Looking for an interesting squirrel rifle

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bernie

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I am putting together a squirrel hunting trip in Northern Arizona next fall. If I am going to travel that far to hunt, I am definitely going to take two .22 rifles in case one of them goes south during the trip. That is my problem, as I only have one! I am looking for something that has a little character. It will need to be scoped as my eyes are bad. I am also a believer that only accurate rifles are interesting. I think I would probably prefer something besides a bolt gun, and used is okay. Interests might be Marlin 39, Remington 552, Mossberg 151, etc. I do not really have an interest in a Model 60 or 10-22 (unless it is uber accurate!). What ideas do you have, that I have not listed?
 
that's a long way to go and probably expensive trip to go squirrel hunting....kinda like me going on a long trip to hunt hogs when I am overrun with them....if you are really gonna go an need an "interesting rifle" (which I take to mean expensive) get a CZ or even more expensive an Anschutz. gee they're only squirrels....tree rodents, but squirrel dumplings are high on my list but my cheapo and reliable 10/22 is all I need plus my 60 year old single shot "Sears and Roebuck" (Marlin)
 
A model 60 - uber accurate :)

Otherwise have you handled a Browning BL-22? I understand they are a fine rifle but some find them too small. Mossberg makes a funny looking lever action - they are not super popular as a rifle company but I have yet to ever read about an inaccurate Mossberg rifle (MVP and their other rifles).
 
22 lever actions are always fun. Browning also has a few really nice unique 22 LR models. Fit and finish on Brownings are good.
 
huntingonthegolfcourse008.jpg

You can't go wrong with a Model39.

This one has a Leupold 3-9X40 that was sent back to the factory and parallax adjusted for rimfire use.

It makes for a nice, bright, clear picture and the squirrels don't stand a chance.
 
Marlin 39a. Hands down :)....... I have owned 3 over the years ( my first two ended up in the hands of my sons ) All 3 of which put together tighter groups with a larger variety of ammo than any of the other many 22lr's that I own .

I have many 22's some of which are dedicated bench rifles and they put together some amazing groups,but like most 22's they all have certain ammo that like best. The 39a's however seem to group well with lots of different ammo brands.

Plus nothing is more fun than hunting with a lever gun. ;)

Good luck with your rifle search, Tentwing
 
Nice shot Frank! The Marlin lever gun is one that I have been considering. And I really don't mean expensive, I just mean interesting. An example would be a Mossberg 151 m(b) that I remember shooting as a teenager. Those are not crazy expensive, and I seem to remember it being minute of squirrel accurate.
 
Marlin M-795SS, the one with stainless barrel.

You said that you didn't want a bolt action, so I didn't mention the CZ-452 or the repro Winchester M-52 sporters by Miroku.

You might find a Weatherby MK XXII .22 auto rifle. Long discontinued, but the one I had in the 1970's shot very well with no jams. I did think the magazine release was a bit tinny.
 
Browning SA-22. It'll save you 2 lbs. over the Mossberg (and most other full-size rifles), looks great, shoulders and swings like a dream with style to boot. Very accurate, very reliable, very fun.
 
I have several nice squirrel rifles, including an M82 Kimber, a Ruger 77/22M, a Springfield M1922 MK II and a Stevens Favorite made around 1895. The last of these has a re-lined barrel and a tang sight.
 
I agree with Mr. Humphrey in post 15 I have a new production Savage copy of the Stevens Favorite, no scope,but it is a fun little gun it is a single shot so skill matters, but its light and handy.
 
There are a few extremely accurate handguns available in 22lr. My 9 inch single six comes to mind as does the mk series, especially my friends 10 inch with every volquartzen part that fits it. Other options would be a Buckmark or smith 22a. Walther p22...plenty of options. A handgun in the squirrel woods is quite interesting.
 
I also use a CZ452 with a 2X7 Leupold on squirrels when the leaves come down.
I use a shotgun during early season.
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I have a Thompson Center Contender with a .22 barrel for shooting squirrels. It is uber accurate, easily scoped and you can go with any barrel length that you want. I have a 10 inch barrel so left mine in a pistol configuration which carries in a shoulder holster real easy.

You can get a serious match barrel made or find one on the web. The wood can be as fancy as you like. Utterly reliable and the single shot makes you pay a little more attention.
 
A browning T-Bolt in 22LR would be unique. A friend of mine has one and it shoots light out accurate and is fun to run.
 
Bernie;

Take a look at the CZ511 semi-auto in either .22lr or .22 magnum. It would seem to meet your stated criteria & hasn't been mentioned yet either.

It will be interesting, have character, and draw the attention of most .22 fanciers who see it. The odds are very good that it'll be outstandingly accurate also. Put a Nikon 3-9X EFR scope on it and you'll have a very sweet gun. Might even put your primary gun into the reserve status.

900F
 
An interesting squirrel gun?

Different squirrels like different guns.

First, have your squirrel do some study and research.

FunnySquirrelswithGuns19_zps3967438a.jpg

My squirrel did, and he settled on a Thompson.

squirl45_zps6b3d7374.jpg
 
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