……(THE PIC ON THE RIGHT IS THE 617, WITH THE MOUNT AND A 2X LER SCOPE, WHICH IS THE PACKAGE AS I PURCHASED IT ON GUN BROKER)

FOR SIGNIFICANTLY CHEAPER MONEY, I WOULD MOUNT THE SAME RED DOT, USING A NO-DRILL MOUNT, ON A CLEAN USED RUGER MK II, GOVERNMENT TARGET MODEL. I WOULD ALSO INSTALL A VOLQUARTSEN TRIGGER KIT. I MAINTAINED AN AVERAGE IN THE LOW 290s FOR A COUPLE OF DECADES WITH SUCH A PISTOL, IN BULLSEYE COMPETITION. IT ALSO ACCOUNTED FOR MANY SQUIRRELS, RABBITS, AND FOX IN THE FIELD……

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'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

Back in my prime I spent two years hunting squirrels exclusively with a 6" model 17. Never came home without meat. Then like a damn fool I traded it off. One of my greatest regrets in life.

No suggestions for a .500?

Thanks everyone. Now it's a matter of narrowing the field down to reasonable cost and availability. Some of these recommendations are out of my price range and others i have not seen available. When I get something will let you know and send pics. I have a mark I and an American heritage 6 shot revolver with LR and mag cylinders now. Might have to trade up.

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S&w 38 mod10,xd 9mm,mk1,HP22

If I had a .500 S&W, I would have killed squirrels with it. As it is, my 8-3/8" 629 does the job quite nicely.

This is what I use. Sometimes they're too far for head shots!

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I've put a lot of squirrels in the freezer using a 22 revolver.

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John

Did a lot of tree rat hunting in CT using a Ruger MKll bull barrel with a 2x scope, and a High Standard Victor, also scoped. Since I moved to PA, have to use a revolver, so its a 617 6 inch with a 4x scope. If price is an issue, you can't go wrong with a scope sighted Ruger semi MKll or lll. Pictured is my old MKll with a functional but ugly B-Square clamp on mount. It allows the use of scope or factory irons.

I have killed squirrels with a variety of handguns, but a quality .22 semi or revolver with optics really increases your hit potential.

Larry

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I shot squirrels from a tree with a 22 rifle in my youth but now realize that I have to have some idea where the bullet will come to rest. I would take a squirrel on the ground, but up in the air without rifle like aim and steadiness is not something I would do. A LR is probably overkill anyway. I wonder if there is a better gun or better ammo for up-in-the-air shots. Shot shells like from my 410 Judge or coach gun might be fun.

My .22 revolvers are a 617 6" and a Buckmark, either of which would do the job. I haven't reached the point where I need to eat squirrel though.

Bmlove:

Many years ago, I used to love to squirrel hunt with an old H&R 999 Sportsman and .22LR Stingers. This was when I was in college, and I used to shoot Silhouette in competition - so I thought I was hot stuff. I turned my buddy on to the sport, and he hunted them with the only handgun he had, a Model 27 with .38 Specials (head shots only). Good times. I've told my son (17 yrs. old, and a new hunter) about handgun hunting squirrels and he is very interested in trying it, but we haven't been able to find an area around here (we also live in Austin, TX) yet. Now a days, I'd use my Model 34-1 and let my boy use my Ruger Mk-II.

Best of luck,

Dave

I have used a Colt Challenger from about 1950-1955.

I have used a 10" TC contender in 32-20 for MANY squirrels, then I put a 2X scope on it and kept going. I can no longer shoot a squirrel with out a scope on a hand gun. Its tough with my Savage 22/410 combination with iron sights. Its a little easier with my 222/20 because it has a receiver sight. I use reduced 222 loads.
I shot a couple partridge and a few squirrels with a match grade 1911 that I happened to have on me in the woods. Head shots only.

For now the only 22 handgun is a browning Buckmark with an after market match grade barrel and a red dot sight. I would take the contender if I needed to eat.

I truly enjoy squirrel hunting. The peace and quiet. The pace fits my life style, I can't sit for long so deer hunting is OUT for me. I don't eat much wild game any more, so I just go sit in the woods and watch.

David

Model 63 works for me - lightweight, compact, accurate, stainless. Only the "accidental squirrel" that crosses paths when in the field Pheasant Hunting - not a dedicated squirrel hunter otherwise.

That looks like my mark I. Guess I should practice more and give it a try.

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S&w 38 mod10,xd 9mm,mk1,HP22

I've hunted squirrels with a 6" 17-3 for over 35 years. This was the first handgun I purchased, and has accounted for enough bushytails to fill a barrel with Brunswick stew...



It's a fine choice and still remains my favorite, but honestly any accurate rimfire pistol or revolver will do the job if you're up to the challenge...







Even those handguns that aren't so accurate, as long as you have enough patience and stalking skills...



Roe

I shot a few with my Buckmark Silhouette 22. Sorry this is the only photo I have of the pistol. sorry about the model.

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686, Shield 9MM & 642

Where I come from most people hunt squirrel with 22 rifle. Me
and my brother have used K22 6" for years. We don't use pistols
until leaves begin to fall. It is considered unsporting to use a
scope, red dot,tripod, ect.

The red dot sight makes it easier in the leafed out trees.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Single6 Single10 Bearcats.jpg
The Single Six at the top is the one I've had the longest and that has seen the most field and range time.
S&W K 17-3 Masterpiece.JPG
This is the K 17-3. It has seen considerably less field time but is a fine choice for small game.

I've taken rabbits, coons, various birds, rats and chipmunks with them both.

I first hunted squirrels with my "run what you brung" Ruger Single Six. To my way of thinking it is still the best.

Rather later I got a S&W S&W K 17-2 Masterpiece with 6" barrel and someone's custom grips. I still prefer the Single Six simply because it is easier to hold and keep on target (I always go for the head) than the double-action S&W. Single-Action, the S&W is the equal of the Single Six and it's usually just a matter of which one I drag out of the safe first.

We have no need to "thin the herd" of them around here, so when I hunt them it is while camping or staying at a relative's cabin in rural WI, and it is to eat. Hence, head shots or I don't shoot.

17-3 with an 8 3/8" barrel and a Tasco 1.75x4 scope .

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Great pics! Thanks for posting! Bob

My son shot a squirrel in my back yard with his carry gun. Sig P238. We were surprised he shot it. MORE surprised that he hit it! Bob

I handled one of the new Ruger Chargers today and it looked very nice. With a bipod, a 10" barrel, and a nice big rail for optics, this is like cheating. It was $260 which I thought was a good price.

IF I WAS THE OP, I WOULD PUT A SCOPE OR A RED DOT ON THE MK I, THAT I ALREADY OWN. THAT WOULD CERTAINLY GET THE JOB DONE, WITH THE MINIMAL AMOUNT OF EXPENSE…..

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'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

I have used a High Standard Citation, A Ruger MKII and a T/C Super 14 .41 Mag quite effectively on tree rats

Just use your Ruger .22 auto if you shoot it well. I'd opt for LR HP ammo to be sure of a clean kill. If close enough, try head shots, to avoid ruining meat.

If I was setting out to hunt squirrels with a handgun, I think I'd buy a S&W M-66 with six-inch barrel and use .38 wadcutter target ammo. That way, I could also carry Plus P .38 and full .357 Magnum ammo for other applications. I don't feel really safe in the woods armed with just a .22.

A Model 66 or any quality .357 is enormously versatile, and some are astoundingly accurate.

I find the Beretta M-92FS and the CZ-75B and the Colt Govt. Model .45 to be good, but meat damage is going to be extensive. The Colt, unless it's the Gold Cup target model, may need accuracy work by a good gunsmith. I used to make up very accurate handloads in .45 with a cast lead SWC 200 grain bullet. At about 850 FPS, they'd shoot well enough for small game and were still pretty fair defense loads, although I bumped them up to 900 FPS for that role.

But don't sell your Ruger .22. For most shooting appropriate to the .22 caliber, it's an excellent gun and a fine value. I especially like the stainless bull bbl. version, and put Ruger checkered walnut stocks on mine. I love it.

Col. Chas. Askins wrote about shooting squirrels from trees with .38 target revolvers. He got mainly head shots. At the time, he was the US national pistol champion at Camp Perry and firearms instructor for the USBP. But if you can shoot like he did, the handgun is a viable harvester of small game.

But if you shoot jackrabbits, you might want HP ammo or a centerfire gun. They're pretty tough.

Again, if it's in nice condition, don't sell that Ruger.22 auto. You'll probably regret it. Badly! If you have the skill, it'll kill squirrels quite well at reasonable ranges. Fool around with ammo brands to see which it shoots best...as with any .22RF gun. However, I've avoided Remington .22 ammo lately, as it burns very dirty and sometimes gums up my guns. I think CCI makes the best .22 ammo.

Take your pick, but here's my ideal squirrel gun:
The 48 in front took many in Real county, up on the Nueces River pecan bottom. (and an occasional doe for tamales/ camp meat.)

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Halfway and one more step

The few times I did it was when I was deer hunting.

All I had with me was my 3" 629.

Old trick with large bore - hit the tree right next to the squirrel.

It's called "barking" and it works.

Hip shots on the run with the Governor
410s can't miss

Love to squirrel hunt. I have used a Ruger Bisley single action 22 as well as my Smith 41. They are both fun but I prefer the Ruger. Next time I go I think I will try my Smith 617 4". You can use anything if you have patience. Just pick what you like shooting at the range.

I find a 2x scope helps pick em out of the leaves better than iron sights

S&W 31-1 4" on groundhogs........I may try it on some squirrel at some point.

You can't go wrong with a Ruger Single Six in 22LR/22WMR. I have a long barelled 7.5" model that has taken down a few cotton tails. And on the used market you can find them at great prices.

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Ephesians 6 (Armor of God)

You can bet I will this coming season and I'll be using the same bullet I use when I hunt them with my 50 caliber muzzleloader.

Motor1

Anyone use .38 wadcutter light target loads on treerats? The accuracy's there, and there's no meat damage if you take head shots. My 6" M14 is up to it, but I don't hunt squirrel anymore.

The only handguns that strike me as sporting would be in .22.

For anything else -- and even the .22 -- we have to remember that what goes up comes down. The country is getting too crowded to shoot rounds into the air anymore.

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S&W Rover

We try to keep them in check here on the Battery Oaks what with all the acorns. 22 Outdoorsman my favorite tool for them and rabbits. I have a grand recipe for rabbit sausage involving mule meat, but I digress.