Author Topic: whats the best .22 automatic for squirrel huntin? (Read 1396 times)

madmikeray · « **on:** October 27, 2004, 09:04:51 PM »

just like to hear all of your opinions. keep in mind it has to be light to carry and super accurate and has to be under $300. my pick is a marlin 7000 with 6*24*50 ao simmons blazer scope. what are your guys set ups? :wink:

TScottO · « **Reply #1 on:** October 27, 2004, 11:30:54 PM »

Remington Speedmaster but I'm not sure of the price.

Be Safe,
Scott

SBF · « **Reply #2 on:** October 28, 2004, 02:45:37 AM »

My super squirrel set-up is a 20 year old Marlin Model 60 with a fixed 4X scope on it. I do sight it in before each season begins making sure it shoots POA with whatever ammo I'm going to be using that year. It'll hold "MOSH" (Minute Of Squirrel Head) out to 50 yards or so, accurate enough for me. I have other 22's that might be "more ideal" but this little gun holds some sentimental value as well. It was my first rifle. A hunting season just isn't the same if I don't hit the woods with that old gun :grin:

armory414 · « **Reply #3 on:** October 28, 2004, 05:08:03 AM »

My favorite with a scope is my Ruger 10/22. My favorite without a scope is a Mossberg 151M with the peep sight.

Keith L · « **Reply #4 on:** October 28, 2004, 06:31:54 AM »

I agree with the 10/22. I have one that I spent to much money on building and it is great but heavy. I reworked one for a friend with factory stock and barrel that works well also and is light enough. So far he is 100% with his shots on squirels.

I have been playing with a Savage 30 single shot. It is not as accurate as the Rugers, but work at close range. Reminds me of my youth...

jh45gun · « **Reply #5 on:** October 28, 2004, 10:12:39 PM »

Quote from: Keith L

I agree with the 10/22. I have one that I spent to much money on building and it is great but heavy. I reworked one for a friend with factory stock and barrel that works well also and is light enough. So far he is 100% with his shots on squirels.

I have been playing with a Savage 30 single shot. It is not as accurate as the Rugers, but work at close range. Reminds me of my youth...

It would be if you spent as much as it as on the ruger. :grin:

Keith L · « **Reply #6 on:** October 29, 2004, 12:57:25 AM »

I can't bring myself to put a scope on it. That would ruin the experience. But likely as not it goes with me when I take a walk in the woods. It just feels right.

I also have a .32 flintlock poor boy that goes along in January when the weather breaks for a while and the tree rats come out to play. I have several guns that wold be more efficient, but none that fit my cabin fever mood quite like that rock lock. Go figure.

armory414 · « **Reply #7 on:** October 29, 2004, 04:23:39 AM »

Sometimes the experience with the rifle that makes a walk in the woods or a hunt that much more enjoyable. I have a Stevens 44 Ideal in .22LR with the tang sight. I wouldn't mind a scope on it, but if I scope it I'd have to put on one of those 3 ft. brass jobs for it to feel "right."

Keith L · « **Reply #8 on:** October 29, 2004, 09:21:31 AM »

Same experience. The "Favorite" is just like what used to sit in the corner of the back porch of every farm in this part of Wisconsin. I feel like 14 again when walking in the woods with this one. These days that is worth lots. I can always kill tree rats. I can't always feel 14.

Mattkc · « **Reply #9 on:** October 29, 2004, 06:57:29 PM »

Why would you want to put a large scope on a 22 squirrel gun. A 3x9 is over kill. A 4 to 6 power fixed scope is more then enough. Putting a big scope on a light weight hunting gun makes it unbalanced for shooting and carry (top heavy). The last thing you want to mess with chasing tree rats is an AO. On my Savage 93 17HMR I'm going with a Weaver 3x9 thats enough scope to snipe a squirrel well past 100 yards.

De41mag · « **Reply #10 on:** October 30, 2004, 06:32:05 PM »

Make mine a T/C 22Classic Benchmark, with a Leupold 6X42AO fixed power. One inch groups at 100yds for ten shots, on a clam day. My shooting buddy shot it last week for the first time. Went and ordered the same set up. Splattered a fly at fifty yds. this spring using CCI Mini Mags.
CCI wanted the proof, sent them the right side of the target where he was vaporized. :eek:

Dennis

Glanceblamm · « **Reply #11 on:** October 30, 2004, 08:52:19 PM »

Easy question. It would be my Rem nylon66.
I really believe that I could leave this 1971 vintage gun in the woods throughout the winter and it would be just fine come the next season.

TCShooter · « **Reply #12 on:** November 01, 2004, 05:53:55 PM »

Ditto what glanceblamm said.....except for the part of leaving it in the woods! Yes it might make it through the winter ok but I wouldn't want to be that far from it.

Paul Barnard · « **Reply #13 on:** November 02, 2004, 01:50:46 PM »

Ruger 10/22 all the way. Light, inexpensive, durable, reliable and accurate for under 200 bucks. Leaves you with enough money for a good quality 4x or 3x9 scope.