Handgun for grouse

[Dmc]

New grouse hunter here- for those that hunt with handguns- are you aiming for headshots? Sorry if this is a dumb question!!

[CarbonHunter]

No we usually aim for the top of the neck.

[Twispriver]

If you're using a .22, the base of the wing is a good place to aim.

[metlhead]

Earhole. Seriously, if you can aim at and hit their head, go for it. I commend you on your wicked handgun skills.

[Wingin it]

Where the neck meets the head. Hit a little high, head shot, a little low neck shot.

[e_sander]

I've gotten one with a .410 out of a Rossi brawler, but it was pretty close.  The pattern on those is not good past just a few yards ( < 4).  That said, it was lucky, and I wouldn't recommend it, and if I had the shot again I wouldn't take it (we patterned the gun after taking the grouse, and realized it was a lucky hit).

I then bought a .22 Ruger Wrangler, but I can't get it to hit anything, so still need to try some better ammo. (I can hit anything else just fine with my other pistols).

If I could do it all over, I'd spend the extra money for a nice semi-auto hunting .22, and absolutely put an optic on it.  After-all, we only want to take the best ethical shots.  Seeing a wounded bird get away is the worst.

[hunter399]

I have a wrangler.
Shoots pretty good,if I remember correctly.
It shoots a little high,like 2in high at 50 yards.
When I set up pop cans ,I end up shooting right over the top of them.
When I aim at the base of can ,it will hit dead on.
Left and right is dead on.
No adjustment sights on those pistols.

You have to play with it ,and most likely compensate for it.
Or put a mark on front site ,hold it and aim the same every time.
I've been running agulila 22lr ,solid,maybe try that ammo.

[Griiz]

I’ve shot lots of them with a 22 pistol. Just aim at body unless you are a crack shot. 22s don’t ruin much meat.

[timberfaller]

Ruger MKII,  great head popper!   Of course, its takes some practice time with a great handgun.

TC contender in 44mag does wonders too!

But then again, you have to know your firearm!

[MADMAX]

When I do
I use a high standard 22

[hunter399]

I'd definitely try different velocity ammo.
How mine shoots high,I'm sure if I went to a lower velocity.
It would most likely shoot dead on.

Try to stay away from hollow points,stinger,stuff like that.
Good solid point,you can shoot em in the breast with minimal damage.

[EnglishSetter]

.22 solid doesn't mess up much meat.  Eaten plenty of bunnies and few birds taken with .22.

I carry an older slab-side Buckmark that shoots like a laser with factory sights with my eyes being the limiting factor.  I have a S&W 41 with ultra-dot, but it's less convenient and the Buckmark will actually give the S&W a run for it's money.

I have a Wrangler, but IMO it's minute of soda can at 25 yards with it's crude sights.

[Kingofthemountain83]

I have a TC Contender in 410/45 Colt with a 12" barrel and a removable choke... Have shot more grouse with it than I can remember... Some past 30 yards... And every shot is a head shot! 

[wadu1]

I'm an old school Army guy so I shoot a 1911 with a .22 conversion target slide. It prefers standard velocity ammo like the Remington Golden or CCI, solid no need for hollow points. Does the job on bunnies as well.

[Fletch]

I shoot a ruger single six or mark III.  I agree with solid points and hit em where you're comfortable.  Not a lot of meat damage from the solid point.

[ghosthunter]

If I am hunting I always have a judge or Bond with me. 410/ 45 . Yeah they aren’t ideal but the judge works.
Can’t remember but I think there is a minimum barrel length requirement so check that out before you buy.

My favorite grouse gun right now is a Stoeger Coach gun in 410. But that’s off topic.

[e_sander]

I have a wrangler.
Shoots pretty good,if I remember correctly.
It shoots a little high,like 2in high at 50 yards.
When I set up pop cans ,I end up shooting right over the top of them.
When I aim at the base of can ,it will hit dead on.
Left and right is dead on.
No adjustment sights on those pistols.

You have to play with it ,and most likely compensate for it.
Or put a mark on front site ,hold it and aim the same every time.
I've been running agulila 22lr ,solid,maybe try that ammo.

Noted! thanks

[kselkhunter]

When big game hunting, I'm usually packing my suppressed 22lr pistol on a leg holster.  Takes practice to be accurate with it out to longer ranges with subsonic ammo.  I always try to get as close as I can.   I just don't want to make noise if I'm elk hunting.   

Otherwise, I have a breakdown Savage 42 Takedown that I sometimes carry in my backpack.  That thing is great for grouse.  Not a pistol, but breaks down to 20" length and comes with carry bag.   I usually shoot subsonic 22lr, or switch to 410 if I'm OK making some noise.  It's a surprisingly accurate gun.  Much easier to hit a grouse at distance with it than a pistol.

[SeaRun1]

The Ruger Mk IV Hunter is an accurate 22 if you have a little money burning a hole in your pocket.  About as accurate as a pistol gets for me.

SR1

[hunter399]

I have a wrangler.
Shoots pretty good,if I remember correctly.
It shoots a little high,like 2in high at 50 yards.
When I set up pop cans ,I end up shooting right over the top of them.
When I aim at the base of can ,it will hit dead on.
Left and right is dead on.
No adjustment sights on those pistols.

You have to play with it ,and most likely compensate for it.
Or put a mark on front site ,hold it and aim the same every time.
I've been running agulila 22lr ,solid,maybe try that ammo.

Noted! thanks

Heck ya man .
Play with her a bit.
Little bit of finger nail polish or whiteout,or paint marker on the front site .
Should help to bury that front site in the rear site.
Give it a shot,22 is fun to play around anyway.
Good luck.