Handgun squirrel hunting

[Snapping Twig]

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.

 

[wingnuut]

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

 

[WilliamB]

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.

 

[Amp]

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

 

[stantheman86]

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

 

[357-RevolverGuy]

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.

 

[Motor1]

No suggestions for a .500?

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

 

[gwalchmai]

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.

 

[S&W Rover]

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.

 

[Lee's Landing Billy]

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.

 

[model70hunter]

I used my Dads 1950's Ruger Single Six as a youngster. I used Winchester 40 grain HP's and it was good enough to head shoot them. I never shot at one on a limb. I would move to put the tree trunk behind it. I have shot them on the ground.
I inherited the Pistol and only plink with it now when teaching folks to shoot a handgun. Wife, kids and grandkids for example.

I've had several K22 Masterpieces and to me they were the best for anything, hunting, plinking and targets.

Most recently I've been using a High Standard Sport King my late uncle gifted me. He shot squirrels, rabbits and frogs for 5 decades with it. And all head shots. Still looks pretty new. You can find an old High Standard in the 350 range. You might find a new love with it. All who've shot it have fallen in love with it.

Many 22's out there can do it. It just that some have a mystic and charisma that makes it a more enjoyable outing. The 3 I've mentioned, plus the Colt Woodsman are ones I've found to work well for me.

 

[Bmlove]

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…..

Would it work on the pre- mark 1? Which is what I have, found out after I bought it.

 

[arjay]

Would it work on the pre- mark 1? Which is what I have, found out after I bought it.

Just need a local smith to drill and tap the receiver.

 

[Bmlove]

Just need a local smith to drill and tap the receiver.

That's cool. Cheap way to go. I like it. Thanks

 

[Bmlove]

Here's what I currently have for .22 pistol/revolver. Revolver is american heritage 5 in 22lr and 22 mag cylinder and a ruger pre mark I (think its. Called a 'standard') that I repaired, had missing parts that I replaced. Shoots good now. I'm thinking from what I have been reading, either of these guns can be used. I just have to practice more and get my groups smaller. Either that or the little critters will be safe. Lol.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Bmlove:

Rather than permanently altering your Ruger, have you considered one of these types of scope mounts?

http://www.brownells.com/optics-mou...-mki-mkii-22-45-no-gunsmithing-prod26012.aspx

Regards,

Dave

 

[Shootbrownelk]

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.

I use a S&W K-22 6" barrel with a red dot sight. If you're planning on using your Judge (I have one) you had better sneak up to 30ft. before you shoot, I tried to pattern mine and found it a waste of time. The Judge is a close range snake and self protection gun, best used under 15 ft. for a dense killing pattern.

 

[at_liberty]

I use a S&W K-22 6" barrel with a red dot sight. If you're planning on using your Judge (I have one) you had better sneak up to 30ft. before you shoot, I tried to pattern mine and found it a waste of time. The Judge is a close range snake and self protection gun, best used under 15 ft. for a dense killing pattern.

At the risk of starting a sidebar, the Judge is not "a snake gun". It is too powerful. Making the association of 410 shot shells with snake shot is a mistake.

 

[Bmlove]

Bmlove:



Rather than permanently altering your Ruger, have you considered one of these types of scope mounts?



http://www.brownells.com/optics-mou...-mki-mkii-22-45-no-gunsmithing-prod26012.aspx



Regards,



Dave

Yes. Also looking at b-square scope mount. Really don't want to have gun tapped and drilled.