10/22 for rabbit hunting?

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Power Pill

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I've decided im going to pick up a small game license and do some rabbit hunting.

Im thinking about using my stock ruger 10/22 carbine with a compact 1x Bushnell acog style scope.

i've never gone rabbit hunting before, so i dont know what gun would be best. they are fast if they get running so thats why i think a semi auto will be best if i miss my first shot :redface:

Thoughts?
 
If you can gurantee that your rabbits will stay still while you shoot at them, a .22 is a good choice. As this seldom, if ever, happens, it renders the .22 a very poor choice. A shotgun is the choice for rabbits.
A double barrel side by side 12 gauge, with a short stock, barrel and oversize front bead, as well as some kind of plaid hat is also a requirement. You also have to start talking funny, and all "R" sounds are made with a "W" sound.
Hope this helps.
R.
 
When I used hunt the wild beast they were stupid easy to shoot. The moment they notice you they typically go into "if I don't move maybe he won't notice me" mode. A 22 is perfectly fine. FYI, 30/30 is a little too much :)
 
Shotguns are preferred, but if a .22 is all you've got, just be selective with your shots and you'll still be able to fill your bag limit.
 
Realistically if they bolt at the sound of the first shot the fastest cycling semi around won't help you hit them with a second round other than by superhuman ability or sheer outhouse luck. So the first round will be the one that counts. The Ruger's a sweet semi but I wouldn't get one over some other gun ONLY because of rabbit hunting.
 
I like a 20 ga. shotgun for rabbits (or should I say wabbits ;)) but have also taken more than a few with a .22. If you are not planning on any longer shots and if you are comfortable and familiar with your chosen 10/22 and red dot as well as their limitations, the give it a shot, pun intended ;) and see how you do and how you like it.
 
Go for it!! I am sure there a couple of people on here who, like me, smoked more than a few wabbits with a single shot Cooey or some other single shot .22. Enjoy the day out hunting, exercise your priviledge of being able to carry a firearm, and have fun!!:p
 
This is not great advice...

Rman said:
If you can gurantee that your rabbits will stay still while you shoot at them, a .22 is a good choice. As this seldom, if ever, happens, it renders the .22 a very poor choice. A shotgun is the choice for rabbits.
A double barrel side by side 12 gauge, with a short stock, barrel and oversize front bead, as well as some kind of plaid hat is also a requirement. You also have to start talking funny, and all "R" sounds are made with a "W" sound.
Hope this helps.
R.
Click to expand...

...I just can't resist...

This isn't great advice! I've watched that "hunting show" and, although he's got a shotty that never need to be loaded, it's shot is so slow, it can be outrun! The only useful bit is "be vewy vewy quiet".

...Wait! I don't think that guy ever got a "wabbit" anyway!

ok seriously, you can use a .22 but, I prefer the 'ol shotty.
 
My father as a young teen helped keep his family fed with Cooey 75 and a pocket of shells. Cooey single shot rifles have probably taken more rabbits in Canada than any other firearm. I think you should be good with what you have.
 
The Ruger 10/22 is tops for a 22 but I find a 410 backpacker or 410 ga IGA coach gun double better. More flexible still--a Savage 22lr/20 ga, the gun of opportunity, is ready for anything, especially if I pocket a couple of slugs just in case of bear trouble. If they don't bother me I don't bother them.
 
you'll be good with a 10/22 as long as you can hit on first shot- unless the wabbits out there are as dumb as the ones in town here ;)
 
If you're in Eastern Canada, and hunting cotton tails, you will do best with a 410ga or a 28ga in Full choke.

A 22lr is good if you have good eyes, and can spot the bunny sitting.

Western Canada has big hairs, that run a little and sit (my experience). So a 22 will do well.

Actually, a rabbit will run in a circle if you follow very fresh tracks. If you hunt with a dog, or a buddy, pick a spot to stand still while your dog/dogger follows the fresh rabbit tracks, and it will run right back to you, slowly, for a clean shot with a 22. Watch out for your dog/dogger.
 
apu said:
When I used hunt the wild beast they were stupid easy to shoot. The moment they notice you they typically go into "if I don't move maybe he won't notice me" mode. A 22 is perfectly fine. FYI, 30/30 is a little too much :)
Click to expand...

So the .300 Win is out of the question?.......:p
 
One thing I was told for when hunting rabbits with a .22 - bring along a whistle you can hang from your neck by a lanyard - when you see the rabbit bolt, give a quick, sharp blow - the rabbit will stop in its tracks; then the .22 comes in :p
 
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