best .22 handgun for small game?

[heronblu]

I've owned a handful of .22 handguns over the years. Most of them I have inherited or traded for and as such have lacked in some way or another exactly what I want in a .22 pistol. I want a pistol that I can carry with me while big game hunting that is accurate enough to pop a grouse or rabbit if the opportunity presents itself, that's tough enough to take the bushwacking abuse, and is light enough that I don't notice it too much in the hip or chest holster. I have owned the Ruger 22/45 Lite so save it if that's your recommendation (take down of that gun was a nightmare). Any suggestions?

[carpsniperg2]

SR22 all the way. I carry mine suppressed and it's super light accurate enough and a solid little gun.

I owed a 22/45 and did not care for it at all. I have a mkII but to heavy.

[h2ofowlr]

SR22 is a good option or a buckmark.

[jdb]

Ruger single six. 4 5/8" barrel. I don't even know mines there most of the time.

[Ridgeratt]

A 4 inch model 63 Stainless Smith

[b23]

Like has been mentioned, you can't ever go wrong with the Ruger SR22 but if one of those just doesn't do it for you another great little 22 in that same class is Smith&Wesson's M&P 22 Compact, not the M&P 22 full size because that is a whole different gun, but the M&P 22 Compact is another great little gun and definitely worth taking a look at. 

Personally, I like the look and feel of M&P Compact better but you can't go wrong with either.

[theleo]

Colt Woodsman.

[Bill W]

Model 17 Smith.

[Stein]

Ruger Bearcat

[JDHasty]

Smith airweight J Frame.  I have one w/3" barrel, exposed hammer & adj sights on it and it only weighs a couple ounces.  Don't remember the model # 

[Oldguy]

I know it isn't a .22, but the Taurus Judge would work well with a .410 load for grouse and rabbits. I've killed rabbits with the meager shot load in a .38 special shot shell.

[Buckmark]

All good suggestions so far and i will add another, the walther p.22 with the target barrel, accurate and super light weight. Picked one up this year and i like it, carry it instead of my buckmark..

[WAcoueshunter]

If you can find one, the Buckmark Lite version with the fluted barrel is pretty sweet.  28 ounces.

[jay.sharkbait]

Some of the older Colt pistols are pretty good.

[RB]

Model 17 Smith.

 

Many Grouse have met their maker with these 

[timberfaller]

"best 22. handgun"

IS the "one" you've practiced with enough so you can HIT with it.

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

"best 22. handgun"

IS the "one" you've practiced with enough so you can HIT with it.

 

[heronblu]

"best 22. handgun"

IS the "one" you've practiced with enough so you can HIT with it.

I could hunt with just a rock if I practiced enough too. Nice reliable accurate guns work better though.

[TheSkyBuster]

Model 17 Smith.

 

Many Grouse have met their maker with these 

 

[heronblu]

Thanks for the response everyone. I went ahead and bought a Browning buckmark. Ill be out bear hunting/deer scouting/grouse hunting tomorrow so hopefully it'll come in handy.