I'm looking for a cheap .22

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KevinAbbeyTech

Years ago I had a Rossi model 88, a 5 shot stainless steel .38 Special revolver, that was my constant companion on many hikes through the countryside. It had a 3" barrel with a decent set of sights and was essentially an upscale (caliber wise), version of a S&W Kit Gun. At the time, it was relatively inexpensive, costing less than $200 brand new. If you are looking for shotshell effectiveness as a means of defense against snakes, I think you're going to have to move up in size to .38 Special/.357 Magnum performance.
 
I actually like the looks of this one from Heritage for only $169.95...

RR22MB3BH_lg.jpg


Or. this for $189.99...

RR22MB4_lg.jpg


http://www.heritagemfg.com/site/department.cfm?id=1810
 
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For snakes I'd suggest you carry a walking stick (which would be handy anyway) and just use it to fend the snakes out of your trail.

You're on this site so obviously you're a shooter or at least a strong firearms supporter. But that doesn't mean that a gun is the best option for something like a snake or two. Thousands of non gun packing hikers deal with nature every day without any issues. Very likely on the same trails you're planning on enjoying.
 
PHP: 
I will be hiking very bare bones.
I had even considered going gunless but decided against it because of the risk of getting lost.

I don't see how a gun will help with this? Maybe youu should look at a GPS.
But if you insist on a gun (which I actually think is a good idea) must make sure you practice. IF you can't hit a squirle at 15 yards, it won't do you no good.

But don't discount this gun - Henry survival rifle. The entire action packs in the stock and is waterproof.

- http://www.henryrepeating.com/h002_survival.cfm
 
I'd plunk out an extra hundred to get a Ruger Single-Six. You'll be happier with it than with those Heritage guns or the Plinkerton. Single-six's are awesome. You may also consider a Ruger Bearcat. It is a tiny but accurate six gun that is barely noticeable on the hip. Cost about the same as the Single-Six.
 
I looked at a Heratige yesterday at my gun shop and wasn't very impressed. So, maybe you should consider other options.
 
Two things...

Re getting lost: get one of these things http://www.spotgpspersonaltracker.com/about

Re the gun: if you need a snake gun, at least get a .38 that has a little shot in the cartridge.

If you don't have the budget to get what you need to add a margin of safety to your trip, I'd say you can't afford the trip.

Where I live, Search and Rescue is pretty busy. Experienced people do get lost, they do get hurt, they do get in trouble in the wilderness.

There's no need to needlessly risk one's life over a few hundred bucks.
 
I would actually suggest an inexpensive "cricket" 22... it is a small enough rifle to be attached to the side of your pack and forgotten about but would allow you much more accurate shots than any revolver and, in a worst case senario, allow you to hunt as well... that would be my choice and will fall into your price range as well... then, forget the shot shells....
 
Carry an ELT or SPOT or whatever. You'll be found long before you need to use some POS single-shot .22 to scrouge a little protein.

You don't need to hunt to survive a few days. Hunting is a waste of energy if you're injured. You can go a long time without food.

You need WATER to survive.

If you don't know this, please learn about survival before going.
 
the thread is asking what sort of .22 would be most benificial in a hiking senario within a low price range. I agree with many of the things being stated above pertaining to survival, water, snakes, avoidance, personal locators....etc, but that was not the question. when asking what the best hiking .22 would be, a lightweight gun with more than a 15 yard range would be most benificial. a "pos single shot" as was stated previously would be perfect. strap it, forget about it til you need it. IF you need it, whether for protection, for food, or whatever else arises.

personally, I would prefer a .357 and a source of water. but once again, that wasnt the question.
 
I just can't believe it I went through this hole thread and did'nt see glenfield or marlin model 60:what::what::what:
 
"I just can't believe it I went through this hole thread and did'nt see glenfield or marlin model 60"

I can agree with that..and even bring a 10/22 into the argument for a little more money, but those are larger, more cumbersome guns for the stated need.. definitely in the price range, and definitely would be extremely benificial, but the thread starter is attempting to find something that is also easy to carry for extended periods of time... ;)
 
Carry while hiking

If you're going to spend the money for a 22, you might as well get a 38 (or 357). Not much more for a quality gun even if used. Plus the 38 will lend itself to other scenarios.
 
I've patterned 22 shot shells at about 15 feet (with a rifle). A rat could be easily missed at that distance, so a snake might be merely irritated at even a closer distance. I agree with those who say use your walking stick or get a 38. For a 22 revolver the inexpensive IJs and H&Rs are tolerably accurate (if you are).
BothellBob
 
A Cricket might have a range past 15 yards, but I wouldn't stake my life on being able to hit a squirrel with it much past that with stock sights.

I mean, I did once shoot a jackrabbit at 75 yards with a .45-70 Sharps (took a few shots to get the elevation right) but my life didn't depend on it by any stretch of the imagination. I've also missed more than a few rabbits closer in, with a .22.:)
 
All I can say is it would be more accurate than a revolver, given the budget and needs, it seems to be a good fit... not the best choice, or even close, but it fits the parameters stated in the original thread.

a rabbit with a 45-70, wow... not much left of buggs bunnie after that...
 
Actually, it didn't blow the thing up. It was a hardcast 525 grain lead bullet over black powder for buffalo hunting. It was a penetration round, not an expanding round.:)

It did, however, blow the (intact) rabbit back about 10 feet.
 
:what:lol.. that would be a site to see.. I know I will probably get some flack for this, but watching a rabbit get hit with that round, and fly through the air... hell, that would be better than anything currently on youtube...


Wabbit season indeed...
 
Ok as much as I love 22 handguns and shooting them, I would have to agree with the others that a 22 shotshell is certainly not the answer to your dilema. Maybe a 22mag shotshell...get the Heritage or Ruger SS convertible maybe.

I have to agree with Iggy here as well, a good sized rock or even better, a handful of them. I have done enough walking and hiking around the prairies and mountains of CO and WY not to mention the wetlands of FL and have came across way too many enough copper-headed-rattle-mocassins with nothing but a stick or rock to throw at them with healthy results.

Of course, there is always something like a Bond Arms derringer in 45lc/410....the 410 option here might be the better choice over a 22lr shotshell.

Noidster
 
Another thought, my dad used to use a lot in the CO Rockies, is to wear big oversized Gators or the likes when hiking around. He had many strikes hit his Gators but never broke skin, in fact he brought many back for stew and grilling when we lived on the AF Academy.

Noidster
 
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