Single farm gun recommendations

[Beltzington]

Both are rimfire, both use .22 cal bullets. The magnum case is longer and will not work in a .22LR chamber. Ammo is readily available but at three times the cost. Many rimfire guns were offered in either caliber.

In a short barreled handgun I am not sure there is much to gain with the Magnum. In a rifle the magnum is far superior and offers much improved down range performance.

If you are concerned about noise a .22 mag rifle is a great option for small game hunting. If not a .223 is does not cost much more per round and is a much more versatile cartridge.

 

[Notforhire]

This picture should tell the story:

300ftlb of energy for the 22magnum vs 100-200ftlb for the 22lr

As shown in the photo, the 22 Mag is longer than the 22LR. It is also slightly larger in diameter. The bullet diameter of a 22LR is .223, while the 22mag is .224 . The case diameter is also larger. You should not fire a 22LR in a 22mag chambered firearm. The chance of a case failure is very high. They are not interchangeable.

 

[Hollow]

Rossi makes a revolver rifle that will shoot .45 Long Colt or 410 shot gun that might cover more of your needs. Rossi USA

 

[k0ua]

Notice also the .22LR (shorts and longs also) is a "heeled" bullet. If you look closely you will see that the bullet is the same diameter as the outside of the case, and has a smaller diameter portion (the heel) stuffed inside the case. This is the way old Rimfire rounds were made 150 years ago. Notice the .22 magnum is not. The bullet is smaller than the outside of the case, and goes inside and the case is roll crimped. This is in keeping with all other centerfire rounds, even though the .22 Magnum is a rimfire. The .22 Magnum is certainly a lot more powerful round, but the cost always put me off. The .22LR is just so cheap and so much fun to shoot. I always tended to go the reloading route with some of the smaller centerfire rounds (like .223) rather than .22 magnum. Not much more money if you reload and a lot more power. Now if you want to talk about reloading we can keep you busy for hours But the funniest thing I remember about reloading was when I was starting out gathering my own reloading tools and supplies, many years ago I spoke with an older more experienced gentleman, and declared " I would like to get started reloading so I can save some money". He just laughed and said "son you are not going to save any money, you can shoot more, yes but save money? no." He was right:laughing: ( you have a tendency to shoot up all those nice cheap rounds you just made)

James K0UA

 

[blunosr]

Hi, I'm also Canadian and I would suggest you stay away from handguns. The regulations are just too onerous. I had two and gave them both up because of the ridiculous regulations.

I would suggest two rifles, and one gun. You should have all three. A good semi-auto .22, a good hunting rifle (7mm Rem Mag), and a good 12 ga. shotgun.

Personally, I like quality and am willing to pay for it. I figure, if you're going to have this for the rest of your life, you might was well do some research, and get a good rifle that you will be happy with forever.

I have an FN (Fabrique Nationale) .22, a Sako Bavarian 300WSM, and a Baretta 12ga. over and under, and a couple others...

In truth, you could get away with just a .22. There have been lots of cows killed with a .22 to the forehead (please use a bolt action, not a semi-auto), and racoons and pests can also be shot with a .22, and in reality, are you really going to pull out a gun if someone breaks into your house? I hope not, in my case it would be just a bluff anyways, then there would be a weapon involved... Never pull a gun in hostility.

Just my two cents... and they're just Canadian.

 

[Notforhire]

In truth, you could get away with just a .22.

I won't say that a .22 will take the place of a high power rifle, but it would be on the top of my list of guns to own. Ultra HV ammo is pretty impressive in a .22 rifle. The chances of you getting lots of practice with a 22 is much better than you shooting a few hundred rounds of say 30-06 or 300 win mag. For any bullet to be effective, you need to hit your intended target. Practice pays off. Depending on how thick your wallet is there are lots of options. With a 22 rifle and a 12 ga. shotgun you can just about do it all, out to 100 yds or so. Even inexpensive models can be reliable and accurate. If you can afford quality guns, all the better. I have found them to be both enjoyable, and good investments.:thumbsup:

Bill

 

[canoetrpr]

In truth, you could get away with just a .22. There have been lots of cows killed with a .22 to the forehead (please use a bolt action, not a semi-auto),

blunosr: Help educate me here on why not a semi-auto?

 

[k0ua]

blunosr: Help educate me here on why not a semi-auto?

Yeah me too, I swapped off the bolt action when I was 14 for a semi-auto and havent looked back. A nice bolt action single shot is great for a youngster to teach him or her the value of ammunition conservation, but for an adult having quick follow up shots when needed seems more appropiate in a utility rifle.

James K0UA

 

[JB4310]

Yeah me too, I swapped off the bolt action when I was 14 for a semi-auto and havent looked back. A nice bolt action single shot is great for a youngster to teach him or her the value of ammunition conservation, but for an adult having quick follow up shots when needed seems more appropiate in a utility rifle.

James K0UA

I think he may be referring to the idea that a bolt action retains more gas pressure to propel the projectile with the greatest amount of energy.

It is true, but not usually applied to ballistics testing/effectiveness.

Though possibly with a .22 there is enough of a difference in that critical application ???

JB

 

[foggy1111]

Savage makes a nice combination gun (model 24) that shoots both rifle and shotgun loads. Some are 22 over 410 or 20 gauge.... and others have centerfire barrel over shot barrel.

I own one that is 223 over 20 gauge and wears a 3x9 scope and see thru scope mounts. Its accurate enough for shots to 200 yards or so with the rifle and close shots with the shotgun barrel.

Very versatile. I always thought I would use mine for coyote hunting....but never seem to take it along. Kinda heavy to tote.....but would be a great farm or barn gun.