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Offline redhawk44p

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Favorite pistol for squirrel?
« on: August 29, 2004, 05:06:00 PM »
I think mine is the MK2 but I like several. What is your favorite squirrel handgun?
Here are some of my pics.
http://www.geocities.com/redhawk44p/Fish/smallgame.html
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Offline 257Robt

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Favorite pistol for squirrel?
« Reply #1 on: August 29, 2004, 05:48:58 PM »
Redhawk,
 What calibers do you use for your handgun hunting?
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Offline redhawk44p

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Favorite pistol for squirrel?
« Reply #2 on: August 29, 2004, 11:56:55 PM »
I use a 22 when they are cutting in the tops but after the nuts fall I use about any caliber. I use target loads in 38, 40,44, 45, and 454 pistols.
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Offline WD45

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Favorite pistol for squirrel?
« Reply #3 on: August 30, 2004, 01:05:08 AM »
Mostly my single six and some with my 1858 remy
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Offline 7magWoodsman

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Favorite pistol for squirrel?
« Reply #4 on: August 30, 2004, 04:33:26 AM »
Ruger MKII Standard 4 3/4"
I originally got the standard model just for taking along fishing but for some reason it shot better than the MKII Government model I had, so I gave my Ruger MKII Gov. to my uncle(he wanted it since I bought it) and over the past few years I have been faithfully carrying it and killing small game, coyote, coon and a few fox and bob cat with it...sand bagged it spits Stingers with .1" groups at 50yrds. and one ragged hole groups with Remington Target at 35yds.

The MKII Gov. would barely get 2.5" groups at 50yrds. with Stingers, although it shot real good with every other type of ammo I tried....and strangely the Standard is just the opposite, it won't shoot anything really well except for CCI Stingers and Rem. Target.
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"To me the rifle has always been the most romantic of all weapons, and of all rifles, the one I love the most is the rifle for big game." Jack O'Connor

Offline 257Robt

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Favorite pistol for squirrel?
« Reply #5 on: August 30, 2004, 06:36:06 AM »
Do you think that a 4 3/4" barrel is plenty? If you were buying a new handgun, would you buy the 4 3/4" barrel again? I am asking this because I have the opportunity to buy a new firearm and a handgun for small game hunting was one of my ideas to get. I am not sure what kind, caliber, or barrel length to buy, if I get one. I thought about a Taurus Tracker in 17 HMR. My godfather really likes his Ruger also. A buddy of mine has a Buckmark and likes it alot. I am torn on what to get.
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Offline 7magWoodsman

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Favorite pistol for squirrel?
« Reply #6 on: August 30, 2004, 09:58:26 AM »
Dear 257Robt,
I am very impressed with my 4 3/4" barrel but as I said, I originally was just getting it for fishing, it just performed so much better than I ever expected...I will continue to use my 4 3/4" Standard for small game and close range predators in the future.
I don't hunt with centerfire pistols but I have killed deer with a S&W Model 681 .357 with a 4" barrel, it was enough for me...I guess everyone has an opinion on barrel length, but I think practice is more important.

If I was going to buy another rimfire for small game today, I would only consider two...if I didn't have a Ruger MKII Standard I would add it to the list, especially for the money.
#1: The NEW Ruger MKIII 5 1/2" and put a good handgun scope on it(Leupold or Burris)
#2: Ruger New Model Single Six Hunter 22LR/22WMR and also put a good scope on it. With both 22 Long Rifle and Magnum this pistol pretty much has you covered...

I love the Ruger MK series. Buckmark are really good guns, and I have one, but I just prefer the MKII.

Stay Safe. Happy Hunting/Shooting.  :D
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"To me the rifle has always been the most romantic of all weapons, and of all rifles, the one I love the most is the rifle for big game." Jack O'Connor

Offline redhawk44p

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Favorite pistol for squirrel?
« Reply #7 on: August 30, 2004, 11:01:23 AM »
The Mk2s are great hunting pistols. I have been using them for 30 years.  I used shorter barrels till I was 50 now I need longer barrels for a clear sight picture.
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Offline 257Robt

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Favorite pistol for squirrel?
« Reply #8 on: August 30, 2004, 12:33:52 PM »
I was looking at the Ruger Single Six earlier today and it caught my eye. Very nice looking revolver. I like the Mark II's, but to me, there is something about a revolver for hunting. I thought that the 22 WMR would be great to have. I am not good with pistols so there would be a big learning curve and I thought that the 22 WMR would be good to have because I am a lousy shot. Something about that little extra oomph. I normally hunt with my Ithaca 66 20 g. The pistol would be easy to carry along and if the right shot presented itself I could take it ,and if not givem one with the shotgun.
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Offline 7magWoodsman

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Favorite pistol for squirrel?
« Reply #9 on: August 30, 2004, 03:56:50 PM »
Quote from: 257Robt
I thought that the 22 WMR would be great to have. I am not good with pistols so there would be a big learning curve and I thought that the 22 WMR would be good to have because I am a lousy shot. Something about that little extra oomph.

.22 WMR do have a little more oomph, but don't think that little more oomph will compensate for a poor shot...

If you do decide on the Single Six I highly recommend to get the Hunter model as I recommended before. That Model comes with rings from the factory and if you are inexperienced, a good scope will be better than a little more oomph and you still have the good o' iron sights too...regardless if you plan on shooting running game you will need to put a lot of time and effort into practice...I always threw walnuts across the ground and tried to hit em. If you stay persistent you should be a pretty good shot in no time...just remember that shooting "natural" on running game is always best, but it sure does take practice...

As far as you preferring a revolver for hunting I won't try to persuade you, but it is truly hard to beat a M.K.II especially for the money and I honestly think EVERYONE should own one if they don't already...

I am positive you know all the safety rules but please remember when shooting always make sure you have a good backstop, this is especially true when shooting natural(without sights)at thrown targets(walnuts,tennis balls, etc.)

Stay Safe. Happy Shooting/Hunting.  :D
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"To me the rifle has always been the most romantic of all weapons, and of all rifles, the one I love the most is the rifle for big game." Jack O'Connor

Offline redhawk44p

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Favorite pistol for squirrel?
« Reply #10 on: August 30, 2004, 04:06:02 PM »
I 2nd what the woodsman said. Practice is a must if you hunt squirrel with a pistol. The MK2 is a must have.
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Offline 257Robt

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Favorite pistol for squirrel?
« Reply #11 on: August 30, 2004, 04:25:13 PM »
I definantly will need alot of practice. My father is an excellant shot, so maybe he can show me a thing or two. If I get a pistol, then I have a good excuse to go shooting more. The only problem that I may have is that my wife likes to shoot handguns also and she is a pretty good. The other thing is, she likes to rub it in when she shoots better than me. I am definantly going to take a look at the Mark II's tomorrow. Do you guys think that the 5 1/2" barrel model would be ok?
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Offline redhawk44p

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Favorite pistol for squirrel?
« Reply #12 on: August 30, 2004, 04:40:25 PM »
You are young so the 5.5 barrel should be fine. The bull barrel is a little easier to hold on target. When you get it shoot the livin dickens out of it. The more you shoot a MK2 the better they shoot. Get the mag loading tool your thumb will thank you.
I would avoid the MK3 till they get the bugs out. See link
http://www.markii.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=1689
The MK2 is already perfect.
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Offline 7magWoodsman

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Favorite pistol for squirrel?
« Reply #13 on: August 30, 2004, 04:42:38 PM »
Yes 5 1/2" would be great...After ready the thread redhawk44p posted above(thanks for the info redhawk) I would try to get this one, although you may have to order it...
http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=199&return=Y

I think you will enjoy it greatly.  :agree:
Go ahead and get your wife a 4 3/4" Standard Model too. :grin:
That way you will have a couple extra mags for hunting. :lol:

Stay Safe. Happy Hunting/Shooting.
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"To me the rifle has always been the most romantic of all weapons, and of all rifles, the one I love the most is the rifle for big game." Jack O'Connor

Offline redhawk44p

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Favorite pistol for squirrel?
« Reply #14 on: August 31, 2004, 01:56:52 PM »
Your welcome Woodsman. I agree on the 5.5 bull MK2. My son in law took 4 squirrels with his 5.5 bull last Saturday.
Here is a pic of my hunt this morning.
http://www.geocities.com/redhawk44p/Fish/mk2gryfx090104.jpg
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