New to Prepping? The .22 Rimfire is a Prepper Must
Dr. John Woods 11.21.16
If you’re new to the prepping scene, then you may not be aware of the prime utility of a good .22 rimfire rifle or an added rimfire handgun. We love to argue the pros and cons of this gun or that gun or one cartridge over another for one shooting task or mission, but very few deny the generally accepted practice of owning a good rimfire gun.
Why is this? There are too many reasons to list, but foremost, the average .22 rimfire rifle, revolver, or pistol is easy, fun, and cheap(er) to shoot. You can take a very basic rimfire rifle like a popular Ruger 10-22, a Marlin 39A, Savage, Remington, or other model and accomplish lots of shooting missions.
So, what exactly can you do with a .22 rimfire rifle or handgun? First, I think of having one around a bug out camp or isolated location for pest control. Between snakes, rabid rats, and other small four-footed vermin, a .22 is a close quarter’s taskmaster for these jobs. The .22 rifle is very accurate for chose shots, and it is quiet to shoot as well. No need to draw attention to your hideout until you need to.
The rimfire is perfect for a wide variety of small game hunting tasks to add some meat to the prepper pot. The .22 is ideal for squirrel hunting, popping rabbits, sneaking close on a sitting grouse, or even a wild turkey if you are stealthy enough hunter. There are many other options, too, for hunting with a .22 firearm.
Though plenty of folks will argue against this, the .22 can be used as a self-defense and security deterrent weapon. Ideal? No. But what I am suggesting is that having a good .22 rifle to fend off a prowling trespasser or other threat is way better than throwing a rock or using a 2×4 piece of wood.
Having a good Ruger 10-22 with a 20-30 round magazine is certainly one way to change the mind of somebody creeping too close to home or family. Sailing a few bullets of any kind over the heads of an unwelcome threat offers some measure of protection over other avenues.
Rimfire ammo is available once again at reasonable prices. I highly suggest prepping up with a good rimfire and stocking up on ammo.
