.22 Rifle or .22 Pistol?

[LadyTrapper88]

I was wondering what works best for killing cage-trapped animals - a .22 rifle or a .22 pistol. A pistol seems like it would be easier to carry. I'm new to trapping, I'll be starting next season, so any advice would be much appreciated.

[400out]

If thats all your planning on shotting then I would say pistol, but if you might be into getting some grouse I would pack a rifle but it would depend on what esle your packing and if it's going to be more of a pain than it's worth  And welcome to the site 

[Threebyfour]

Whenever im pullin traps i carry my browning heavy barrel .22 semi auto pistol. Has never let me down, not once, some coons can be tough, really tough, had a couple chew on the end of the barrel after the shot to the head! Load the mag with premium ammo of your choice, not the cheap stuff. happy trapping!!

[Machias]

I carry a Heritage Rough Rider, cost me $116 and has the cylinder for .22 and the cylinder for .22 mag. I only use the .22 long rifle shells for dispatching game.

[LadyTrapper88]

Thanks!

[carpsniperg2]

Welcome to the site. A hangun is great for taking care of trapped critters. Rifles work well also but like you said they do take a bit more to pack around.

[LadyTrapper88]

@ carpsniperg2

Thank you!

[Humptulips]

Believe me a rifle  is a pain when you are trapping. Too much stuff to carry as it is. I have an older cheap 22 revolver. I do not take very good care of it and it shows it but it does the job.
Very accurate out to about 6 feet  which is more then enough.
I use long rifles and they are a little more then you need. Shorts are enough but so hard to find unless you see the mini-mags which are to powerfull.

[LadyTrapper88]

It might seem like a stupid question but how close can I get to shoot the animal?

[rasbo]

I was wondering what works best for killing cage-trapped animals - a .22 rifle or a .22 pistol. A pistol seems like it would be easier to carry. I'm new to trapping, I'll be starting next season, so any advice would be much appreciated.

I use 22 shorts,I have a single shot rifle that is very short,and rides in my pack..

[lokidog]

I was wondering what works best for killing cage-trapped animals - a .22 rifle or a .22 pistol. A pistol seems like it would be easier to carry. I'm new to trapping, I'll be starting next season, so any advice would be much appreciated.

I use 22 shorts,I have a single shot rifle that is very short,and rides in my pack..

You must have wussy coons, we've flattened shorts on several coon's skulls at point blank with the Ruger pistol.  LR only for me.    

[Boss .300 winmag]

.17hmr never know when you might have to take a longer shot. The canadian trap line dude shot a full grown wolf with it, one shot one kill now thats Bad a&&!  And it wasn't in a trap.

[Humptulips]

It might seem like a stupid question but how close can I get to shoot the animal?

Most of my shots are less then two feet. My first cat this year was about two inches and the second about 18 inches. With cage traps I like to stick the barrel through the cage to avoid hitting the cage. That puts you within at most three feet.
It is wishful thinking to think you will have the oppurtunity to kill something not in your trap for the most part. I have done it but while driving the road. If you want a rifle for that keep it in the car and take the pistol for dispatch.

[LadyTrapper88]

Thanks for the info Bruce. 

[Kowsrule30]

My Dad always carried his 22 Marlin rifle with a 5 shot mag...... But that's all he had growing up other then the 16 gauge....