Why do they use .22 rifles to hunt Aligators?

[BigFatGuy]

I've been watching Swamp People lately.

One thing I can't figure out: why do they hunt gator with a .22 rifle? Why not use something larger that would let the shoot the gators at more of a distance, instead pressing the barrel against the gator's skull as they usually seem to do, hoping to hit the tiny point in the skull that's weak enough for the bullet to penetrate?

[Carsgunsandchics]

They don't want a extra hole in the skin it de-values the finished product. They sell them for the hide and meat.

[21SF]

And its cheaper!

[elnielsen]

not just an extra hole, but a big hole doesn't help sell a hide

[ZenDaddy]

Thrashing pissed off gator on a string, lurching aluminum boat, angry Cajun partner hollering at you to "shoot de dam ting", cameraman pointing shiny foreign object in your face, both of your teeth chattering in the heat of the moment, NOT a good time for a large caliber firearm.

At that range .22 is plenty. I doubt that they get many opportunities to shoot at distance.

[rareair]

.22 are just as dangerous as a larger caliber.........in the hands of a capable Cajun

[scorpionking]

Because it's Made For TV.
They want the suspense and the drama of reeling Mr. Gator in.

And when the animal is that close, why waste a .223 round when a .22 LR that cost a penny will do the job?

[llamatrnr]

Because it's Made For TV.
They want the suspense and the drama of reeling Mr. Gator in.

And when the animal is that close, why waste a .223 round when a .22 LR that cost a penny will do the job?

I'll take as many $.01 22lr's as you have!

[dominic]

When I did it we didn't shoot them at all we jumped on their back and held them down until they drowned or if they were too big to hold under then we would jam our arm up their cloaca and squeeze their heart until they died, that way there were no holes in the skin at all.

[Carsgunsandchics]

I'll take as many $.01 22lr's as you have!

I'll let him double his money $0.02 each

[robcoe]

When I did it we didn't shoot them at all we jumped on their back and held them down until they drowned

Because a gator can hold it's breath a long time. Plenty long enough for another one to come up behind you while your trying to drown the first.

or if they were too big to hold under then we would jam our arm up their cloaca and squeeze their heart until they died, that way there were no holes in the skin at all

Because the last guy who would willingly fist an aligator was killed by a stingray he was trying to molest.

[Southpaw45]

Because the larger and more powerful round you use will produce more splash back. Don't think using a .357 or .44 mag at that close of range would be safe. I know I wouldn't want to do it.

[tpuig]

The brain is very small and doesn't need a big round to take it out. However, the rest of the gator surrounding that area is tough as all heck. So it's really a matter of a very well placed shot into the right area, as opposed to using an elephant gun to kill the gator. And as mentioned, it reduces the value of the hide if it looks like swiss cheese...

[Sajedene]

This thread is funny. Some of the points made are great and valid. I would like some of the penny .22s as well.

[510GUY]

I love that show , put me in for some of that .22 ammo for a penny .