what handgun caliber to dispatch varmints at night??

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LOUISVILLE SLUGGER...?


Bashflop..LOL



Or maybe a BFH...like an Estwing 22 ounce form hammer,cut the bottom 2" off the rubber grip, weld a 24" pc of 1/2" heavy wall pipe on the end. Call it "THUMPER" Center the target between the claws and let loose...It'll really "hammer 'em"....just funnin' LOL.
 
A Bond Arms Defender in 410/45long colt.Or one of those new Taurus Judge revolvers would be a pretty neat gun too.But if your lookin for something that wont deafin ya then anything in 22lr would work pretty good. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif
 
I've got a S&W22A. Its cheap and reliable. Won't blind or deafen you and carries light. I carry my grandfathers double barrel derringer in 22 when I go smallgame hunting with the shotgun. Finishes off any animal I don't want to pepper with the scattergun. It maybe awkward to carry any pistol without a side holster. I'm not sure a loaded pistol in yor pocket would be the best idea either.
 
I don't how big a critters you're talkin about but for critters up to mountain lion I'd take:

1) a .32 H&R mag for a wheel gun. Plenty of punch for critters and not nearly as much muzzle flash and noise as a .357. 2nd choice would be a 38 (most would say 38 first but I like my .32 Single-Six).

2) If a brass chucker suits you better, I'd go with a cheap eastern european semi in .32 acp, .380 or 9mm makarov. You can find CZ-70's in .32 acp for $100-125. Follow up shots are very quick.

I don't have anything against the .22's mentioned but if a critter is ginna chew me up I want a little more power for my time. Hand cannons like .357 and .44 mag might be a tad overkill.

CB
 
'zactly, that's what I dispatch them with - earhole 'em and they usually stop doing what they were doing. Also in the Summer, I carry birdshot for the snakes, works good when you don't have to "aim" quite so precisely. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
 
I kinda think emphasis should be made on making the first shot count with the primary hunting weapon! A .22 of your choice should suffice if the first option has failed.
Just my .02 worth.YMMV.......
F1
 
I really like the .32 mag as well, I have the sp101 4" version. very accurate and very nice to shoot with plenty of power for what you are doing. Ammo is spendy though.

I personally carry a .357 sp101 3" when Im bumming around at night. I have used .38 waddcutters in it for the bunnies/small stuff (very little damage), and have some speed loaders full of 158gr jsp for anything else (good skunk medicine) and the ammo wont put you in the poor house quite as fast.

If I was hunting from an ATV or a truck, Id bring a shotgun along for that type of work, if your worried about short range damage, maybe a .410 loaded with buck,slugs or BB, or heck if they are that close I dont think shot size would matter much (under 15yds) mossberg makes a nice little pump with a youth stock and a 20" barrel, light and handy, just an idea.

good luck

Dave
 
I use a .44mag for about everything. Sometimes I'll use my .38spl if it's cottontail so there is enough to eat. But mostly the .44mag that knocks them down and keeps them there.

But I agree with the first shot should be the one that counts.
 
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