As the weather warms and the sunshine beckons, it’s time to knock the rust off that trigger finger. What better way than to pack a picnic basket of delectable goodies and a bag of your favorite rimfires and head outdoors? Like a proper picnic, there’s a snack for every taste. Come take a tour of some of my favorite plinkers!
Before we dig into our picnic basket of goodies, a note about plinking. It’s a sound, an activity and a mindset, all in one. It’s therapy wrapped in brass and fun, sent from the heart. For many of us, it’s what triggered the insatiable appetite we share for shooting, hunting and guns. Were it not for “plinking,” I know I wouldn’t be writing this story and you most likely wouldn’t be reading it.
With that in mind, let’s go on a plinker picnic.
Charcuterie—Lunchable of the Adult World
In my humble opinion, every good picnic starts with a solid charcuterie board. A proper selection of meats, cheeses, nuts, fruits, snackles and assorted goodies must be included. Add in some jams, crackers, pickled garlic and chocolate, and you really have something. As a child of the 80s, I guess I’m still stuck in the “Lunchable” mindset. Charcuterie is just a Lunchable for adults…
Basically, we want to have a little bit of everything. Toward that end, I’m going to run through a handful of revolvers sprinkled in with a couple of my favorite semi-autos. Let’s dig in!
Tater Salad
A spring picnic must include a stout potato salad. That pound for pound powerhouse that gets sketchy in the sun but has a delightful creamy crunch when it emerges from the cooler. Our potato salad pew-pew equivalent is the Smith & Wesson Model 617 in .22 LR. This big-boned beauty weighs in at just under 3 pounds (unloaded). With heavy contour wood grips and a fluted cylinder, it is a lovely addition to your spring plinking adventures.
On the Lighter Side
Who loves Coleslaw? There’s just something iconically “summer” about a big bowl of that crunchy goodness. However, there are two distinct tastes when it comes to the stuff. Kind of like the great cilantro debate or pineapple on pizza problem, there really isn’t any middle ground for most people when it comes to the appropriate type of Coleslaw. Traditional creamy vs. Vinegar? Where do you land?
For those that like a little extra caloric boost, we have the Smith & Wesson Model 63. This is an 8-shot full-steel J-frame revolver in .22 LR. With an adorable little barrel and contoured Pachmayr grips, it’s both comfy to hold and fun to shoot. Whether seeking double or single action cadence, it’s a great addition to your spring plinking line-up.
If you prefer vinegar with your Coleslaw, check out the skinny margarita equivalent of a plinker—the S&W AirLite Model 317 in .22 LR. This is an 8-shot aluminum revolver that tips the scales at just 11 ounces (unloaded). With minimal weight and very little recoil, it’s a recipe for fun in the sun. Again, whether looking for single- or double-action shooting, this little darling will do it.
Switching gears a bit, let’s look at some semi-auto options.
The HI-gher Standard—The Grey Poupon of Plinkers
Most people have a special fondness for the “first gun” they every shot. For me, it was my dad’s Hi-Standard Sport King. I’ll never forget that first trip to the range one hot August Saturday. That first steel plate that went “tink!” And the smile on my face after that first mag.
While he kept that one, I was gifted one nearly identical to it last year. It is perfect for all kinds of plinking pleasure. It’s accurate, easy to shoot and possesses a super clean sight plane for shooters learning their way around irons. Pair those traits with a comfortable balanced feel and contoured grips, it is a great one to have in the plinking arsenal.
The Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Surprise!
One of my favorite handguns I’ve picked up in the last year is the Taurus TX22. This little black-polymer gem is like the bag of cookies at the bottom of the basket you thought was oatmeal raisin but ended up being chocolate chip instead. Talk about exceeding expectations!
The TX22 is not only fun and easy to shoot, it consumes most types of .22 LR ammo with equal indifference. For a friendly price point semi-auto, this is a rare trait indeed! Adding to the surprise is the fact that it’s threaded. Paired with a Silencer Central Banish 22 suppressor, it is a marvelous little plinking package. In comparison to the Grey Poupon above, this is a smooth, mild and soft little plinker, thanks to the suppressor.
Single-Serve Snack
Some snacks are quantity driven; think Pringles—you can’t have just one … On the other hand, some are single-serve adventures. That brings us to the Ruger Single Six in .22 LR. With classic lines and single-action function, it’s more like a carefully wrapped morsel of rich dark chocolate. There really is something frontier-like about the clickety click of a classic single-action revolver on a warm spring day…
With a well-rounded picnic basket and an equally balanced gun bag, your spring adventures promise to be both filling and fun. As spring becomes summer and more lead goes down range, remember a few things:
First, trigger time is always fun. Rimfires just make it more affordable.
Second, plinking is cheaper than therapy.
Third, trigger time with good people is one of life’s finest delicacies.
#Whatsinyourpicnicbasket
Happy Shooting!
Andi
