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Post by bigbrowndog on Apr 20, 2021 19:03:00 GMT -5
I was having this discussion the other day with a fellow handgunner. We are both Texans, and when we are afield doing chores or simply just out there we do not find ourselves carrying rimfire guns. Despite the fact that we both have really nice rimfires, we both agreed that whether it be for reptiles, varmints or pigs something larger than a rimfire is what we normally carry.
He has and will carry a 32 occasionally but said he prefers something with more oomph for pigs and something that has a larger shot charge for reptiles. I will on rare occasions carry a .357 magnum but normally it’s either a 41, 45, or 50. Granted the 50 is way more than needed, but it rides in an excellent holster and carries almost unknown throughout the day. All three are approx. 4” or less in barrel length and all are Coyote accurate out to 75-80 yards, plus send enough shot to be truly effective reptile repellent.
Since we have year around medium game available, neither of us goes afield with what we assume many others carry,....a .22. Even if I was to go on a bunny hunt with my .22, I’d be carrying one of my aforementioned field guns as well.
Do any of you routinely go afield with only a .22??? Is our situation something that is a Texas thing???
Trapr
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Post by kings6 on Apr 20, 2021 20:10:35 GMT -5
Do not own a 22 revolver, smallest is 32-20/327. Never carry that one either. 41 Special or 44 Special here.
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Post by magnumwheelman on Apr 20, 2021 20:11:32 GMT -5
My farm carry gun currently, is a 4” stainless J frame in 22 lr I used to farm carry my stainless 4” GP-100, and 125 grain HP’s, until the gun was turned into a custom And I will admit, I got caught watching a poly Judge snubbie on Gun Broker the other day, thinking.410 out of the snub Barrel wouldn’t have any range, but might make hitting the “crack rats” ( red pine squirrels, that never seem to stop ) easier I don’t have any critters as large as hogs, raccoons and possums about the biggest, with rabbits and red pine squirrels crossing the sights most often Expect everything is bigger in Texas... a rim fire will never do  |
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Post by flyingzebra on Apr 20, 2021 20:28:34 GMT -5
22lr mini, with shotshells for rodent control on the ranch
Very useful
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Post by potatojudge on Apr 20, 2021 20:32:03 GMT -5
I can’t help as I’m in Texas as well, but I find myself carrying a FA97 with RMR almost exclusively. Hot 44 special loads.
It’ll kill anything, super accurate, impervious to poor lighting, and stainless/micarta so I don’t have to worry about some scuffs while it rides in the holster.
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Post by Big Bore on Apr 20, 2021 20:32:08 GMT -5
41 is the smallest I carry for reasons you mentioned. Always potential for a hog at our place.
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Post by bigbrowndog on Apr 20, 2021 20:35:05 GMT -5
Magwheelman, see that’s what I figured, the fact that we have larger stuff to contend with or available, kinda makes us carry larger calibers. If fox, raccoon, squirrels and such were the norm then a .22 WMR would be perfect. It’s a pity really, I’ve got several nice .22’s that sit in the safe looking for a reason to come out and play.
Trapr
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Post by magnumwheelman on Apr 20, 2021 20:45:49 GMT -5
I’m not really a fan of any of the rim fires, as I kinda get into reloading... I recently had to go out and find a stainless J Frame... after the GP got repurposed... I wanted something durable, reasonably small... but my 45 snubbie is on my belt to and from the farm, so it shoots nearly as many critters as my farm gun... besides don’t want that good ccw ammo getting fouled with sweat bad enough it won’t fire when I need it off the farm  |
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Post by magnumwheelman on Apr 20, 2021 20:50:43 GMT -5
If it adds to theory... I rebuilt and old Colt 22 for my neighbor a couple years ago, that was so beat up and dirty, I thought it a cheap German copy... so in my neighborhood, that’s 2-22’s... neighbor on the other side ( old military guy) carry’s a 1911 as a farm gun... 45 acp seems to work well for a farm gun
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Post by dougader on Apr 20, 2021 22:00:58 GMT -5
In the woods, 44 Special but most often 45 Colt. I need more leather!
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JM
.375 Atomic
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Post by JM on Apr 20, 2021 22:50:21 GMT -5
Several years ago I wore minimal clothing, hot weather, often in & out of the water, etc. I carried a NAA 22LR with the mid length barrel (more than 1", less than 2")
One night on my way home I found a dog laying alongside the road. It had been hit & couldn't move, but he still attempted to greet me as I approached. Probably about 70# .
I calmed him & then placed a round into his forehead to end his suffering. It didn't end his lungs from functioning. I hope he was no longer conscious, but it was not an instant stop.
The 22LR was retired after that. Perhaps different placement, or a longer barrel would have provided better results. The margin is too slim.
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edk
.375 Atomic
Posts: 1,162
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Post by edk on Apr 21, 2021 6:30:35 GMT -5
Like dougader, if on the property/in the woods with no particular need for concealed carry, less than full pressure 44 mag or even more often 45 Colt.
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Post by squigz on Apr 21, 2021 7:24:17 GMT -5
PA doesn't really have the fun shooting like some of the other southern states. Most of the time I'm carrying my 32 H&R for everything. As soon as a season comes around that I can actually utilize a larger caliber (deer/bear) I'll either have a 41 or 480 on my side.
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Post by bula on Apr 21, 2021 9:22:12 GMT -5
Well, ya all likely know by know there is often a 3" Charter Arms 44spec in a pocket here. Sometimes it gets upgraded to the snubby M69 with less than mag level loads. Even without the fun of bears in the 'hood, I'd prefer 44 sized hulls for the flinging of shot/rice loads.
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Post by bushog on Apr 21, 2021 9:45:59 GMT -5
.41 special Mtn gun usually.
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