Grouse with a 22

[fowl smacker]

Shot plenty with an open sight Ruger 10/22.  Head shots.

[Sitka_Blacktail]

is the birdshot powerfull enough and from what dstance, i have a cheap 22 revolver that also has the 22 mag cylinder, id like to use this for grouse, and wanted to try the birdshot but didnt know how close or if it would be powerful enough

.22 long rifle sucks. But I've had good luck with .22 mag.

[Sitka_Blacktail]

For the record,  I use birdshot in my pistol only when hunting with my aught six. I have killed quite a few grouse with the aught six, but it's overkill and a slight miss can be ugly.  I have killed many many more with my 10-22. But when I'm hunting with the aught six, I don't want to be packing another rifle so I bring along the pistol for the grouse opportunities that arise. It works for me.

[pianoman9701]

I once shot the head off a grouse with a .30-30 model 94 in a neighbor's backyard. By the way, is it legal to shoot grouse with a pellet rifle?

[Bob33]

I once shot the head off a grouse with a .30-30 model 94 in a neighbor's backyard. By the way, is it legal to shoot grouse with a pellet rifle?

It is not legal.

https://wdfw.wa.gov/help/questions/92/Is+it+legal+to+use+pellet+guns%2C+air+guns%2C+or+sling+shots+to+harvest+game+birds%3F

[Dave Workman]

STOP RIGHT NOW!!!

Take this .22 you're talking about and go to the range (gravel pit, whatever) and start shooting:
Empty quart milk jugs
Water bottles in the neck
Small aluminum cans
Playing cards
Bottle caps

When you can hit them consistently...you can start shooting grouse in the head.

I'm not kidding around here. This is doable and it's fun, and it really sharpens your shooting skills. Grouse will hate you.   

[pianoman9701]

I once shot the head off a grouse with a .30-30 model 94 in a neighbor's backyard. By the way, is it legal to shoot grouse with a pellet rifle?

It is not legal.

https://wdfw.wa.gov/help/questions/92/Is+it+legal+to+use+pellet+guns%2C+air+guns%2C+or+sling+shots+to+harvest+game+birds%3F

They suck all the joy out of life!

[bearpaw]

I prefer shooting heads off with a .22 out to 30 yards, farther than that I usually shoot in the body. If you use solid points rather than hollow points I think there is less damage if you shoot in the body.

[NorseNW]

Been interested in doing this for a few years now.  Traditionally just carried my old .20 gauge and that's a bit much for birds that don't fly much.  I like the pistol idea.  What pistol do people like for shooting them?  The mark IV looks pretty common - people just use the "hunter" or is there a better option?  Wheel gun folks - which one do you prefer?

Thanks for any input

[bearpaw]

I prefer shooting heads off with a .22 out to 30 yards, farther than that I usually shoot in the body. If you use solid points rather than hollow points I think there is less damage if you shoot in the body.

I was talking .22 rifle, I'm not good enough to shoot heads with a pistol, I just go for the body with a .22 pistol and consider it lucky when i get one.

[Gunster]

I like the pistol idea.  What pistol do people like for shooting them?  The mark IV looks pretty common - people just use the "hunter" or is there a better option?  Wheel gun folks - which one do you prefer?

For Wheel guns I have a '57 Smith Wesson K22 that is a favorite.

[Tiger1358]

Early in the season it's really easy to shoot them with 22 since they're not that spooky. Later in Oct-Nov I've noticed that they become pretty spooky. I usually use a shotgun later in the season, but in September, 22 is the way to go.

[onmygame]

Both of my adult sons carry 10/22s for grouse and take several apiece each year - all head shots.

I take my fair share too - all head shots, but with a .17 HMR

[duckmen1]

As far as shooting grouse with a 22 I have a thought. What about subsonic rounds or 22 shorts for less damage to the bird if head shots are not being taken. Is that a good thought. Or would you not see much of a difference in damage to the bird. It's all about table fair. 

22 is a blast chasing grouse with. But would love to invest in a 17hmr. They are just a super cool round to carry.