Handgun for squirrels

[Tom W.]

I have a buddy that shot a cottontail @ 215 paces with his .22-250, but you said it was a contender, so I'd opt for the 30/30 A.I. in case of variegated hoolimomgers...

[kennisondan]

I for one enjoyed this read..seems the brave and precise have no problem with either the 22 lr. or the 22 mag. and either is really enough, what ever that really means; with my scoped 22 rifle I have killed many sqirrels I am just saying that I have never wounded one with the mag.. that is impressive.. different than enough but impressive.. and that is what I opted for.
Also seems the not so brave need a really big gun for this aggressive fast vicious creature.. but almost no one addressed whether follow up shots were needed for a finisher when squirrels attack... Many here use shotguns since they move a lot and the trees are covered with leaves for a lot of the season.
the truth is, either one will do.. which one do you rather have ? which ammo do you rather purchase ? How much are you going to shoot when not at squirrels ? whatis your huntin style, do you wait them out at a feed tree or do you spot and stalk ? I am a waiter and then I stalk to an area with either activity or food and wait again.. Imost sit and hide instead of walk and stalk... that makes a difference in the shots you get : either uncomfortable or relaxed... sittting eating here and there or moving along with an intention of going somewhere... when I shoot em on their way somewhere, I need to be very close and it is still easy to make a mid center shot instead of a boiler room hit.. since they are moving...
Just let us know what you decided and why, that would be a good thing to know.. it is all gonna be fun.
dk

[7-30 Waters]

I hate to say this but I don't own a 22 rimfire pistol of any kind. Maybe it is time I get one.

[mcwoodduck]

You really can't go wrong owning one. 
I own 5.  three buck marks, a Ruger single six bisley, and a pocket TPH.  What I keep   
Look in the used shelves of the gun shop for one that grabs you and is legal to hunt with in your area.
My first buckmark has about 20,000 rounds through it and still will function and is accurate.  I don't think you are going to get a bad one.
I had a S&W M17 4" that had a bulge in the barrel and it shot great.  I still kick myself for selling it to my friend.
I know that you have a T/C but for the same price as a new barrel in 22LR you could get a used Buckmark or Ruger Single six or Mark II.  Most single six guns come with a second cylinder in 22 mag.  the Bisleys do not.
Besides it gives you a reason to roam around in the local gun shops.
Good luck.  let us know what you pick up.

[BIG Dog454]

When I was younger (a hundred years ago), I used a 25-20 for shooting squirrels.  I would load the cartridge with red dot powder (I don't remember how much maybe 1 1/2 grains) fill the case with COW, and place a buckshot in the case with grease covering the buck shot.  This was very deadly on squirrels out to about 50 yards. I used a old savage 25-20 rifle but a similar load should be great in the contender.

[ratgunner]

I hate to say this but I don't own a 22 rimfire pistol of any kind. Maybe it is time I get one.

Yep,thats your best bet.

[J. Plate]

I love my Buckmark.   

I've taken 4 squirrels with it so far.  Two reds and two greys, all off hand.  The greys were 10 and 25 yards, and the reds were 10 yards at the most. 

[SingleShotShorty]

I have a Ruger MKII Target 22lr with a Leupold 2X scope that I squirrel hunt with.

[nilescoyote]

I have a Ruger MKII Target 22lr with a Leupold 2X scope that I squirrel hunt with.

+1 I use the same set up but witha weaver scope, I also use a 10" 22 match contender and a 14" 17 mach 2 for the long shots.

[Olschool]

I like 22lr, looking for a barrel for my T/C, so using this until then

[SingleShotShorty]

There just ain't nothing any more fun than hunting tree rats with a 22 LR handgun.

[rosharb]

My 10 shot 617 S&W works great on small game

[S.B.]

I've used mostly S&W K framed handguns in .22 LR for tree rats?

[SingleShotShorty]

I use a Ruger MKII Target with a 2X leupold for squirrels