.22 for new grouse hunter?

MD

MD

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Some neighbours are new hunters. They are getting discouraged at not seeing any bucks where they are hunting and have decided that getting the odd grouse or too would boost their success rate. They are thinking of getting some kind of grouse gun.

I don't know what to suggest. I have a couple of very old .22 rifles myself, a 410 and a 20 gauge and wouldn't know what to recommend in an off-the-shelf new .22.

I know the Ruger 10/22 is popular, but maybe that is because of all the "cool" accessories you can get for it and the fact that it is semi-auto. I would be inclined to recommend a removeable magazine bolt-action myself, most likely with a good scope.
 
MD said:
Some neighbours are new hunters. They are getting discouraged at not seeing any bucks where they are hunting and have decided that getting the odd grouse or too would boost their success rate. They are thinking of getting some kind of grouse gun. I don't know what to suggest. I have a couple of very old .22 rifles myself, a 410 and a 20 gauge and wouldn't know what to recommend in an off-the-shelf new .22. I know the Ruger 10/22 is popular, but maybe that is because of all the "cool" accessories you can get for it and the fact that it is semi-auto. I would be inclined to recommend a removeable magazine bolt-action myself, most likely with a good scope.
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Highly recommend CZ for a well made, mag fed, bolt action .22 rifle.
 
MD said:
Some neighbours are new hunters. They are getting discouraged at not seeing any bucks where they are hunting and have decided that getting the odd grouse or too would boost their success rate. They are thinking of getting some kind of grouse gun.

I don't know what to suggest. I have a couple of very old .22 rifles myself, a 410 and a 20 gauge and wouldn't know what to recommend in an off-the-shelf new .22.

I know the Ruger 10/22 is popular, but maybe that is because of all the "cool" accessories you can get for it and the fact that it is semi-auto. I would be inclined to recommend a removeable magazine bolt-action myself, most likely with a good scope.
Click to expand...


A browning Bl22 is short and handy for taking along on a hike, and is deadly on grouse.It will last many lifetimes as well.
 
Shotgun is easier but there is always pellets in the meat. I use a 22lr unless its on a road where only shotgun is legal (at least in Alberta anyways)

Get a good accurate rifle like a CZ. Rugers garbage accuracy really limits the range you can ethically take a headshot.
 
Doing a bit of research, the Savage 64 FXP Semi-Auto Rifle w/ Scope doesn't look too bad either, it is basically the old Cooey 64B.
 
I agree with MD for a low-cost .22 the 64 is a good value. I have one with ca-1000+ rounds and still can get under 1" @ 50yds with a 'fair' scope. I find SV will not always cycle the action but does give more accuracy. Unless the grouse is attacking it's not an issue. YMMV
 
I had a Savage 64G. It was fairly accurate, but I hated that thing. I could never get it to feed properly (tried tons of different ammo) and the mags suck. Personally, I'd buy a Remington 597. Accurate, love the mags and I know how to tune it.
 
I have 6 mags that all feed properly and it fires all ammo I've tried. SV is super accurate but needs an 'assist' to cycle. And the Rem costs about twice what the 64 does, if you can find one.
 
MD said:
Some neighbours are new hunters. They are getting discouraged at not seeing any bucks where they are hunting and have decided that getting the odd grouse or too would boost their success rate. They are thinking of getting some kind of grouse gun.

I don't know what to suggest. I have a couple of very old .22 rifles myself, a 410 and a 20 gauge and wouldn't know what to recommend in an off-the-shelf new .22.

I know the Ruger 10/22 is popular, but maybe that is because of all the "cool" accessories you can get for it and the fact that it is semi-auto. I would be inclined to recommend a removable magazine bolt-action myself, most likely with a good scope.
Click to expand...

That is the best advice... accuracy over blast away power... triggers are usually better on a bolt action compared to those on semi autos as well. Bolt action is a safer option as well...
 
weasel1 said:
I had a Savage 64G. It was fairly accurate, but I hated that thing. I could never get it to feed properly (tried tons of different ammo) and the mags suck. Personally, I'd buy a Remington 597. Accurate, love the mags and I know how to tune it.
Click to expand...

never had issues with the savage made in canada. no problem whatsoever unless you do not clean it ... on in a while.
 
I use either a sxs 12 gauge or cz 22lr varmint . I have a stainless 10/22 that i strap on the quad. Doesnt matter if that one gets wet, it just alway works well !! Put a 1 to 4 variable scope on both 22s…. All my other 22s just sit in the safe as these two that i use and i lovem
 
MD said:
Doing a bit of research, the Savage 64 FXP Semi-Auto Rifle w/ Scope doesn't look too bad either, it is basically the old Cooey 64B.
Click to expand...

MD said:
Some neighbours are new hunters. They are getting discouraged at not seeing any bucks where they are hunting and have decided that getting the odd grouse or too would boost their success rate. They are thinking of getting some kind of grouse gun.

I don't know what to suggest. I have a couple of very old .22 rifles myself, a 410 and a 20 gauge and wouldn't know what to recommend in an off-the-shelf new .22.

I know the Ruger 10/22 is popular, but maybe that is because of all the "cool" accessories you can get for it and the fact that it is semi-auto. I would be inclined to recommend a removeable magazine bolt-action myself, most likely with a good scope.
Click to expand...

guntech said:
That is the best advice... accuracy over blast away power... triggers are usually better on a bolt action compared to those on semi autos as well. Bolt action is a safer option as well...
Click to expand...

I agree with the choice of a bolt action for the new hunter. This will help them focus on making a carefully aimed shot and not just pulling the trigger and throwing lead out there. Certainly not as fast with the follow-up shot as a semi but still plenty quick and as mentioned they are safer as well for the new hunter.
 
MD said:
Some neighbours are new hunters. They are getting discouraged at not seeing any bucks where they are hunting and have decided that getting the odd grouse or too would boost their success rate. They are thinking of getting some kind of grouse gun.

I don't know what to suggest. I have a couple of very old .22 rifles myself, a 410 and a 20 gauge and wouldn't know what to recommend in an off-the-shelf new .22.

I know the Ruger 10/22 is popular, but maybe that is because of all the "cool" accessories you can get for it and the fact that it is semi-auto. I would be inclined to recommend a removeable magazine bolt-action myself, most likely with a good scope.
Click to expand...


What are they deer hunting with? Why not just stick to that rifle?

Time to dust off the Mouse Fart Cook Book:

https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1335340-Mouse-fart-recipes?highlight=Mouse+fart
 
medvedqc said:
never had issues with the savage made in canada. no problem whatsoever unless you do not clean it ... on in a while.
Click to expand...

It was brand new and even went back to Savage. Never got enough rounds through it to get dirty enough to be a problem. Must have been a dud.
 
MD said:
Doing a bit of research, the Savage 64 FXP Semi-Auto Rifle w/ Scope doesn't look too bad either, it is basically the old Cooey 64B.
Click to expand...

Nothing really wrong with the 64 - Accurate enough, and pretty good trigger. They do feel cheap though, like anything in that price range.

Did the neighbours give you a budget? There are probably dozens of good options under $500. Adding a scope can really add up, depending.

Is it something they will carry in addition to their deer rifle (recommend Chiappa Little Badger)? Or dedicated grouse hunts (recommend Browning SA22)?
 
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