Can't-Miss Rimfires

While small game hunting may not invoke the thrill and excitement of big game pursuits, it doesn’t require expensive equipment, high-dollar guide fees, long plane rides, jet lag, expensive license and tags, and other related big game hunting expenses. And to be perfectly honest, an early morning squirrel or rabbit hunt can be most gratifying and enjoyable. And, you usually get to sleep in your own bed at night!

As a kid growing up in a rural environment, small game hunting was — and is — a way of life. My dad taught me how to shoot a .22 early on and was adamant about only taking head shots. Meat destroyed by poor shot placement wasn’t acceptable. Dad also expected one shot — one squirrel. I feel extremely fortunate growing up in a rural setting where hunting was ingrained in the culture. Back in the day, when I had young eyes, open sights were the rule. Today, optics is a necessity. Hitting small targets with consistency requires practice — with a gun and ammo capable of delivering the goods. This year I plan on doing most of my small game hunting with two very accurate handguns — a tricked out Volquartsen and a T/C with match grade barrel.

How Not To Miss

Several years ago, Volquartsen turned this Ruger Mark V into a nail-driving machine. The 81/2″ stainless steel bull barrel adds weight and is very easy to shoot. Those target grips with both thumb and heel rest are most comfortable, and the non-slip rubber grips with checkering provide a secure and consistent grip. Volquartsen also fitted their Picatinny scope mount for optics. Other embellishments include a trigger kit assembly and extended magazine release. I fitted the Weaver 1-4X scope. The other gun is the single-shot T/C with an older Custom Shop 15″ barrel with match chamber. It wears rubber grips and the forend is topped with a Burris 2-7X scope.

Both guns provide the level of accuracy required for precise shot placement whether small game, vermin such as ground squirrels, or target shooting is involved. It seems no matter how old I get, my thirst for accuracy never subsides. Not only are these rimfires super accurate, they’re super fun!

I’m guilty of falling in to a habit of shooting only centerfire handguns. My wife and I made several trips to the range recently shooting a variety of centerfire revolvers and single-shots. We shot .357 and .41 Mags in our revolvers and 6.5 Creedmoor in the single-shots. I noticed Karen would only shoot a few rounds and became disengaged. So, the next trip to the range our .22’s were the only guns brought. She enjoyed shooting these handguns much more and our shooting sessions lasted longer.

I can’t think of a better way to stay tuned-up than by shooting rimfire handguns. You can work on the fundamentals of shooting like breath control, consistent grip tension, sight alignment and trigger squeeze, and not burn up a lot of money doing it. Many of us often forget the fun and enjoyment from a good .22. The reward from considerable trigger time on a .22 translates instantly into better big bore shooting. Believe it.

Building Blocks

In the past, I’ve seen beginning handgun hunters purchase a big bore handgun because it’s what someone recommended. Frankly, it’s not ideal for inexperienced handgunners to start with a .454 Casull handcannon. With a good .22, you can learn proper techniques and basic skills more easily and less expensively. Once familiar with the basic fundamentals, it’s easier and more natural to work up the ladder to centerfires.

If you want to skip the “flinch” — begin with a rimfire. And, if you really want to hone your skills for fall big game seasons, hunt squirrels with a handgun to stay sharp. You never know what position you’ll be in when a shot materializes. You won’t regret it and you’ll likely have a lot of fun!

For more info:

Ruger
www.ruger.com/
Ph: (336) 949-5200

T/C
www.tcarms.com/

Volquartsen
www.volquartsen.com/
Ph: (712) 792-4238

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