Author Topic: Contender Pistol and squirrels...... (Read 892 times)

WNC · « **on:** November 02, 2004, 01:15:58 PM »

As the cold weather slowly slips up on us here in NC, I can't help but keep thinking about trying out the new G2 with a 22LR barrel and pistol grip. I've always stuck to my trusty Remington 510, so busting tree rats with a pistol will be all new to me.
Just wondering how you folks have you TC's set up in the pistol version for hunting.

wnc

flatlander · « **Reply #1 on:** November 02, 2004, 01:45:07 PM »

Get one and have a blast with it! Hunting for squirrels with a 22 contender is what hooked me on the single shots to begin with. I use a 14 inch 22 match barrel with a Burris 3X scope. It gives me some magnification to pick out my target, but doesn't give me as many of the problems of getting lost in the leaves like 4X scopes can sometimes do. Lots of fun--you have to try it out.

crawfish · « **Reply #2 on:** November 02, 2004, 02:08:28 PM »

I have a 14-inch BullBerry 22lr match with a bull barrel. This rig has a 2.5-8X32 Leupold on it. I shoot Federal Golden Eagle 710B that have been work in a SGB tool by Hannad. This is a real squirrel getter. I have my longest 22lr squirrel kill with the rig 97 yards ranged. I surely do enjoy taking it out. In fact it will be with me this coming Saturday. Son#1, granddaughter, and I have been invited to GA. To shoot a pecan grove.

Ladobe · « **Reply #3 on:** November 02, 2004, 11:15:42 PM »

The new 17M2 barrel would be my pick for tree rats for the pot. Just got mine about a month ago for desert diggers and the 22LR's all went into retirement. Its wearing a Burris 2-7 IER and even peekers are easy head shots.

Otherwise, have been hunting with Contender pistols since 1969 for almost everything... have C's up to 375JDJ and had E's up to 416 Rigby. Get yourself some folding sticks and go hunting.

Special Ed · « **Reply #4 on:** November 03, 2004, 12:34:16 AM »

10" with a 2x Leupold works great.........But I've been thinkin' about the new 17 mach 2 in a 14" :wink:

WNC · « **Reply #5 on:** November 03, 2004, 04:20:19 AM »

Who has the best deal on the 14" barrels in 17M2?

Also, how long do you think til they come out with a game bullet for M2?

rickyp · « **Reply #6 on:** November 03, 2004, 06:00:16 AM »

has anyone tied the 17hmr on tree reats

Ladobe · « **Reply #7 on:** November 03, 2004, 07:21:32 AM »

WNC -

Didn't worry about it... what's $5-$10 these days except maybe a cup at Starbucks. Got mine from Ed's and it was in hand in 3 days with a box of ammo. A game bullet.... hmmmmm? Thought the V-Max was a game bullet. If shots are placed where they should be, the tree rat isn't going anywhere and there will be no lost meat. 17M2 is easily capable of those shots if the shooter is.

rickyp -

HMR is way too much unless you can make head shots 100%. If I tried it, I'd use the CCI TNT's and not the V-Max for eadilble game with the Hummer. Basing that on the 2000+ plus small Beldings shot last spring with the HMR's at Digger Wars - some well over 300 yards.

L. :bye:

crawfish · « **Reply #8 on:** November 03, 2004, 03:26:27 PM »

Quote from: rickyp

has anyone tied the 17hmr on tree reats

Yep, have it in a Savage 93 used it exclusively last season for squirrel. BTY that was the very first season that I was able to take a whole season limit of 70. I also have my longest kill on a squirrel with the .17HMR at 117yards ranged. As I said the Contender is going to GA this weekend but the .17HMR Savage, and a CZ 452 22lr will also be along for the hunt.

WNC · « **Reply #9 on:** November 04, 2004, 03:56:40 AM »

Well, my sister has finally agreed to let my nephew start hunting. I guess after all the ragging I've given her over the past year now, she finally give in and said yes. I have an extra Contender frame and think I'll try to find a 22LR barrel for him to use. I'm leaning more toward the 17M2 for myself now, but I can put that off for a while til he gets set up and ready to go. Only thing to decide now is whether to go with a pistol barrel, say 14", or go with the carbine barrel.

Any good sites on the web for used TC barrels in 22LR that are in good shape?

Thanks again

palgeno · « **Reply #10 on:** November 04, 2004, 04:22:11 AM »

The balance of a 10 inch barrel for field shooting might be easier to learn with----I tried 10 vs 14 inch in .22lr and found the shorter barrel less cumbersom in the woods. Now I use a 10 incher with 4x scope----simple and accurate. I also have a 10 1/2 inch .17 hmr and though it shoots flatter at 100yds, most shots on squirrels are less than 50yds and the 17hmr is very destructive at that range. I do like the .17hmr for shooting them from a deer stand!--and crows,too. If you want to blow them up like a prarie dog, a tnt bullet in 22mag or .223 works well,too. Centerfire may not be legal---here in Wisconsin, only shotgun is legal for crows!! What do you expect from the Kerry lovers---use a shotgun and you are now a real sportsman---but I digress! :shock: For tree rat hunting in the thick stuff,I think .22lr is a better round if you are careful with your backstops and want to take some meat home. Never had a problem killing them with a plain old .22lr round nose bullet. :-) pg

Special Ed · « **Reply #11 on:** November 04, 2004, 06:23:44 AM »

Depending on where one hunts, the 45/410 can be fun. In alot of places it just isn't safe to shoot skyward with a 22 due to all the development.

WNC · « **Reply #12 on:** November 05, 2004, 02:35:46 PM »

What techniques do you use to get a good shot on a squirrel way up in the top of a big hickory using a TC pistol? Use a smaller tree to take rest on or do you use some sort of shooting sticks?

Ed.....PM sent.