[2022Otto]

Hello all,

Building a bug out bag and think an accurate .22 revolver would be better than an Auto.

Are there any light weight, very low maintenace revolvers out there? Something you could hunt small game with, maybe install a scope on?

Would you buy a 4" or longer?

Thanks,

FN-FAL, KelTec Charlie, MossyPistolGrip, SigSP2022, KelTec P3AT, Taurus 44Special

[Vern Humphrey]

My favorite .22 revolver is a Colt Officers Model Target with a 6" barrel.

I wouldn't buy a gun for a bug-out bag -- I'd buy it to hunt or target shoot with, or for self defense. I'd carry it frequently and shoot it a lot. If I needed a gun in an emergency, I'd want one I was intimately familiar with and knew I could shoot well.

[Brian Williams]

I would buy one of S&W's aluminum Kit guns, Model 317 I think, and throw that in my BOB, then since I have a 35-1, I would have that ready to throw in because that is one of my all ways range guns and it makes for a nice hunting gun.

My BOB gun is a Colt woodsman, I can not hunt with it in PA but it will make for a great BOG. It is also one of my Range bag guns and it gets shot alot.

[Dollar An Hour]

Not exactly a lightweight, but the SP101 is pretty nice. The 4" models are easier to find than the 2.25". They've been out of production for a few years.

[treeprof]

Ruger Single Six or Bearcat.

[Vern Humphrey]

My BOB gun is a Colt woodsman, I can not hunt with it in PA but it will make for a great BOG. It is also one of my Range bag guns and it gets shot alot.

My sympathies. My Colt Woodsman, the Holy Grail, is well on its way to becoming my favorite squirrel gun.

[MatthewVanitas]

If you want "indestructible", go Ruger Bearcat in a stainless finish. Get some "rubber" grips if you want to be extra impervious.

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/images/Products/60L.jpg

Fixed sights, minimal moving parts, stainless steel. A Single Six has a better sight radius, but the sights are more susceptible to damage, and an SS should technically be less accurate than Bearcat since it has an oversized bore for shooting .22 Mag.

Though fixed-sighted, my Bearcat is darn accurate, compact, and easy to use. If I had to pick one repeater gun to survive being tossed out the window of a high building, I'd pick the Bearcat.

-MV

[farscott]

There are quite a few revolvers that would work well in a BOB. For small game, I want either a good sight radius or a way to mount an optical sight. So here are a few that work well:

1) S&W M17, M18 or M617. The newer S&W's are drilled and tapped for a sight base, and the sight radius is long enough to allow use of the irons.

2) The Colt Trooper Mk III. Out of production, but a tackdriver. The Diamondback also falls in this category, but is more expensive than the Trooper Mk III.

3) Freedom Arms 1997. A bit pricy, but comes with excellent sights, the ability to add optics, and amazing accuracy.

I do not like the SP-101 for this role as the sight radius is short, the factory front sight is not very good, and there is no easy way to add optics. I would also look at autoloaders like the Ruger Mark II.

[MCgunner]

I know people have had mixed results with 'em, at least from survival arms, but I have an older Charter Arms AR7 that is quite reliable and accurate. I've scoped it, has a collapsible stock and a barrel shroud. It rides in a Marlin Papoose (a good alternative if you don't like the AR7) rifle case (floats). I think it's far more useful than any pistol, though my Contender and it's scoped 10" barrel is actually MORE accurate if a little more demanding of a good rest to attain that accuracy. I could get buy in a survival situation with either for taking game for supper. A .22 WILL put down a whitetail in a pinch if you can hit the brain from inside 50 yards.

Of course, I could take my contender case, a brick of .22s, a hundred rounds of .30-30 reloads, some .45 Colt, some .410 shotgun, and I'd be ready for anything. Truth be told, the .45 Colt/.410 barrel is an EXCELLENT choice in survival, actually. Out to 25 yards I've taken squirrel with it and could even shoot edible small birds on the wing with it inside 20 yards or so. two or three robins, for instance, are a decent meal.

Anyway, I do have a very accurate .22 kit gun, but I think there are better guns for survival situations that are compact enough to pack along. In my case, I have the AR7 and use the contender for occasional motorcycle trips to the squirrel woods. They both fit in the bags on my old GoldWing. Since I take the motorcycles just about everywhere I go, van is extravagant at 3 bucks a gallon, though the price is getting down to where I can afford to drive it occasionally now. Good look if you think it's gonna stay this low, though. :rolleyes: More an more of my hunting trips are done by motorcycle, though. I take the hard long gun case as a last resort. I recently made a trip up to Waco to dove hunt with a friend. I did have to take my shotgun in the hard case strapped to the back of the seat for that one. I do not like getting out of sight of the motorcycle on such a trip for obvious reasons, like say at a restaurant.

Of course, I have a little camper I can tow behind the Wing and do when I'm going to a public hunting area for more than just the day. Then I can pack what I want cause it locks up. But, my "bug out" situations usually are running from a storm, last one was Rita last year when it was coming straight at us before it veered north. I had ALL my guns in the van so I could take my pick!:D However, we went up to a friend's place in San Antonio. Didn't need any guns to eat at a restaurant. :rolleyes: The only emergency situations I can see that I'd need a firearm for more than just CCW is perhaps some sort of terrorist attack or something. I don't think terrorists would pick Port Lavaca, Texas to terrorize. :rolleyes: I mean, there ain't nothin' here worth blowing up except maybe a super-Walmart. LOL!

[EmGeeGeorge]

NAA Mini Magnum; the minimaster or black widow, w/ both cylinders

[langenc]

Can not hunt w/ Woodsman in PA???

[Magnum Wheel Man]

I have a Taurus stainless 8 shot 22 Mag with a 4" barrel for my bedroom gun for the wife... it, or the 9 shot 22 long rifle revolver would be great guns for that purpose

[cookekdjr]

Ruger Single Six.

[Brian Williams]

In PA we cannot use any Semi-Auto except shotguns for hunting. Also Shotguns must have a plug in to limit them to only 2 in the mag, I think this is per Federal Law at least for waterfowl.

[s&w 24]

First pick would be a S&W 317 second would be a SP-101 Third would be a Dan Wesson 22.

For my own use I'd go with a DW in 22 because they are very accurate and versitile but for your nneds you stated light wieght so the 317 is the best thing going

[Legionnaire]

Another vote for the S&W 317 with 3" barrel. Eight shots, and very light weight; just about perfect for a BOB.

[michael_aos]

I bought a 12oz 317 HIVIZ a couple years ago. Ostensibly to introduce my wife to shooting. I think I paid $500 for it, new.

Took it camping several times. To the range several times.

It just never struck me as very accurate, and I think the timing was off. Maybe I just never found the load it liked.

I eventually traded it in on something else. They gave me $250 trade-in for it.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore/SmWesson/upload/images/firearms/160221_large.jpg

[22-rimfire]

My first choice would be a 4" or 6" Colt Diamondback. I would prefer one that is less than 90% due to the cost these days. Second choice is Trooper Mark III in 4 or 6"; probably 6". Scope might be cool as long as you aren't worried or concerned about collector value.

[michael_aos]

Not exactly what you specified, but a .357 / 9mm convertible gives you a lot of options. That seems like a "good thing" to me.

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/images/Products/69L.jpg

[gazpacho]

Second Vote for the NAA Mini Master. Get the fixed sight version. I've personally only seen the dual cylinder models, but if given a choice, I wouldn't bother with 22 mag.

Other Considerations:

M6 Scout 22lr and 410, Stainless Steel model. Mill off the rear sight and mount a short weaver rail with a peep sight. Surprisingly enough, CCI Minimag and Winchester 3 pellet OOO Buck have the same point of aim at 25 yards. Rifle breaks down in two. Replace the hinge pin with a 1/4 inch bolt, washers and wingnut.

Taurus Model 62, Stainless, youth stock carbine. Very reliable, very fast. Forget the optional peep sight.

[steelhead]

Take down Marlin Model 39 is the ticket. Way more accurate than any revolver/pistol and can easily fit in a bag.

[2022Otto]

While new to strategic planning, this is exactly what I hoped for. My BOB/Survival interest suggest the benefits of carrying lots of ammo and while my other tools/guns would be nice and more, I was thinking, if only one weapon, a care-free .22LR revolver would be the hit!

Some have rightfully suggested a takedown rifle would make sense and I will seek that too (can't have enough).

I am thinking a descrete tool is better if only one is planned for the Bag.
I've also considered the KelTec PLR-16, but still think the .22LR might be better. Bricks are nice!

Am I wrong to focus on the BoB content of a thousand round brick as tie breaker?

Avoidance, if not bring hell!

[asknight]

A good friend of mine has a much cherished (and envied) stainless Bearcat which was Duracoated in matte black, that he has relegated to BOB duty when he's not wearing it or otherwise using it. The Duracoating of a stainless gun is a nice idea if you don't wish to land airplanes in the forest during times of crisis... or worse.

[RON in PA]

And now for something different.

I have never shot a 22 LR revolver that is as accurate as a 22 semi-auto. As much as I like revolvers (I have many more revolvers than semi-autos and center fire revolvers are more accurate than semis in my experience) for a 22 I recommend a Ruger stainless Mark II or III. Some might recommend a Browning Buckmark. The stainless rec. is only because it's a bug-out.

Whatever you choose spend some time at the bench rest with your 22 to determine which ammo it likes best. This means trying quite a few brands.

[RandomMan]

A .22 pistol makes a great edition to a BOB in my opinion. Cheap, revolver reliability, good accuracy, and ammo availability! Good options there. For me, I'd use the one .22LR revolver I have an old H&R Target Model with a 6" barrel. Top break, 7 shot cylinder, compact (weighs about 12-14 oz.), and virtually indestructable. A modern H&R like the 9xx Sportsman would be a GREAT choice in my opinion. I like it better than a single revolver with a loading gate and it's probably more affordable than the Smithy 317 which would be my second choice.

-Rob

[dragongoddess]

A hammerli

[GEM]

I trade in my 317 as I hated the DA trigger and got a SS Bearcat as a plinker. In a BOB I assume its use is to live off the land (haha). Thus, it's inexpensive and small.

[ChristopherG]

I've got no use for a .22 handgun, unless it's as a cheap (and admittedly fun) trainer. Certainly not what I want to have if I need to BO. Yes, it could be useful; but less useful in practically every way than a .38/.357 in the same size.

The only disadvantage of the .38 would be the greater weight of the ammo--but what kind of scenario (that can be meaninfully addressed with a handgun) is going to make a thousand rounds so much more useful than a hundred that the difference in power is negated? I can't think of one that's even remotely plausible. So I guess in short, my answer to the question--

Am I wrong to focus on the BoB content of a thousand round brick as tie breaker?

--is Yes.

[JERRY]

maybe its just me, but the rules on what gun you can and can not use for hunting will be so inconsequential is you need to "bug out"........


yeah, there mass mayhem, chaos, rioting, looting and burning.....so the state will divert the few officers it has to inspect game taken in the quiet woods........

now, if a BOB is not for real emergencies like Katrina where no government and police are properly structured.....im taking my marlin model 60 for a .22gun for the taking of game or defense if needed........


if your idea of a BOB is one loaded with pop tarts, marshmellows and a .22 handgun for plinking or a sqirrell or two....then yes, the ones mentioned here are good along with the fear of game wardens checking the barrel length for complience with hunting laws....


for me a BOB has MRE's, a rifle and a shotgun...et cetera.....laws have been thrown away for the time being, and my survival is what counts....

[22-rimfire]

Folks choose light weight guns for their BOB's. I suggest you choose the firearm that you shoot the best. 22's are good for a bug out situation for small game hunting. But, it you are concerned about people, I would think of a larger caliber handgun. The combination of a rifle and handgun in the same caliber would be very practical; 357 mag comes to mind.

[Confederate]

First, I think a .22LR is fine for a bug-out bag. Is it the best gun one can have in emergencies? No, but when bugging out, ammunition may be a problem and you'll want to have as much as you can carry, unless you know for sure when, and more importantly, if, you'll be coming back.

Second, although I appreciate a revolver's accuracy and reliability, I think a person can't beat a Ruger .22LR automatic. Oddly, although revolvers are known to be more reliable overall than autos, it changes slightly with rimfire ammunition. The reason is became hammer strikes are a bit more powerful in Ruger autos and burned power and gunk can get between the rim and the chamber to cause misfires in revolvers. I've actually had more failures in my revolvers than in my autos. The .22 revolvers also have stiffer D/A trigger pulls because of heavier springs.

All .22 firearms have to be kept fairly clean to ensure reliability, though.

The S&W 63 "kit gun" was stainless steel and was just wonderful. When mine was stolen a number of years back, I had to replace it with a Rossi stainless .22. It didn't have the pizazz the 63 did, but 63s weren't growing on trees and the Rossi was just as reliable, just as accurate and it had an underlug.

When you can find the Rossis, they're about $175.


http://armsbid.com/ot47-auction/ot47-web/592.jpg

[JERRY]

id take that Rossi in a minute.....theyre good guns.

[tubeshooter]

I remember somebody else recommending a Rossi. I don't think they make them new anymore, though.


There are a lot fewer options nowadays if you want to go new, and I can't understand why. I really wish I had just went ahead and bought one 5 years ago.

[vynx]

Sounds just like a Taurus model 94 - 9 shot .22 lr in stainless or an 8 shot in .22magnum

[ezypikns]

Mark at Summit Gun Brokers had them, in excellent condition for 320.00. They are beautiful six shot revolvers with a 4" barrel, and they are tackdrivers.

[bestseller92]

You cannot go wrong with a Ruger Single Six. I have two of them, and they are both accurate, reliable guns. The older one, which I bought in 1989, has +-30,000 rounds, and is still deadly accurate and mechanically perfect. Plus, they come with a Magnum cylinder.

[W Turner]

If price is not a major consideration I would go with one of the Ti cylindered SW Kit guns...317 I think it is.

For a mid-priced option the Ruger Bearcat would be a good option.

Less expensive? Taurus 94 9 shot .22LR with either the 2.5" barrel or the 5" bbl.

Cheapest? Heritage Arms .22LR if you are willing to take a bit of a chance.

Semi-Autos

Ruger 22/45 with the shorty barrel can probably be had for 250-300. Probably be your best bet in a semi.

W

[borrowedtime69]

If i was to take a revovler in my bug out bag, i have two to choose from.

# 1 is my taurus 970 .22 LR Tracker
http://www.hunt101.com/img/425856.JPG

i can shoot any ammo i find or scrounge, it works well with Velocitors , Mini-mags and rat shot. its stainless steel so it'll hold up well in the Rocky Mountain weather. it is a bit heavy, but if i shoot the cylinder dry, i can use it as an effective club! LOL

# 2 would be my Ruger Single six, it shoots most ammo pretty well, its just not stainless.

[rmmoore]

Since only two requirements were given; .22 caliber and a revolver platform, here is my take. Smith and Wesson Model 617, 4" (Stainless, hence the 6 prefix), 10 shot. For me, it serves an additional purpose. It's the same frame as my Model 686 .357, so it's cheap/easy to practice with, and it "feels" the same (until you squeeze the trigger, of course :D ). Dependable no matter what you feed it; 4" barrel is, in my opinion, the best balance of accuracy and practicality for a .22 bug out gun. Just my .02 :rolleyes: .

[wuchak]

My friend has a 317 that he paid a small fortune for as a companion to his Mountain-lite. It's just about impossible to shoot the 317 accurately and it had to be sent back to S&W because even with the rear sight all the way down it still shot a foot high. It's not much better since he got it back. It just sits in the safe. I know it's the only firearm he has that he regrets purchasing.

If your thinking of the .22 handgun for small game hunting I recommend putting enought wire and cord in the bag to make a bunch of snares. They are the cheapest and easiest, not to mention quietest, way to catch small game in a survival situation. A large rock or stick will serve to deliver a killing blow. No ammo necessary.

For a compact revolver I think the NAA Mini-master with both cylinders is hard to beat. The .22 Magnum with a 40 grain bullet out of a 4" barrel is only about 150 fps slower than a 40 grain .22lr out of a rifle. A couple hundred rounds of them along with the brick of .22 would nice to have along.

The Heritage revolvers can also be had with a conversion kit and they did well in GunTests report.

[riverdog]

I can't really recommend a .22 revolver for a BOB. I've had a S&W .22 Kit gun and currently have a S&W Mod 18 (K-22). Both guns were in great condition but neither was accurate enough to take small game and neither would be useful for PD. On one range trip the cylinder on the .22 Kit gun locked up and would not function -- not a simple field fix. If .22LR is your choice, go with one of the .22 auto's already recommended. I have a Ruger 22/45 that is very accurate and reliable with all .22LR I've used. The Browning Buckmark and the S&W Mod 22A should also work. Buy extra magazines. $.02

[Dollar An Hour]

Are the triggers on the new 317 Air Lites pretty bad? Heavy, gritty, etc?

I like the simplicity of an 8-shot .22 revo, but for $499 everyplace I've seen them, the less-expensive Ruger & Browning semiautos start to look good and are probably more accurate.