Being a fan of small game hunting of course means that 22 caliber guns are ideally suited to this pursuit. My particular favorite gun is a Norinco 22 auto, sporting a Centerpoint red dot. As well as a trusty Ruger Single-six sporting a “Phantom” scope.

Now over the course of my life I have had alot of 22’s. Some really cheap junk guns from EMF/Interarms and some over priced top of the line handguns from Browning/Charter Arms/Colt. Not to mention a pair of High standard Duramatics. (Had 2 pistols..three clips..and three barrels to switch around between them. All cased in an Oak box I built to house them.) The wierd part in all of this is the bulk of these guns shot extremely accurately.

Now accuracy is a relative term. The average expert will try to quantify his definition by use of terms like 1″ MOA. I prefer to use the “live” definition. A 22 is junk if it can’t put 3 shots into a red squirrels head at 40 yards. A handgun will make the grade if it can do the same at 25 yards.

With deer season winding down my mind is getting geared up for the annual rabbit hunt and fur acquisition. If you have never hunted rabbits with a 22 than you have never hunted! Shotguns are for sloppier hunters than I. Blasting at fleeing fur has never been my forte’. I prefer to snipe the little bunny with a 22 and shoot him square in the eye! There is just something about the careful stocking of game and that finite moment of aiming and breathing. The crosshairs settling on the eye, black as night, and the report of the Remington Yellowjackets.

Now one aspect of this hunt is the absolute necessity of knowing your gun and the best ammo for it. It requires an investment in time and money. So go to a pit…..shoot all you can afford and know the gun and it’s limits.

Avoid the bulk pack boxes and buy only 50 round packs..or CCI 100’s. Those “deals” at Walmart are crap! On average you will find anywhere from 1 to 3 or 4 duds in each loading of ten in your gun. Not to mention the deformity of the lead tips. I prefer the copper clad rounds to the bear lead. The plated Yellowjackets and Stingers all feed better and alot fewer duds get pitched into the woods.

While you are out there remember that squirrels are around as well. Now I don’t eat them but there tails make good flies. You can hunt rabbits ’til March… Red squirrels are open all year… and Greys close at the end of November.

Well load your guns….hit the woods and shoot something for me!!!!!

All joking aside..have fun..hunt safe… and take a kid hunting!!!!!