side arm for grouse?

[SFC B]

After tripping all over grouse this year while deer hunting in our camp area I am considering a side arm for grouse. I am leaning toward a 22lr. Anyone have any experience/opinions.

 

[MT_elk]

Just make sure you check your regulations. I know in some states you can only use a shotgun (some allow for bow & arrow too).

 

[WyOpitz]

I have a Ruger 22/45 Lite and love it. Very lightweight and accurate. Put a suppressor on it and they won't even hear ya! Lol

 

[Speeddmn]

How close are you getting to them before they run off? If you're within 15 yards I'd say a nice little 22lr revolver would work. If you are in the 30+ yard range maybe the ruger 10/22 break down?

Wonder what the effective range of the taurus judge useing the 410 shells would be, the #6's or so I would think might get it done... Makes me wonder now.

 

[Zach]

Wonder what the effective range of the taurus judge useing the 410 shells would be, the #6's or so I would think might get it done... Makes me wonder now.

Close enough!

 

[RobG]

A 180 gr 30'06 removes their head cleanly. I doubt if a handgun would be nearly as accurate and you'd be ruining meat if you took body shots. JMO.

 

[1_pointer]

Just make sure you check your regulations. I know in some states you can only use a shotgun (some allow for bow & arrow too).

This! I know a few guys I worked with in UT were a bit surprised when I pointed out that a 22LR was not legal for grouse there. Don't know if it's changed, but at the time it was not legal. That said, if legal a suppressed .22lr would be SWEET! Now that we can use suppressors in IN, I'm thinking of springing for one to shoot squirrels with while I'm deer hunting.

And my wife thinks I can't multi-task...

 

[T Bone]

My buckmark .22 has killed dozens of grouse. Body shoot them with a solid bullet (not frangible like CCI Stinger) and there is very little meat damage. They usually flop over at the shot, then start springing back to life after a few seconds. You have to get on them quick.

 

[Mthuntinfool]

I pack a 357 when in bear country, and if your not worried about noise, a 38 shotshell works wonders out to 15-20 yards

 

[2rocky]

I have never met anyone who shot a grouse with a firearm while deer or elk hunting and killed a deer or elk on the same day.

My experience has been with a Ruger single six with 22 mag. Breast extraction was perfect no meat damage. Grouse are great confidence boosters while archery hunting though.

 

[SFC B]

My buckmark .22 has killed dozens of grouse. Body shoot them with a solid bullet (not frangible like CCI Stinger) and there is very little meat damage. They usually flop over at the shot, then start springing back to life after a few seconds. You have to get on them quick.

I just looked at this this morning and am STRONGLY considering it. With a discount it would be about $300. Liked the fit and finish......

 

[MinnesotaHunter]

I have a Ruger Mark I with a 5.5in bull barrel and it has killed alot of grouse as well. Mine cycles 62grn subsonics just fine, so I use those with a solid bullet, and it punches nice clean holes. At close range (10yds) it is more than accurate enough to consitantly pop them in the noggin.