Memoirs of a .22-Caliber Armchair Alligator Hunter
Better Shooting
Dave’s Ruger Single Six with the .22 WMRF cylinder would be perfect
for popping gators from the boat. The only improvement would be
if it were stainless steel with a lanyard ring.
After a break of 50 years, I’m watching television. Oh, not much and not often, and never any of the networks. I do like some YouTube videos, mainly cooking and travel shows. Simone says the only reason I like cooking is as an excuse to buy more knives. My reply is, what’s your point?
Most “reality” shows I find loathsome, but I admit to being hooked on Swamp People. The land and wildlife are so different from the dry western plains I’m used to; it seems like a different world. I do find the people much like the old-time rural folk with whom I grew up: hard working, independent, self-reliant, and in general, best left alone. I like Cajun cooking, and I’m pretty sure I’d like Cajuns.
This Ruger American Compact in .22 WMRF is a workhorse. For boat use a stainless steel version would be better. Probably wouldn’t need the scope when the target is a foot from the muzzle.
Rustic Rimfires
Naturally, I’m particularly interested in the firearms carried in the boats by alligator hunters. Almost invariably, these are rimfire rifles, .22 LR, .22 WMRF and the occasional .17 HMR. These are working tools and treated as such, the metal blue-worn and with surface rust, stocks scratched and dented. I will say the firearms are handled safely. I never once saw a shooter cross a partner with the rifle muzzle.
The rifles remind me of my childhood and the old timers whose influence I still feel. Back then, every barn had a .22 rifle hanging on nails by the door. Generally, these were bolt-action single shots. The farmers had a few .22 Short cartridges in their pocket, useful for shooting rats and weasels in the barn without too much building damage. In the junk drawer at the house, there were a few .22 LR rounds for use at butchering time.
I Don’t Get Reality TV
A couple of things about firearms on the show I find puzzling. One is the apparent lack of interest in stainless steel or rust-resistant finishes. Even back in the ’60s, when stainless steel firearms were scarce, the Remington Nylon 66 “Apache Black” version with chrome finished barrel and action cover was recommended for use around water. Today, we can choose from a variety of stainless steel rifles in .22 LR and a few in .22 WMRF.
The second thing I don’t understand is why handguns aren’t used more. When these alligator fishers dispatch a caught gator, the shooting is at almost contact range. Even an indifferent handgun shooter should have no trouble making the shot. The handgun could be carried in a fabric chest holster, which would keep it handier and better protected than a rifle, which just gets laid aside when not in use. Maybe it is simply a matter of money, using whatever old beater is at hand, but I doubt it. The price difference between a new stainless .22 and an old beater is likely less than the sales tax on those big outboard motors they use.
The original chest pouch from Hill People Gear is a secure and comfortable means of carrying a handgun and has many other uses.
My Chomper Caliber
Anyway, they do what they do, apparently with success, and certainly owe no explanation to me. I’ve been thinking about what firearm I’d use if I were on one of these alligator hunts (which is not going to happen). I’d want a handgun for convenience. I’d make it a revolver so as not to have ejected empties in the boat. It would be in .22 WMRF. I like the idea of a single action, so after a shot is fired, the handgun is relatively safe from a negligent discharge.
My old Ruger Single Six with its .22 Magnum cylinder in place would be about ideal, except it is not stainless. I found what to me is about ideal. Ruger calls it the Single-Nine, model #8150. It is a nine-shot .22 WMRF, stainless steel, 6.5″ barrel, and fiber optic sights.
A nylon/fabric chest holster is water resistant and keeps the revolver close at hand. There are several good ones. Try the Falco model D710. For my 5.5″ Single Six, I very much like the Original Kit Bag from Hill People Gear. It has the advantage of being useful even when the Single Six is locked in the gun safe. The Kit Bag has several pockets and can carry your cell phone, keys, medications, pocketknife and flashlight, everything neat and organized and ready to grab at a moment’s notice.
Anytime you’re working over water, a lanyard on your handgun is a good idea. A strong cord tied to the trigger guard is better than nothing, assuming you can tie a knot. A lanyard ring is even better and worth the cost if you plan to use the gun regularly in a boat. Check Bowen Classic Arms.
For more info: BowenClassicArms.com, HillPeopleGear.com, FalcoHolsters.com
