Thoughts on 22 handguns

[JKosprey]

Thinking about a .22 handgun of some kind. I've held off, because I really can't afford to shoot much right now as is, and .22 ammo is still hard to find/more expensive than it used to be. However, I could use one at work.

Right now I'm working as a wildlife biologist for a private company. I do a variety of things but my main project is wildlife control at a landfill. Think Orkin man writ large. In any case, it involves lethal control on the daily. My current choices are a pretty underpowered .177 beeman for small birds and a Rem 870 12 gauge for the big birds. I also do mammal control (usually trapping) as needed. Sometimes the animals are still alive in the trap, and the air rifle does OK for dispatching them, but occasionally I run into other issues. I had the need to dispatch a skunk today. It was wandering around in broad daylight attempting to den under a foundation of sorts. I don't suspect rabies; we're coming into breeding season and they're coming out of winter torpor. Either way, the client wanted it gone. From my choices, I picked the 870, and it worked out OK, but it's loud, and it's overkill. In order to keep the clients pleased I try to keep a low profile and limit the mess. In this case, there was no issue- minimal scent leakage, and not as much blood as I expected from a 15ft ranged headshot, but that won't work every time. There's no room in the truck for another long-gun. So, I think a handgun might be in order.

I'm looking to spend 500 or less, which might be a tall order. That rules out the wonderful S&W 622 (Which I want, badly, but really, I may not even be able to afford the 500 I specified). Double action, single action, or semi....doesn't really matter to me. Concealability is not a major factor, since it's not a "carry gun", but it needs to be cover-able since, for the moment, I'm still in NY. No open carry unless actively hunting. I'm thinking Ruger is a good place to start.

[First Shirt]

Sounds like the perfect job for a Ruger Single-Six, especially if you can find one with the .22 Mag cylinder.

[Mike OTDP]

Concur on the Ruger. Great little gun.

[randy]

No arguments on the Ruger, but if wheel guns ain't your thing, I've seen Browning Buckmarks at local dealers for well under $500 several time over the past year or so.

As an example, see this site.

I really like mine*


(well, mine until Darlin' Daughter turns 21 and I no longer have federal law on my side in keeping it in my possession )

[Frankingun]

How about the Mark II or III? Plenty of them should be in your price range.

[BDK]

+3 for a single six. Perhaps a well-loved large frame 38 special of some decent make. Those can be reasonable at times, and W a cowboy load they shouldn't be too loud, and would be quite effective - and cheaper/easier to find than 22 Mag, I think.

[JustinR]

What about a .17HMR revolver like a Taurus? It would give you quite a bit more range and a flatter trajectory...

[JAG2955]

I'm partial to the Buckmark, and you can find them cheap.

And can I do your job some days? I was always jealous of guys who got to chase the deer off the runways.

[Denis]

Hard to go wrong with a Browning Buck Mark and a couple of cartons of CCI ammunition. Its Colt-brand forebears (Woodsman / Huntsman) were designed specifically for the kind of uses you are describing - maybe those can still be found cheap, since they're old. You'll find they are a bit lighter and handier for outdoor carry than the modern Buck Mark. The FN/Browning equivalents (Nomad / Challenger) are also excellent, accurate pistols, but probably not so common on your side of the big pond. Don't neglect the Ruger Mark I or Mark II pistols, which are great guns, if you like the grip angle. If you don't, look at the Ruger 22/45 model.

On the other hand, a revolver is a really simple tool for outdoor work, and less picky about ammunition than pistols, though finding a grip to suit you is more important than with a pistol. You'll generally get a slightly longer barrel in a revolver than in a pistol of the same overall length, which is an advantage.

On the gripping hand, I would suggest touring your local MoDs and pawnshops, and seeing if you can't find a quality used piece, whether a revolver or pistol, that fits your hand and won't break the bank.

[Netpackrat]

I love my Buckmark.