Mav88 or Ruger 10/22

[u/Booj52]

I have a spare bit of cash I’m looking to spend on a small game gun. No one in my family hunts or even owns a gun, so I have no one to ask in person unfortunately.

A 10/22 and a security/field combo for a mav88 both cost around the same and I eventually would like to own both, which one would give me more utility for game birds and rabbits?

[u/FD4L]

There are some areas that don't allow .22 for birds so check your local laws before you decide.

12 gauge is the most versatile cartridge in the world but if you want to set up a rabbit shoot or hunt beyond 40 yards, a 22 is the way to go.

[u/Booj52 → u/FD4L]

I did not know that, thanks for saving me from a potential fine

[u/FD4L → u/Booj52]

Again, check your local laws. Some places its ok. Here in NS, birds need to be take with an arrow or with shot, single projectile firearms are prohibited for birds.

I think its mostly based on population density vs the size of hunting areas. You just know some yahoo is going to see an airborne pheasant and rip a magazine of .22 into the sky trying to hit it.

[u/isanthrope_may → u/Booj52]

Don’t forget your Hunters ed course.

[u/Booj52 → u/isanthrope_may]

I really do need to reup on it, took it 6 years ago now and finally I’m able to get out and about

[u/GreenMan165 → u/Booj52]

I don't know if it's the same where you are as in Sask, but here a hunter's guide is released every year with all the regs, including changing ones, that you can keep on your phone to reference and is in general good to read through to be able to follow.

[u/Old-Equivalent8393]

I'd say the Mav 88 is the most versatile out of the 2 choices. The field/security combo takes that versatility even further.

[u/Western_Wish4280]

Get this combo from basspro for only 450 plus tax. Comes with bx trigger on it and a case and viridian scopes. Get it!!

[u/Booj52 → u/Western_Wish4280]

Why do you recommend it over the mav88?

[u/Ok-Bowler-203 → u/Booj52]

Great recommendation but buy from a locally owned store if you can.

[u/squishydonut16]

Im not a hunter, but if its a game bird, you need the mav, if its a rabbit probably the 10/22?

[u/TheObviousNovice]

My money is on the Mav 88

[u/AP587011B]

Small game in the air Maverick 88

Small game on the ground a 22 for sure 

Mav 88 is more versatile that it can be used for birds in more places BUT a 22 will have much more range for either 

I would say it would depend if small animals on the ground is what you would be hunting more often than birds and if some of the areas you plan to hunt allow 22s for birds then a 10/22 is the better option 

If you plan to be going after birds more and / or nowhere around you allows 22s for birds then the 88 is better 

[u/BrotherLefthand]

Mav88 in 20ga is great for hunting smaller game. 12ga can cause some damage if your shot placement is bad.

[u/catchinNkeepinf1sh]

What kind of small game and what is your local reg? The shotgun will like be more useful, especially if you are new.

[u/Booj52 → u/catchinNkeepinf1sh]

Rabbits while I’m camping, but this year I’m going out for upland game birds, which after checking you can use a .22 for.

[u/catchinNkeepinf1sh → u/Booj52]

I would still start with the shotgun, then pick up a 22 a year or 2 on, once you knock a few down.

[u/Whispersfine]

Mav88 all the way dude. Shotgun is the most versatile tool for hunting. If I only get to keep one gun, it’s going to be a shotgun.

[u/Any-Alternative8228]

Rabbits? I'd use a 20ga. Mav88. (Personally I shoot a Rem. 410.) For dove a 12ga would suit you better. Squirrels? The 20 ga. but again I use the .410. Using a .22 shooting up at anything is dangerous if you miss. We use dogs for rabbits so a .22 isn't feasible on running game.

[u/Master-Editor2668]

.22 is all I use on grouse shoot for the base of the head little high or low it’s still a kill and no meat wasted shotguns make a mess