There are a few important factors to take into account in choosing a gun and ammunition for varmint hunting. The handgun you select should be appropriate for the target animal. For instance, you would probably want a handgun with a high rate of fire if you are hunting small rodents like rats or mice.
If you are hunting larger prey such as groundhogs or gophers you will need a pistol with more strength and a higher caliber. Popular handgun calibers for small animals include the .22 LR, .17 HMR, and the larger .223 Remington. The higher velocity and precision of these rounds make them ideal for longer-range shooting of small, swiftly moving targets. These are fantastic options for people on a tight budget because they are far less expensive than .38, or .357 and larger calibers.
The choice between semi-auto handguns and revolvers is dependent upon personal preference and experience. Semi-automatic pistols offer a higher rate of fire and are generally more accurate than revolvers, making them a good choice for those who are looking to quickly take down multiple varmints. Revolvers, on the other hand, are generally more reliable and easier to maintain, making them an excellent choice for those new to handguns.
There are a few essential considerations to keep in mind while choosing ammunition for varmint hunting. The caliber you select should be appropriate for the target animal. As was already noted, varmint hunters frequently choose between the .22 LR, .17 HMR, and .223 Remington calibers, each of which has specific advantages and disadvantages.
The most popular caliber for small game hunting is the .22 LR, and for good reason. It is readily accessible, reasonably priced, and efficient against a variety of targets. It may not be appropriate for hunting larger animals like groundhogs or gophers because it is not as hard hitting as some of the other calibers on this list.
High-velocity, rimfire ammunition such as the .17 HMR is renowned for its precision and flat trajectory. It works well for longer-range varmint hunting and is especially effective against small, swiftly moving prey. However, it might not be as readily available and can be more expensive than .22 LR ammunition.
Some pistols can shoot the centerfire .223 Remington, which is frequently used in rifles. It is an effective caliber for hunting larger varmints like groundhogs or gophers since it is stronger than the .22 LR or .17 HMR. It is less suited though for novice shooters as is more expensive and produces more recoil than the other calibers discussed.
