Do I need a trapping pistol?

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reuben_j_cogburn

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Disclaimer: The subject is a weak excuse as best, so please don't take it too seriously.. :wink:

Personally I blame ronin, for putting the burr under my craw on this one, when he posted those pics of the little .32 he worked....... :(
Although honestly I've kinda wanted a small kitgun .22 for sometime.
I could put together a plan to fund a special purchase. Although I have several .22's that would do the job fine.... the vision of a new gun still hangs in the back of my mind. Originally I had a smith in mind.. but they are out of my price range.
And older taurus (their older kitgun clones), or even a Charter arms pathfinder would do (not the new full underlug ones.. yuk...)
But that little birdhead grip and short barrel Ruger really caught my eye...
How about a bearcat?.....
I could really use a nice small .22 to carry next winter. You know.. something I probably wouldn't need that I can't do without?... you know..... you know!......
I generally carry to much weight with me, so a "light" gun would actually appeal to me!....
I've just been out of the loop for so long when it comes to buying, or values...
whatcha think?.......
other options??
 
I know you ruled out Smiths but I've always believed the 4" model 63 was the perfect trapline revolver.This one has been my constant companion on the line since 1978 and still is in great shape.At any rate,I find double actions more handy but if I were to choose a single action,it would be a Bearcat.
 
Frankly this is a silly questions. Of course you need a trapping pistol, probably more than one.

:p

The single action, Single Six, would be my first choice. The Bearcat would be great if you want less weight.

My second choice would be an auto, make it an old Colt Woodsman as first choice with a Ruger Auto as second choice.

See, you need at least two, maybe three to be sure you have the right one.
 
Well, I it looks like I have to get at least one now!
It looks like a consenus.. and who am I to go against popular opinion!!!

WooHoo... !!!! I'm getting a trapping pistol(s)!!!!!!!!!!

I took a peek today at a few things... If I could manage a smith I was thinking a .22/.32 kit gun...
As small and light as possible.. I lug around big guns all the time.....

I really liked that birds head tho!.... although the bearcat is appealing... I'll just have to look now, to get idea's.. Trapping season is only 6 months away!
And I still have to find a way to get the funds together!
 
Bearcat shopkeeper, .22 birdhead grip, get the money saved up, deal done!
 
Perfect packing trapline pistol for dispatch,,, the Bearcat Shopkeeper.
No excuses needed,,, you are in THE place where it's a practical expense.
 
These days mine rides in a flap shoulder holster(also converts to belt).It keeps it off the truck seat and the holster protects the gun from about all conditions.If I need to throw it in my pack or a tool bag with other gear,it is as protected as it would be in a pistol rug.It is the only reason my grips still look good.

I should add that I also like a gun accurate enough to take small game along the way,as well.I usually carry a full cylinder of 40 gr Hi Velocity but switch to a short or CB for dispatch.That's what makes the double action's swing out cylinder so handy.You may not need to do that.I do however like the looks of that little Bearcat Shopkeeper.
 
I take my BearCat on trapping rounds, but, I had to redo the sights before POA and POI coincided. It was pretty useless before that.



I've carried this 34 a zillion miles since 1977, and by all manner of conveyance (including on foot). I haven't hurt it any. It's more accurate than the BearCat, and with great sights.


This Beretta is only 20 oz and quite accurate, if a semi-auto will work for you.

 
When I ran a trapline as a kid in northern Minnesota, I carried an RST4. If I remember correctly, I paid something like $37 for it, and the dealer threw in a box of .22 LR (about $0.50 at the time).

In addition to finishing off any live trapped animal, it harvested more than a few snowshoe bunnies along the way.
 
Some of my under $400 "trapping" guns although I don't do any trapping:

Two lightweights:
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Shorty 3 1/2" old model:
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327 Fed Mag old model:
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Pre war 22 Smith 3 1/2":
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You definitely need the little Bearcat Shopkeeper, but I'd say a little 32 mag is just what the doc ordered. Now take the Rx post haste to your local pharmacy! :cool:
 
While you might not want a single shot pistol, this little Savage 101 would make a great little trapping pistol or kit gun. I got this one last year for the grand sum of $60. I plan on using some .22 Shorts that I have and maybe whacking some frogs and the occasional chipmunk or red squirrel.

 
Short Barrel said:
Holy smokes,that pre-war Smith is amazing!What a gem.

Thanks Short Barrel,

It started life as a 6" 22/32 Heavy Frame Target usually known as the "Bekeart" model, from the late 1920s. It came to me cheap with a bulged barrel and almost no finish. A quick barrel shortening and salvaging of the original front sight and base soldered back on was an easy and inexpensive solution along with a re-finish. The 'outdoorsy' vintage Sambar stag grips replacing the huge target grips seemed appropriate for it's new role as a 'kit gun' and backpacking companion. It's an excellent shooter and worry-free pocket trail gun. My grandkids love it and shoot it well with it's target sights, small grip and lightweight.
 

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