Author Topic: 22LR Pistol for Squirrel Hunting...Narrowed it down to three (Read 7396 times)

WNY_Whitetailer · « **on:** December 13, 2004, 08:05:57 AM »

OK fellas, now that whitetail season is almost over I have begun thinking about a 22lr pistol for squirrel hunting after the new year. There are three that I am currently researching...Here is the list:

Smith & Wesson Model 22A with a 5.5" or 7" barrel
Ruger Mark III with a 5.5" barrel
Browning Buckmark with a 5.5" barrel

Anybody have any experience with these pistols? Good or bad it doesn't matter. Anything you can let on will help me to make up my mind or at least widdle the list down. I am going to mount a red dot site on the thing to take out those tree rats. Let me know...Thanks

Graybeard · « **Reply #1 on:** December 13, 2004, 09:02:04 AM »

Have owned the Ruger and Browning. Still own the Browning but not the Ruger. So that tells you my advice.

Questor · « **Reply #2 on:** December 13, 2004, 09:41:53 AM »

Of those three, I'd say the Browning because it's an excellent gun and head and shoulders better than the others. However, I urge you to consider the Contender or a revolver. They're more expensive, but I think they make better hunting pistols. You'll want a scope on the gun unless your squirrels are very close. In my area, 50 to 75 yards is a normal distance after the leaves are off the trees. Iron sights just don't cut it for distances like that. The Contender is my first choice as a squirrel handgun.

WNY_Whitetailer · « **Reply #3 on:** December 13, 2004, 09:57:30 AM »

Range for the squirrels that I am used to hunting is about 30 yards max...There are a ton where I hunt and they are none too shy about making their presence known when we are out in the woods. It is nothing to have one climb up a tree right next to me and chatter and bark at me(red squirrel). I think the red dot will do the job at those ranges. I was concerned about the little critters getting jumpy and moving around. When they do that I figured that they would be harder to "locate" while using a scope with magnification. I have a 22lr rifle w/a Bushnell 22 3-9x32 Rimfire scope that I can use if I want to take the lead to the tree rats at a longer distance. That's two votes for the Buckmark...Let's see what others pick as their fave.

KYsquirrelsniper · « **Reply #4 on:** December 13, 2004, 10:47:06 AM »

I'm not much of a fan of the 22A. I had one for a little while, and I liked the feel of it, but that's the only thing I liked.

So that leaves the Ruger and Buckmark. I don't have any experience with the new Mark III, but I've had a few Mark IIs and a couple Buckmarks. I really like both the Ruger and the Browning, and both have always shot plenty good enough to suit me, so it's a really close decision between those two for me. However, I have a slight preference for the Ruger just because I like the feel of it better. Either one should make a very good squirrel gun though.

FWIW, of the pistols I currently have, the one I use most often for squirrel hunting is a Ruger Mark II Competition with Leupold 2x on top.

WNY_Whitetailer · « **Reply #5 on:** December 13, 2004, 11:09:12 AM »

The Buffalo Gun Center has all of these guns in stock as I write this post. I am going to go there one of these days to actually handle these guns to see which one feels the best in my hand. I'm sure that will help me decide too...

B_Koes · « **Reply #6 on:** December 13, 2004, 12:39:43 PM »

The Browing Buckmark vs. Ruger MkIII debate seems to be a pretty hot one that maintains a pretty devout following. Personally I love my MKII Competition and (knock on wood) I'll never get rid of it. It's capable of superb accuracy that will rival my Contender out to 50 yards.

You have the right idea...handle them and decide based upon what "feels right" in your hands because I really don't think you can go too wrong.

Keith L · « **Reply #7 on:** December 13, 2004, 12:43:09 PM »

I went to buy the Mk II and wound up with a Buckmark. It had a much better trigger in my opinion. I really enjoy shooting it, and am about to join a local indoor range for the winter to keep my hand in.

Doc TH · « **Reply #8 on:** December 14, 2004, 04:48:35 AM »

I have a Ruger MK II bull barrel target model, and have been very impressed. This was the first model issued me when I started shooting on the Navy pistol team in the 1960's. Later "graduated" to a S&W 41. So, when I went to buy my "civilian" pistol, I went with the Ruger. One of my sons has a top of the line Browning. It's nice but I like my Ruger better for the following reasons: Ruger tgt model has better trigger (maybe because new guns tend to come with heavier triggers?); Ruger can be disassembled without any tools; Ruger sights appeal to me more; I can shoot more accurately with the Ruger than his Browning.
I think both are superior to S&W, save for the Model 41 which is orders of magnitude higher priced.

Chris · « **Reply #9 on:** December 14, 2004, 02:33:26 PM »

I've got several Rugers, a S&W 22A and a Contender....don't own or know much about the Brownings.

For tree squirrels, I take a Ruger. My Contender is the most accurate at distance with a variable scope, but the Ruger is rugged and is well-suited for a red dot. The 22A is nice gun but not a stout as the Ruger or the Contender. The autos do provide me with the ability for quick follow-up shot...if by some chance I ever miss the first time!

Let us know what you end up with...

Good Luck! ...Chris

Trickyasafox · « **Reply #10 on:** December 15, 2004, 04:38:09 PM »

have had the 22a and the ruger mk II swear by both. cousin has browning that has constant mag problems. i know very few do and they are great, but i've never had the opportunity to shoot a fully functional so i cant compare

take a look at the ruger 22/45 too. very durable and affordable

WNY_Whitetailer · « **Reply #11 on:** December 17, 2004, 07:14:06 AM »

OK...I made it out to the Buffalo Gun Center and actually put my hands on these three rimfire handguns. Of the three, the Buckmark felt the best. The rubber grip seemed to just melt into my hand. The grip on the S&W seemed too big for a 22lr and the plastic grip on the Ruger MKII felt cheap. The guy at the counter also told me that the Browning was easy to take down for cleaning. At least it is easier than the Ruger and the Smith. Oh well, now to save a little money and get the one that I want.

Tacoma · « **Reply #12 on:** December 18, 2004, 02:30:31 AM »

My two cents.
I have a Ruger MKII and a Buckmark. I've avoided the S&W 22 series due to reports/expectations of "plinking" accuracy.
Both the Ruger and Buckmark are excellent. The browning has a better out of the box trigger. (Some models have adjustable triggers). Magazines, atermarket grips, scope mounts, trigger parts, holsters, etc. are cheaper and /or more plentiful for the Ruger by FAR. I doubt you'd go two wrong with either of the avove.

Old Griz · « **Reply #13 on:** December 22, 2004, 09:35:14 PM »

:cb2: I seem to be in a very small minority those who have had trouble with (and didn't like) the Ruger Mk. II. I have shot the S&W 22A quite a bit and really liked it. Haven't had the Browning, but if I was going to buy another .22 automatic, that would be the one I'd get next, due to all the good stuff I've heard about it here on this forum.

However, if you want a good squirrel gun . . . no, if you want an EXCELLENT squirrel gun, go with a S&W 617. Now there's a shooter!

gunoil · « **Reply #14 on:** December 25, 2004, 03:16:20 PM »

the ruger is a good gun.. i got the com target model 5' 7/8 slab side bull barrel... got a 2x7 nc star hand gun scope on it ... the bases comes lose to easy.. i' put blue loctite on it and it still comes lose.. any ideas??? thanks gunoil

WNY_Whitetailer · « **Reply #15 on:** January 27, 2005, 07:31:08 AM »

Well I bit the bullet and went with the Browning Buckmark Camper. It comes with open sites and a 5.5" bull barrel. I purchased it from Gander Mtn for $239.99. I took it home and locked it up for the night in my gun cabinet all safe and sound.

The next day I took it of the cabinet to head to the range. I grabbed a couple hand guns including my 9mm and the Buckmark wanting to send a couple hundred rounds down range. Well...Here is where the trouble started. I loaded a couple 22lr bullets into the Buckmark's magazine and attempted to chamber a round. Well, the round would not enter the barrel and kept popping out the discharge and falling on the floor. I tried to chamber another round and the same thing happened. At this time I removed the magazine and locked the slide in the rearmost position. I examined the breech area on the handgun and found out that the firing pin had been machined a little too long. The firing pin had damaged the rear of the barrel in the breech area and caused a deformation of the rear of the barrel. There was a bur protruding down into the area that would normally house the bullet before the trigger was pulled on a live round. This is the reason that a round would not chamber.

I returned to Gander Mtn that same day and spoke to the person that sold me the gun. He filled out a form for the Gunsmith and informed me that he would have the smith call me on Monday to let me know the outcome of his examination. Well, on Tuesday I received a call stating that the Buckmark is on its way back to Browning. Oh boy...Not I have to wait longer to go after those squirrels...Hopefully the turnaround time at Browning is a short one. I am excited to get my red dot mounted and head to the range for some triggertime...I have my Weigand Scope Mount waiting to go on the gun.

I'll let you all know how it shoots once the gun is back in my hands...

Flash · « **Reply #16 on:** January 27, 2005, 12:08:20 PM »

As unfortunate as your problem is, I can still give you a vote of confidence about the Buckmark. I own the Camper and even though the 22A really caught my eye, I heard too many good things about the Browning and they're all correct. Mine is accurate, smooth and it fits my hand perfectly. You'll love it when they make it right. Unless you wanted to throw the gun at the Squirrels, I wouldn't have bought the Ruger either.

WNY_Whitetailer · « **Reply #17 on:** January 28, 2005, 07:44:14 AM »

I'm sure they will make it right...I'm not sour on Browning at all...This could have happened to any firearm. These things happen from time to time...It just stinks when it happens to you...I'm pretty excited to shoot the thing...

Keith L · « **Reply #18 on:** January 28, 2005, 12:42:05 PM »

Years ago I had a Browning bow explode when I released the arrow. It was a week before the start of bow hunting, and they repaired it and overnighted it to me so I could sight it in etc. and still hunt. They couldn't have been nicer. I hope that is still the case.

Dand · « **Reply #19 on:** January 30, 2005, 03:07:20 PM »

Sure hope the Browning works out. I'm in this a bit late but glad for you that you went with Browning, Ruger would be another good choice. About 2 years ago I was at a local fun shoot. It was pretty chilly out, 15-20 degrees F. I saw 2 different SW 22A autos fail in one afternoon. I think it was their extractors - I think the springs were failing or escaping. Long time ago so my memory isn't clear EXCEPT that day I decided the SW auto wasn't a good deal. Its not very often I see 2 guns have a critical failure let alone the same model on the same day. Too bad too because I was getting real interested in those guns - they looked great.

Steve 48 · « **Reply #20 on:** February 03, 2005, 09:37:29 AM »

I have a Ruger 22/45 bull barell, a Ruger stainless with a 5 inch bull barrel, and a S&W 22A 5.5 inch Target model. I take the 22 A because its more accurate and reliable. I do a lot of hunting with 22's and I seem to grab it more than any of the others. Never had a problem with it. Steve 48

longwalker · « **Reply #21 on:** February 09, 2005, 03:08:38 PM »

I would suggest the Ruger. I shoot targets and hunt with it. If squirrels are a new challenge with a pistol try prairie dogs. The point is, here in South Dakota my Ruger never fails to function weather it's 105 degrees in the sun or -15 and blowing it works and shoots straight. I also use it in a pistol league. My ugly, un-sophisticated, cheap gun still manages to out shoot a lot of guys that spent considerably more on guns and ammo than I do. All the fancy grips, 300 dollar holo sites and $5.00 a box ammo, don't seem to phase me. It's holes in the black that count.

Longwalker :grin:

minutemen1776 · « **Reply #22 on:** February 10, 2005, 04:31:13 AM »

Sorry to hear about your misfortune with the Buckmark. I admit you've been more gracious to Browning than I would have been. When I shell out big bucks (even $239) for a firearm, I expect it to work! Then again, I've bought TVs and other items that were DOA, too, so I guess it happens to everyone now and again.

Anyway, for posterity's sake, I have to throw in my vote for the Ruger Mark II, though with the longer 6 7/8-inch bull barrel. I presume the Mark IIIs are good as well, but I've never handled one. I once owned a 22/45, and it was accurate and reliable. But, for hunting squirrels I think the extra heft and barrel length is nice to have, especially if you ever want to use iron sights. As was mentioned, the standard grips feel cheap. I replaced mine with a set of laminated grips from Ajax Grips, which was a big improvement.

As for the Buckmark, I've always liked the idea of it, and I know many give it high praise. But, twice in the past I've gone shopping with an open mind between the Ruger and Browning .22 autos, and both times I've returned home with Rugers. As for the 22A, they have a few devotees as well, but I've heard too many negatives to feel good about buying one.

Old Griz · « **Reply #23 on:** February 10, 2005, 05:04:05 AM »

:cb2: I cheat. I use a 6" S&W 617. More accurate and reliable than any automatic! :eek:

But then, it costs twice as muchit should be. :shock:

WNY_Whitetailer · « **Reply #24 on:** February 10, 2005, 07:07:34 AM »

The more I think about it the more I think I should have just saved my money a little longer and picked up a Ruger Single Six Hunter...It is a 22lr that also comes with a 22mag cylinder...$499

Old Griz · « **Reply #25 on:** February 10, 2005, 04:20:53 PM »

:cb2: Good idea! Start saving. The automatic can be your "loaner" when you take someone (a first timer maybe) hunting or plinking with you and they don't have a .22.

Is $499 the suggester retail price, or what you actually saw in the store? Seems kinda high.

Dali Llama · « **Reply #26 on:** February 13, 2005, 09:20:15 AM »

Quote from: aldersgater

I once owned a 22/45

the standard grips feel cheap.

I replaced mine with a set of laminated grips from Ajax Grips, which was a big improvement.

Dali Llama say he not think one able to replace grips on Ruger 22/45 due to polymer construction? :? :? :?

WNY_Whitetailer · « **Reply #27 on:** February 14, 2005, 07:44:10 AM »

Quote

Is $499 the suggester retail price, or what you actually saw in the store? Seems kinda high.

That is the actual price at Gander Mtn and the Buffalo Gun Center...That purchase is down the road a little bit...Others have to come first.

Dali Llama · « **Reply #28 on:** February 14, 2005, 07:52:58 AM »

Quote from: Dali Llama

Quote from: aldersgater
I once owned a 22/45

the standard grips feel cheap.

I replaced mine with a set of laminated grips from Ajax Grips, which was a big improvement.

Dali Llama say he not think one able to replace grips on Ruger 22/45 due to polymer construction? :? :? :?

btt...

Jim n Iowa · « **Reply #29 on:** February 14, 2005, 02:23:35 PM »

Old Griz
Well he is one of the many that advised me of the true marksmanship that a 617 imparts on ones ability to shoot off hand (even with iron sights) paper or hunting. I also own a Ruger MK 1 target 7+" tapered barrel that shoots well, has a poor trigger, and I hate to take apart to clean. The 617 is a joy to shoot, I have not changed anything on it, and I highly recommend it for one who appreciates the old form of shooting off hand and double action.
Jim