Just that.  I really hate snakes and spiders and might be moving.  Want some thing to dispatch these critters with 22 shot shells or the like.  Must be small and cheap for hikeing because I love the out doors, just not what lives in it.  

Take a look at the first link if you want a semi-auto, but if it were me I’d go with the revolver (second link) especially because you want to use shot-shells.

www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=12117078

www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=12114224

The Phoenix Arms HP22 looks like a great little tackle box snake charmer.  Should be easy to find one under $150.

I second the HP22, they've received good reviews and look pretty simple to take down and clean. I'd also recomend the walther p-22, they can be had around here for around $200 and you can get a barrel extension for it.

I bought a hp22 about 1-2 years ago, I would not buy one ever again. It functioned excellent for the first 200-400 rounds. Then the slide started to not cycle as quickly. Turns out the slide is made of such soft metal that the hammer has made a dent in the bottom of the slide where it hits after the slide pushes it back. SO after 500 rounds the reliability has definetly decreased. and I only use it to introduce new shooters to pistols. I use a ruger single six to dispose of critters around the house. It works fine with the super colbris I use.

I'm with Guncracy, avoid the the the HP22 at all costs. I had exactly the same problem he describes.

Are you looking for a pistol or rifle? Be forewarned, .22 shotshells are worthless out of a rifled barrel. Especially out of a pistol.

G-U Wholesale's current add in shotgun news list Rexio single shot pistols in 22LR and 22Mag for $49.95. does'nt really fit into the small dept. It's cheap though 402-339-3530 maybe try the auction boards for something used.

 You also may want to rethink the 22 birdshot ides nobody has ever said anything positive about that load. An old police trade in model 10 with the barrel cut back and loaded with CCI 38 shot shells maybe a far better choice.

Quoted: I second the HP22, they've received good reviews and look pretty simple to take down and clean.

the HPs are anything but simple

I agree with PAPPYO, there is like 3x's as many pellets in the .38 shot shell as in the .22lr.  

So what would be a really cheap beater 38 special or 357?  But would still prefer a 22 lr, because I am just weird like that.

Beretta Model 21.



The tiny one in the lower right hand corner. 100% reliable and a neat tip up barrel.

This is what I just bought for that purpose but also have three of those shown in Pauls pic.

Berretta U22

I agree with previous replies. Do not buy a Phoenix Arms HP22. I just got rid of one.
You mentioned that you wanted to use shot shell .22's. There is not a semi-auto out there that will funtion with the low recoil of shot shells. You will definitly need a revolver.  Also, shot shell .22's are only effective for about 10 feet. After that the pattern is so spread out, you would be lucky if one pellet hit what you are aiming at.
I would suggest a revolver so you can shoot any and all .22 ammo on the market, including , shot shells.
You want something cheap? Look for a good used Taurus, Ruger or Smith. Remember, If you buy cheap,ie. unknown or low quality, they won't last and they won't be dependable.
I've been shooting for more than 40 years and have wasted enough money on "budget guns" to tell you to buy brand name weapons.  

Hope this helps you out....

Henry Repeating Arms makes a 22 survival rifle that breaks down and stores in its own stock.  Floats too.

You've got an AR-15 right?


What about a nice .22 conversion kit?