.22 bolt suggestions for grouse
- Thread starter Sveinn84
- Start date
I got a cz452 lux that I’ve popped a ton of grouse with.
Definitely agree with the upper back shot for a 22.
Got a custom 1022 with a red dot to try this season.
But I have a feeling I’ll end up with my HR 410 more often then not this season.
Definitely agree with the upper back shot for a 22.
Got a custom 1022 with a red dot to try this season.
But I have a feeling I’ll end up with my HR 410 more often then not this season.
I haven't hunted grouse in the last few years really, but, I know I would feel ill-equipped with a 22. I find an open-choke 20ga to be pretty good for those in thick bush, the last few I shot was with a 20ga Wingmaster with a 21", CYL barrel, #7-1/2 shot. I know that in the last 2, one had no pellets in the breast, one had 2. The spots I hunt in normally see a fair bit of pressure, just never feel I can get in 22 range. Or, I don't see them and flush them. (ground, or even off of high, overhead branches.
But if I was suggesting a 22...
I'm personally a huge fan of the Tikka T1x, and have a 20" barreled one. It's an accurate gun with a wide variety of ammo options. SS and high vel. (a first for me personally) I've not shot, or even held the 16" barrel version, but I'd be considering one of those if I were the OP. A CZ 452 Scout would be a tempting back-up plan ($500-$600-ish used) and I've come very close to buying one of those a number of times.
I would be paying close attention to the trigger (light enough?) and put a decent scope on it-whatever you get. I've owned some cruddy scopes in my day, and I think trying to see/hit a bird like that with such a good camo game=not the time for a $50, fuzzy scope. The vintage Bushnell scopechiefs/banners are pretty tough to beat for the $, and the "command post" feature on some of them makes for some quick targeting. Once had a fixed, 2.75X and have been searching for a decent one to replace it ever since. lol
But if I was suggesting a 22...
I'm personally a huge fan of the Tikka T1x, and have a 20" barreled one. It's an accurate gun with a wide variety of ammo options. SS and high vel. (a first for me personally) I've not shot, or even held the 16" barrel version, but I'd be considering one of those if I were the OP. A CZ 452 Scout would be a tempting back-up plan ($500-$600-ish used) and I've come very close to buying one of those a number of times.
I would be paying close attention to the trigger (light enough?) and put a decent scope on it-whatever you get. I've owned some cruddy scopes in my day, and I think trying to see/hit a bird like that with such a good camo game=not the time for a $50, fuzzy scope. The vintage Bushnell scopechiefs/banners are pretty tough to beat for the $, and the "command post" feature on some of them makes for some quick targeting. Once had a fixed, 2.75X and have been searching for a decent one to replace it ever since. lol
Around here there arnt many ruffed grouse around here. There are quite a few sharptails. The closest I can get to them is about 50 yards. I am going to try the shoulder shot cuz I am not good enough for a head shot. I cant give you much advice on a rifle and scope choice because I have a Cooper with a 6x18 scope.
I’ve never tried a 22 for grouse and I’m sure that’ll work just fine ... I suppose it might offer longer shots to be taken. I’ve only shot them with a 12 gauge and ranges were always close, but I never had trouble taking head shots with the shotgun. I always aimed for the head with the expectation of a little bit of shot spread.
Never had to deal with a 50 yard shot like the above poster ... maybe the terrain was thicker.
Never had to deal with a 50 yard shot like the above poster ... maybe the terrain was thicker.
I'm absolutely loving my Tikka T1x for everything rimfire these days, and although it's a bit pricey, it does fall under the $1,000 mark. Super accurate, great trigger, amazingly smooth bolt for fast follow-up. I really like the short bolt lift too.
Brutus
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
When they flush wild try out Prairie Storm #6 in full choke 12 gauge. You might be surprized.
X2
I don't grouse hunt, but as far as .22 rifles go I would have to say that 'dollars + accuracy + reliability' ratio has got to go to the Savage Mark 2 FV-SR. They can still be had or $350 brand new (Bullseye North has them in stock, might buy another just to sit in the safe)
I've had Cooeys 60/600/Ace, Ruger 10/22s, Norinco NS522s, CZ 452/455s and Anschutz 64s...
I have a CZ 455 stainless/wood in 22 WMR that I use for grouse. 3-9 Burris Fullfield II mounted on it that I had laying around. I have been pretty pleased with it.
I am not up on all of the changes to CZ products but it seems the 455 has been replaced by 457. I noticed P&D in Edmonton still has a couple of 455 Lux. I am sure other places do as well.
I am not up on all of the changes to CZ products but it seems the 455 has been replaced by 457. I noticed P&D in Edmonton still has a couple of 455 Lux. I am sure other places do as well.
