Small game: What's your pick?

MCgunner said:

Sure, if you can HIT it. Squirrel's a tough target. My Ruger Mk2 is 1" at 50 yards accurate with its 2X optic. I prefer accuracy to power. A head shot on a 25 lb pig is all it takes for the rimfire. I've killed 200 lb pigs in the trap with a NAA 1 5/8" barrel mini revolver in .22LR...head shot.

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I understand and hear you. Just offering another thought. Of the above querried about by the OP, the 9mm is about mid-pack and more accurate that a shotgun.
I've shot heaps of game with a target sighted Belgian Hi-Power and it is generally found on my hip/person anyway.. kinda a win-win and or the chicken or egg type thing perhaps. It'll get a lot of stuff done but yea, you gotta be able to hit with it.

Levergun .32-20.

I understand and hear you. Just offering another thought. Of the above querried about by the OP, the 9mm is about mid-pack and more accurate that a shotgun.
I've shot heaps of game with a target sighted Belgian Hi-Power and it is generally found on my hip/person anyway.. kinda a win-win and or the chicken or egg type thing perhaps. It'll get a lot of stuff done but yea, you gotta be able to hit with it.

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Well, my own 9x19 carries just aren't small game accurate, what I'm going on. I carry a Kel Tec and own a Ruger P85.

On the 28 gauge, I don't know of a slug available for it, would limit it to handloads on the pigs I'm guessing. One could use the .410 and slugs or 00 or 000 buck on 'em.

This is a pretty limited list of caliber/gauges to pick from. A 20 or 12 gauge is probably THE most versatile firearm possible, especially the 12. But, the OP didn't list a shotgun over 28 gauge.

You know, I really like the .22 Hornet, though I never bought one. But, if you handload, you can do .22LR loads for it or fire a 40 grainer at well beyond .22 magnum velocities. It's really a pretty danged decent round for the handloader, but not a lot of variety in factory stuff for it out there. I always thought a .22 hornet barrel for my Contender would be a cool thing to play with.

.22 lr.... the ammo choice is possibly the most economical in the whole rifle spectrum.... you can target shoot 1000's of rounds with little investment.

once you have one rifle that shoots well, hunting with it is enjoyable. i like my ruger 77/22, though own a 10/22 & and a Stevens 22lr/ .410 combo rifle that is hard to beat.

I know Ruger 10/22's are great but I bought a Marlin 60 Synthetic stock last year in 22LR and added a scope, it fits my small game world perfectly. Squrrels, rabbits, pests, etc. i've never shot a .17 but I noticed the native American father and son on Swamp People use one to dispatch gators.

22 Long Rifle I have 6 to choose from or my Ithaca M-66 super single in 410.

I also have a H&R Topper in 20 gauge that I have not got to the woods yet.