Squirrel Pistol

[9.1]

I'm interested in setting up a handgun for opportunistic squirrel hunting while hiking or hunting other game. It has to be manually-operated to meet PA's regs. I'd like one that can be suppressed. I'd also like it to be fairly small. Any suggestions?

Do I need to look into permanently converting a semi to single-shot? Maybe put a barrel chop, red dot, and slimmer stock on a keystone sporting arms chipmunk?

 

[flathead#2]

Chiappa, the one w/wire folding stock.

 

[HandgunHTR]

Have you considered an air pistol?

Crosman® 2300T Competition CO2 Air Pistol (.177 caliber)

CO2 Powered, Bolt-Action Single Shot Target Air Pistol

www.crosman.com

I have the silhouette version of that one and it will hammer a squirrel at 25 yards.

 

[flathead#2]

I have the Crossman .22 & .177 pump air pistol.
That would prolly work.

 

[9.1]

I appreciate the ideas.

I don't think I'd trust a small airgun. 8 grains at 420fps is not likely to get consistent penetration. I gave up shooting garden varmints with my 10m air rifle due to lack of velocity/penetration.

The harder-hitting air pistols are pretty big and heavy:


I really like the minimalist design of the Chiappa, but I can't slip that in and out of a holster that rides easily on my hip or bino harness. I think something like a Ruger Bearcat would be a great size, but I can't suppress a revolver.

 

[flathead#2]

.22 Revolver, shooting shorts.

 

[OH->CO]

Sig has the 322 which comes with a thread adapter and you can get a suppressor that is like 2" long and very light. Depends on the gun shop but there are many brands for suppressors

 

[Mk44]

I like the Ruger Mark IV hunter.

 

[9.1]

Yeah, it would be nice if PA allowed hunting with semi-autos. I've considered attempting to permanently convert one to a straight-pull single shot.

 

[RS3579]

I have a NAA Hogleg that I use in PA for this exact purpose. I also have a Anschutz 17P. The Anschutz is a bigger gun. Here is link to the NAA. https://www.northamericanarms.com/shop/naa-1860-6c/

 

[robtattoo]

For the price, it's really tough to beat a Ruger Wrangler with shorts or quiet subs.

 

[Reddish]

Could also look at TC Contender with a 4-6” barrel. Other than that, a Ruger Single Six of some flavor.

 

[pacoalcracker]

TC Contender is the best route.

 

[mjh]

Ruger SP 101 .22 revolver is a decent sized woods carry small game piece. Trigger is a little heavy. I really like mine. If willing to go used an older H&R revolver would fit the bill as well.

 

[E.Shell]

I use a TC Contender with a 10" octagon barrel and a 1.5x scope with .22 shorts and it's murder on squirrels. If you want to suppress it, look at the bull barrel model and have it trimmed to a handy length and threaded.

 

[PistolPete]

I have a NAA Hogleg that I use in PA for this exact purpose. I also have a Anschutz 17P. The Anschutz is a bigger gun. Here is link to the NAA. https://www.northamericanarms.com/shop/naa-1860-6c/

Those NAAs are actually very good shooters. They make a 4" Mini Master with adjustable sights that would shoot as well as any just about any other open sighted pistol and weighs 11 oz.

 

[RS3579]

I agree. The hog leg is 9oz.

 

[Boltgun]

I wish someone would make an ultralight threaded .22 break action for just this purpose. Those little NAA pistols are just the right size and weight, but a revolver won’t suppress well.

They could easily sell the lightest quietest pistol in town, and would make a perfect squirrel getter!

 

[z987k]

Subs out of my ruger mark iv turn it into a manually operated pistol.

 

[jrbarnes9972]

Unfortunately it sounds like the keystone chipmunk or tc contender are your only real options.

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