.22LR backpacking companion

[Eric94]

This question is for backpacking where weight counts.
The gun would be used in a emergency scenario where small game needs to be taken for survival until help arrives or you make it out of the woods.
If your gun of choice isn't in the poll, list it below.
This would be in addition to a primary centerfire pistol.

 

[DadSmith]

Taurus TX22 for me. I carry it a lot on property. It's dispatched several varmints already.
If taurus made a companion rifle that used the same magazine as the TX22 I'd buy it if it was reliable.
Weight empty 17 oz

 

[1nderbeard]

It was a hard choice between the 10/22 and wrangler. I picked the 10/22 because the wrangler, in the limited time I've used it, doesn't have the accuracy needed IMO to take small game.
I'm much more familiar and confident with the 10/22.

 

[stocknup]

KelTec P17 ..............less than 14 ounces fully loaded . Very accurate for what it is .

 

[Jaybird1980]

It was between the 10-22 and the Mark IV for me. I chose the Mark IV for size, weight and accuracy.

 

[Jeepster48439]

I think I am with DadSmith, except it would be the Ruger SR22 for me. Not only is weight a consideration, but space also.

 

[Chalky]

My browning buck mark. It's reliable, very accurate and about 2lbs.

 

[spencer rifle]

AR7. Took it to the Deam for a multi-day trip and was hoping to get a squirrel. Just got frogs. Accurate, light, weatherproof. And it's a long gun.

 

[teddy12b]

I've owned and used many of what you've got list in your survey and where I'm currently at is with a TPS M6 Scout 22lr/.410 which isn't on your list. It's just a newly produced knock off of the old springfield M6 scouts. I like having a 22lr for the variety of ammo like a 22short if it's close and I wanted to be quiet or even a 22lr tracer if I wanted to signal or have a cheap giggle. The 410 gives me options with a follow up shot in case the first didn't go as planned. With a slug that gun could take anything in the lower 48 up close. Either way, there's some versatility in that package that I really like. The weight of it is right where the 10-22 backpacker is.

I voted for the 10-22 backpacker because if you're planning to shoot for food something with a stock will absolutely help make that happen. I know it's the internet and every can fast draw from the hip and shoot a squirrel threw the eye while it's leaping from branch to branch, but if I'm legitimately looking for food, I want to make sure that shot counts.

 

[92FSTech]

None of those. Backpacking is all about weight. I typicaly carry something bigger than a .22 when I go (airweight .38 or a .44 Mag, depending on how big the local critters are), but if I was looking for a .22, it would be an S&W 317 airweight. I have the stainless version (63-5), and it's a fantastic little gun, but the 317 is even lighter (12.5 oz). It holds 8 rounds, and it's a revolver, so it'll reliably feed any type of ammo you ask it to, from the little colibri loads to mini-mags.

I've been carrying my 63-5 when working on this vacant house that my in-laws bought. Because it holds 8, I load it with 4 rounds of rat shot and 4 regular 22LR rounds. If I find squirrels or other rodents in there, the rat shot takes care of them without having to worry about it blowing through walls. But it was also nice to have the solid lead pills when I found 2 raccoons in the ceiling (yeah, the place is horrible).

My understanding is that we're talking a contingency weapon here to take food in an emergency, not something we're heading into the woods planning to hunt with. If the goal of the trip from the outset is to go hunting, obviously a long gun would be a better choice. But as a gun to pack along just in case thing go south, I'd opt for small and light, as every bit of size and weight is something else you can't take. Personally, if I'm worried about food, I'd probably take fishing tackle over a .22.

 

[fzd]

TX22 with suppressor
Or the newest sig p322

 

[teddy12b]

None of those. Backpacking is all about weight. I typicaly carry something bigger than a .22 when I go (airweight .38 or a .44 Mag, depending on how big the local critters are), but if I was looking for a .22, it would be an S&W 317 airweight. I have the stainless version (63-5), and it's a fantastic little gun, but the 317 is even lighter (12.5 oz). It holds 8 rounds, and it's a revolver, so it'll reliably feed any type of ammo you ask it to, from the little colibri loads to mini-mags.

I've been carrying my 63-5 when working on this vacant house that my in-laws bought. Because it holds 8, I load it with 4 rounds of rat shot and 4 regular 22LR rounds. If I find squirrels or other rodents in there, the rat shot takes care of them without having to worry about it blowing through walls. But it was also nice to have the solid lead pills when I found 2 raccoons in the ceiling (yeah, the place is horrible).

My understanding is that we're talking a contingency weapon here to take food in an emergency, not something we're heading into the woods planning to hunt with. If the goal of the trip from the outset is to go hunting, obviously a long gun would be a better choice. But as a gun to pack along just in case thing go south, I'd opt for small and light, as every bit of size and weight is something else you can't take. Personally, if I'm worried about food, I'd probably take fishing tackle over a .22.

When you're saying "rat shot" are you talking about CCI shot shells for a 22lr? How far away from a target are able to still get hits as fast as that shot spreads out? I've never used that on game.

Totally agree with what you're saying on weight and every ounce counting. If the intent is to hunt it's one thing, if gathering game is plan "B", then every ounce is even more critical.

 

[Lee11b]

Hands down Ruger 10/22 Stainless Steel, Take-down / with backpackers stock. If you need to eat, this will provide the meal. Plus....it's a Ruger.....always goes bang.....and it's the AR of the 22 realm.....so....everything and anything is available to customize and accessorize.

 

[nucular]

AR7. Took it to the Deam for a multi-day trip and was hoping to get a squirrel. Just got frogs. Accurate, light, weatherproof. And it's a long gun.

Can you shoot in deam?

 

[Backpacker]

Can you shoot in deam?

Hunting is allowed in Charles C Deam Wilderness but target shooting is not.

 

[Backpacker]

I backpack often and have carried a handgun for two legged critters on a occasion. Unless I am actually hunting during squirrel or deer season, I leave the gun at home. The chance I will need to kill an animal to survive are so slim it is not worth the weight to carry a gun.

 

[Gabriel]

Suppressed Ruger MK IV 22/45. As stated above, though, when I've gone on backpacking trips I did not carry a firearm.

 

[Eric94]

As much as I like the idea of having a rifle like the 10/22.
At 4.2lbs, you would probably feel it at the end of the day.
I think the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 lite with a red dot such as the Vortex Venom would be my pick.
If it runs out of battery, a knife can be used to take it off so that iron sights can be used.

 

[natdscott]

I'd buy two Wranglers, make double damn certain they hit the same place, and then I'd put 4,500 rounds through one of them in practice, 500 through the other, and hike with the low mileage one.

 

[Mongo59]

OP: You ain't kidding there. I weigh so much I ain't ever going backpacking...