Suggestions for a "survival revolver" in .22 platform?

[tooldawg99]

The only hole in my firearms collection is in the "small game category, in a .22 platform. What are your suggestions for a revolver that would be best suited for small game (rabbit, squirrel, etc) and in what caliber, and what barrel length?

I am fine for large game, in both rifle and handgun. Plenty of big guns, and fine on the "end of the world" scenario with high-capacity rifles...but if I had to go bag a small rabbit... the 12-guage and the AR would make a mess of it.

I prefer the similicity and ease of maintenance that a revolver offers. No semi-automatics wanted. A few friends have told me there is no sense in getting a barrel longer than 5 inches...but I'd like your suggestions! Is a 4-inch barrel the best choice? Better to select a 5-inch? longer? Also, if chambered in .22, will it also shoot .22 LR and .22 short? What about upgrading to .22 magnum?

Tell me, please! Who knows how long it will be until I have to go out and kill for my dinner?!
I want to be armed, and ready! Plus, it will be fun to shoot at the range!

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[farronwolf]

With a Ruger Single Six you can change cylinders between .22 and .22 mag.

However if you really want to prepare for the end of the world and are looking for something to take small game with, you need to consider a good break over pellet rifle. Pellets are cheap and will store forever. Getting one with both .22 and .177 caliber barrels may be a plus.

[buckeye .45]

I'll second the single six, with both cylinders.

[Lewis128]

Charter makes one as well, if you're like me and don't care for the way single action revolvers feel in your hand.

Or try Gun Genie Search: Revolver, 22M

[ICTsnub]

Look at a modern S&W 317 kit gun, or a classic stainless version.

[SIXTO]

The Single Six or Bearcat are the one's I'd buy.

[gasmitty]

Another vote for the Single Six.

[Sarge45]

Single Six again.

[TerriLi]

Single six, but I'm waiting for more info on Taurus new convertible double action 22LR/Mag revolver.

[Eagleks]

Truthfully, a simple rifle for rabbits, squirrels, etc. . Even a survival .22 rifle works well.

[TX-JB]

Another vote for a Single Six, It's my favorite 22.

I also have a Heritage Rough Rider w/adj sights and both cylinders that's about 6-8yrs old. It stays packed away with my fishing gear. It's been beaten up pretty well but still goes bang. If you're short one funds, it's an acceptable substitute.

[bmcgilvray]

I'm sticking with the Smith & Wesson Model 17 K-22 that I've had most of my adult life. At 8 3/8-inches the barrel is a bit long for convenient belt use but I'm not trading it away. The K-22s are very durable, over-built revolvers. The K-22's most popular barrel length was 6-inches and with the right holster could be carried high enough to be comfortable. The 4-inch Model 18 K-22 might be a better bet in a belt holster though.

You'd be best served with a 4 or 5 inch barrel as you mention and .22 Long Rifle will effectively deal with small game for the pot. The .22 Magnum might be nice if a spare cylinder was handy but is unnecessary. Lot's of rabbits and squirrels have fallen to my .22 revolver loaded with plain ol' .22 LR solids.

The pellet rifle idea has merit. Cottontails and gray squirrels go down for the count when fairly hit with a good air rifle. Make good snacks too.

[BkCo1]

12 gauge loaded with #6 shot will kill all small game and not destory it. Just don't be standing on top of it when you shoot one. Can you change chokes on your shotgun? Mod works best.
Semper Fi

[Superhouse 15]

I bougt a 6" and 4" K-22 for a similar purpose, but the tight match chambers make it hard to load after a few cylinders. It's super accurate with ammo it likes, but some (notably CCI Stinger amd Segmented HP) are hard to seat in the chambers when clean. it's just too maintenence intensive for a survival situation. I have a Single Six and I'd use that if I had a revolver need. Honestly now I use a Ruger MK II that's accurate as a rifle and reliable even when dirty.

[Stevew]

I have the Bearcat and the Single Six Convertable. I think the Bearcats is the cat's meow. This is my second convertable and I doubt between the two I have shot 50 rounds of 22Mag. I would go with the Bearcat. I tend to agree with your fried about barrel length and if I went with the Single Six I would look for the 4 5/8 barrel.