homestead guns - the .22LR

[Hippie3]

ok right off i know some will get off into exotic calibers and expensive guns
but that's not what this is about.
this is about the lowly .22 caliber, handgun and rifle.
your basic cheap common .22 is the workhorse of the farm arsenal.
it's lethal enough to handle almost anything you might encounter
assuming you don't live in bear/lion country.
but stray dogs / coyotes, raccoons, possum, snakes, snapping turtles
are far more likely targets of the average homesteader.
and a couple shots from a .22 will put down any of those, no problem.
as well as squirrel, and rabbit if you need food.

another nice feature-
.22 ammo is small enough to stuff 1000 rounds in your vehicle's glovebox,
or about 3000-4000 in a backpack.
500 round bricks are easy to find and cheap,
often only about ten bucks.

the .22 comes in many forms-
handguns [revolvers and automatics
and rifles [bolt action, auto.]
at least one of each is a good home investment.

[Hippie3]

one of the most useful,
the ruger 10-22 has many options,
you can add a scope, sling,
folding stock, even 30 round clips.
lightweight too.
i prefer stainless steel finish, no rust problems.

[Hippie3]

the ruger mark III makes a good side-arm.

[firerat]

Originally Posted by Hippie3

one of the most useful,
the ruger 10-22 has many options,
you can add a scope, sling,
folding stock, even 30 round clips.
lightweight too.
i prefer stainless steel finish, no rust problems.
Attachment 137855

I have a 10/22 Hip w/ 30 rnd mag, wood stock and blued barrel. Most reliable firearm I own. Great little plinker. Got it from Wal-Mart for $150.
I also have a Beretta 76W .22 semi-auto but it has a problem with jamming.

[firerat]

Blue the barrel on that 10/22 and it's identicle to mine.

[Hippie3]

mine's got a 'scope on it atm .

[plantman21]

OFF-TOPIC / DELETED

[firerat]

I had one but removed it. I seem to be better with the iron sights.

[Hippie3]

it is, for most purposes.
just been teaching wifey how to zero in a 'scope.

[Hippie3]

.22 derringer

bought one of these several years ago,
5 shots, hollow point .22 LR
and i can fit it inside my wallet...

[The Truth.]

We have a Smith and Wesson 36 cal. Out at Ma's till I get off parole.


It's only a 5 round piece, so I would like to invest in something
a little more applicable.
The .22 is practical. Use to have one looooong time ago.
Your sure right about it being the universal caliber. Even the Hilte nail gun (among others) uses .22 cartridges.
Definitely a worthy investment.

[The Truth.]

A .22LR in the pocket is better than a .44 Magnum at home in a drawer.

[Hippie3]

i omited mentioning
the .22 is perfect for humanely dispatching your livestock,
when it's time to harvest a chicken or even a 250 pound pig
a single shot to the brain gets the job done
with a minimum mess and risk.

[catdaddy]

I have 6 22's now, 5 from my Dad's collection. One is a Winchester lever action...

I've owned a 10-22- absolutely wonderful firearm- exwife stole it. My personal one is a Remington 597 with scope and a 30rd mag.

There are, IMHO, two long guns every owner should have- a 12 or 20 gauge shotgun (I prefer pumps) and a 22.

Covers just about all circumstances.

Frank has a 10-22 with all the tactical shit- it's right cute...

[firerat]

My mom carries a little derringer in .38. It's only 2 shots though.

That thing hurts like a sumbitch when you fire it man!! If someone is more than 5 feet away your chance of hitting them reduce to nil.

[catdaddy]

Originally Posted by Hippie3

.22 derringer
Attachment 137859
bought one of these several years ago,
5 shots, hollow point .22 LR
and i can fit it inside my wallet...

Yeah, those are sweet. The CCI stinger hollow points make it quite useful...

[firerat]

This is a cool little .22 I want to pick up.
Henry AR-7 survival rifle. The whole thing breaks apart and fits in the butt-stock. Has a 10 rnd mag as well. Once in the butt-stock, it can float in water.

[Hippie3]

the cowboy revolver- another fav of mine.

tough, never jams.
and it looks good in a holster too

[rocketman]

what caliber and make is that old single action revolver? The hole looks bigger than .22, but it could just be the pic.

edited to say: I love that hex barrell!


The only .22 I have is an old remington pump action rifle. I paid $100 for it back in the early 90s.

[Hippie3]

it's a .22 like every other gun i've posted in this thread
believe that's another ruger.
i like rugers.

[rocketman]

cool! looked bigger for some reason. My father is a die hard revolver user and collector. He has several colt .45s as well as 45acp revolvers with the clips.

[firerat]

Originally Posted by Hippie3

i like rugers.

Yeah Ruger's old style and newer revolvers are second to none.
Their semi-autos aren't quite as nice, but not too shaby. (when they actually avoid a factory recall )
I don't like any of their rifles though.

[Hippie3]

Originally Posted by firerat

This is a cool little .22 I want to pick up.
Henry AR-7 survival rifle. The whole thing breaks apart and fits in the butt-stock. Has a 10 rnd mag as well. Once in the butt-stock, it can float in water.
Attachment 137863

those are sweet.
my buddy has a .22 'hitman' gun,
folds down and fits in a briefcase.

[catdaddy]

I've had an AR7 (or more precisely my best friend did and I borrowed it a few times) when they were Charter Arms- the new ones are MUCH more reliable, so they say...

That Ruger pistol of yours looks like the old Buntline, hip- a fine sidearm.

[killaweed]

Just thought I would add a pic of my lil baby. and you just have to love the price of 22 ammo

[Beastmaster]

I love my 10-22, its the first firearm I ever bought, and within days of turning 18. I've customized it so much that its not even recognizable as a 10-22 anymore, but the accuracy has improved drastically (its prettier too).

I'd love to get myself a ruger mkII or mkIII.

[Hippie3]

watch those mk.III=
hair trigger
wifey almost blew my brains out

[Beastmaster]

proper handling of a firearm shouldn't result in almost blown off heads, despite the hairiness of the trigger.... just sayin...

[firerat]

[kcmoxtractor]

You need to check out an AR-5 Hip they have a barrel that you can exchange with a .410 shotgun barrel for home defense also AR-7s are very nice also, as catdaddy mentioned, they have a kit that makes them look like a m16 also that is completely rust resistant.

[mushit]

A have a Remington .22/.410 over and under break action rifle/shotgun. It's a great varmint gun. The only thing I have against it is it's only a single shot. But if you miss with the .22 just a flick of a switch and you have a .410 birdshot available.

For the .410 I use #4 3" Magnums. I get better distance for birds and less pellets in the breast.

[catdaddy]

I love the old Springfield Armory M6 Scout breakdown over/unders- discussed here before- .410 and your choice of 22, 22 Hornet, or .222. as I recall. Folds down to 9 1/2".

I'm working on a cane-gun now. It is a modified Marlin tube-fed .22 with a cane handle, wrapped with glass and stained like a wooden cane.

As near as I can understand the law, as long as the trigger and loading port is visible it is still a gun and not a "disguised weapon" and as a permit holder I can carry one unconcealed.

13 shots, CCI stingers.

[UnlearnEverything]

Originally Posted by Hippie3

one of the most useful,
the ruger 10-22 has many options,
you can add a scope, sling,
folding stock, even 30 round clips.
lightweight too.
i prefer stainless steel finish, no rust problems.
Attachment 137855

I had a gorgeous Ruger 10-22. The dealer let me look through his stock and I picked one out that had beautiful grain. I had a nice scope on it, and a 50 round Ram-line clip! Only prob, there was too much spring load in the after-market clip, and every once in a while a shell would jam. Other than that, awesome gun. I sold it many years ago...

I want another one now!

[Beastmaster]

After market 10-22, high-capacity magazines are a great example of how too much of a good thing is often a bad philosophy to implement. Every after market high-cap mag for that rifle, that I've seen, has plastic catches, and a really strong spring, they wear out fast, and even when new, rarely line the round up with the chamber resulting in plenty of frustrating misfeeds.

I've fallen for the trap more than once, thinking maybe these guys got it right, but even these new ones that I got from a friend do the same.

Considering the amount of space the 25 round magazines take up, you could fit five stock 10rounders in the same amount of pocket space, so again I fail to see the utility.

A much better idea that I've found is a little squarish grommet thing that allows you to glue two of the stock 10round magazines back to back.

[UnlearnEverything]

Originally Posted by Beastmaster

After market 10-22, high-capacity magazines are a great example of how too much of a good thing is often a bad philosophy to implement. Every after market high-cap mag for that rifle, that I've seen, has plastic catches, and a really strong spring, they wear out fast, and even when new, rarely line the round up with the chamber resulting in plenty of frustrating misfeeds.

I've fallen for the trap more than once, thinking maybe these guys got it right, but even these new ones that I got from a friend do the same.

Considering the amount of space the 25 round magazines take up, you could fit five stock 10rounders in the same amount of pocket space, so again I fail to see the utility.

A much better idea that I've found is a little squarish grommet thing that allows you to glue two of the stock 10round magazines back to back.

Yah, I feel for the idealistic thinking! The stock magazines NEVER had any issues. I can't recall a single 50-round magazine emptying without a few jams.

Great idea with the grommet. Is this aftermarket, or home made?

[claykrys]

I have a couple .22 rifles. I have a bolt action that I learned to shoot with that I will teach my kids to shoot with and a Rem semi automatic. I recently purchased a .17 hmr and now wish I had bought a .22 mag instead. I like the 17 but .22 and .22 mag will always be cheaper to shoot and easier to find ammo for.

[Beastmaster]

Aftermarket, but wouldn't be hard to make, really just a bunch of epoxy should do the trick, though the grommet helps make it secure, and you don't need as much epoxy that way.

5 bucks from brownells, + they have a 4-way one too, but that seems kinda awkward to me (+ at 12.95, why not just get two 2way ones?).

[UnlearnEverything]

Originally Posted by Beastmaster

Aftermarket, but wouldn't be hard to make, really just a bunch of epoxy should do the trick, though the grommet helps make it secure, and you don't need as much epoxy that way.

5 bucks from brownells, + they have a 4-way one too, but that seems kinda awkward to me (+ at 12.95, why not just get two 2way ones?).

I'm going to pick up another .22 for plinking soon. So much fun blasting cans, and the ammo is affordable. As soon as I buy another, I'm going to try making a couple 2 way 10-rounds like you recommended.

Off topic.. here's a pic of a sweet double action Derringer my pops gave me. It's a .38 special, and packs a punch for it's size!

[Phx]

I have 2 .22 rifles...but I must admit...I want THESE 2! Anyone know where to buy these? I would buy them tomarrow....aslong as I have enough cash on hand.

Originally Posted by Hippie3

.22 derringer
Attachment 137859
bought one of these several years ago,
5 shots, hollow point .22 LR
and i can fit it inside my wallet...

Originally Posted by firerat

This is a cool little .22 I want to pick up.
Henry AR-7 survival rifle. The whole thing breaks apart and fits in the butt-stock. Has a 10 rnd mag as well. Once in the butt-stock, it can float in water.
Attachment 137863

[wendal]

Originally Posted by Hippie3

the ruger mark III makes a good side-arm.
Attachment 137856

That's the exact ruger I own.

Great sidearm, indeed!

[catdaddy]

Originally Posted by Phx

I have 2 .22 rifles...but I must admit...I want THESE 2! Anyone know where to buy these? I would buy them tomarrow....aslong as I have enough cash on hand.

If I'm not mistaken, the derringer is from American Derringer (several styles available in .22)

http://www.amderringer.com/first.html

and the AR-7 is of course from Henry Repeating Arms.

http://www.henryrepeating.com/

Both have dealer locators- but most any firearms shop can get them for you.

Good choices.

In derringers, I like a larger caliber, like a 45/.410....

That shot really has to count when two is all you got.

[rocketman]

The .22 is the most useful caliber weapon to have. It can kill small game without making a mess. It can be used for self defense very effectively. If I remember correctly the .22lr is responsible for more deaths than any other caliber.

They are ime the most accurate caliber in rifles and they are very cheap compared to centerfire cartridges.

I love shooting my little .22 still

[Beastmaster]

If I remember correctly the .22lr is responsible for more deaths than any other caliber.

Deaths of squirrels maybe... .22lr has never been used as a combat round, the numbers of deaths in modern and semi-modern warfare to firearms totally outweighs that statement.

as long as I'm disagreeing with you, rm:

The .22 is the most useful caliber weapon to have.

a 12 gauge shotgun is pretty versatile in the types of rounds that it can shoot, the various sizes of shot, slugs, nonlethal rounds, etc

though I do agree that the affordability of .22lr ammo surpasses all but the affordability of shotgun ammo

just sayin

Oh and Catdaddy is mistaken: That 'derringer' is made by North American Arms (if you enlarge the pic you can see the text/caption).

[catdaddy]

Thanks BM- I can't see anything that small anymore...

Part of being ancient.

That means I need to go see what they have to offer!

[Lazlo]

Originally Posted by firerat

This is a cool little .22 I want to pick up.
Henry AR-7 survival rifle. The whole thing breaks apart and fits in the butt-stock. Has a 10 rnd mag as well. Once in the butt-stock, it can float in water.
Attachment 137863

I had that gun, but with a plastic stock. Sumbitch jammed quite a bit.

http://www.impactguns.com/store/619835002006.html

I also had Remmington's Nylon series .22 that was a pretty good gun as well.

[rocketman]

Originally Posted by Beastmaster

Deaths of squirrels maybe... .22lr has never been used as a combat round, the numbers of deaths in modern and semi-modern warfare to firearms totally outweighs that statement.

as long as I'm disagreeing with you, rm:

a 12 gauge shotgun is pretty versatile in the types of rounds that it can shoot, the various sizes of shot, slugs, nonlethal rounds, etc

though I do agree that the affordability of .22lr ammo surpasses all but the affordability of shotgun ammo

just sayin

Oh and Catdaddy is mistaken: That 'derringer' is made by North American Arms (if you enlarge the pic you can see the text/caption).

I would bet you your new ride the .22lr has killed more people in non combat scenarios than any other caliber, which is what I thought we were talking about, non combat or survival situations.

As far a versatility goes, caliber rifle vs. gauge in a shotgun are 2 different animals. But using similar logic we can then say a .223 aka 5.56 is in fact a .22 caliber and we can add the kills from the .223 to the .22 section. Yeah its stretching it out a bit so I wont stand by that.

If you were lost on a mountain and had to kill your own food, what would you rather have, a .22lr or say a 40 cal. glock or 12 gauge benelli with bird or buck shot? Its a matter of preference, but all in all the .22 can kill at greater distances than say a 12 gauge with bird shot. Shooting small game up close with a 12 gauge makes for a waste of food. The 12 gauge would be better for protection by far, and shooting birds or other moving targets at close range it would excel. Other than that I cant think of another instance, maybe you can.


Its also pretty relative to the shooters skill level but you can kill most animals within a 1 mile radius with a .22 with a very good shot.

I get what youre saying, but lets compare apples to apples.

[catdaddy]

That's why you need both a shotgun AND a rifle!

[greenie]

the 22 revolver by north american is a 22 MAGNUM, a very pissed off 22 round and a bit pricier. you need to have that barrel in their guts when you pull the trigger too... or ur gonna miss. a great gun though! cheap too and LOUD

[Sideshow]

I have become a big fan of convesion kits recently. Recently purchased a new kit for my 9mm and I'm totally hooked. I't great because you can practice for cheap with your main defensive sidearm - Just switch out the slide and magazine and it's ready to go. Next I want to buy a kit for the ar-15/m-4 family. Spike's tactical is the preffered unit over a Ceiner kit, IMO.

I usually buy ammunition over the net for convenience and price; but often I will buy .22's locally because they are so inexpensive and the selection is usually better in store than online. As with all firearms, and particularly .22, I try as many brands, weights and velocities of ammo I can get my hands on and then stick with a few that work the best.

[chimp]

My grandfather left my mother a .22 revolver in his will and I now have it..I can't make out the name and haven't done any research..I can see that it was made in Germany and it is obviously pretty old since he died in the 50's

There is an RG on the right side of the grip. Maybe I should try and find out the maker of the gun. I edited out the ID number on the bottom..there's no scratch on it.