Gun suggestions for predators-really

[Intheswamp]

Quote:
You're kidding, right?
You can buy 380 everywhere and the UMC brand is cheap. I used to buy it at Wal mart. I have a Sig 232 and Kel-tec 3AT, so I shoot that caliber a bit.

For varmits, I prefer a .22 rifle like a Winchester '98.

Right now its darn near impossible to find ANYHTING other than shot shells. Even 22 LR are back ordered around here.
Too many folks hording ammo they say...

Ditto... Just this morning I talked with an owner of one of the southeast's regions larger hunting/fishing goods distributors. He stated that ammo right now is almost non-existant. The demand is through the roof and the supply is small. Also, one of the largest reloaders in the country, Georgia Arms, is close to two months behind on orders. Losing the contract on purchasing the military's spent brass has really hurt them. (Federal government decided to de-militarize the brass rather than selling it and recouping some of our tax dollars).

But, yes, ammo is getting in very short supply. I bought a box (the only one they had) of .357 Winchester hp the other night at Wallyworld...the clerk said they just basically didn't have any stock and they only get a trickle when they get it....the shelves looked like it too.

If I had to choose a single gun for predator/varmints....my pick would be a long barrel .410 with either #4 or 00 buckshot depending on the varmit...pumps are nice.

ETA: If the varmit is a bear or something I want a clear exit path, forget the gun!!!!!

Ed

 

[Uppity Peon]

The 410 should do just fine.

 

[WalkingWolf]

ETA: If the varmit is a bear or something I want a clear exit path, forget the gun!!!!!

Or bring a friend that you can outrun.

 

[Intheswamp]

Quote:
Or bring a friend that you can outrun.

You know, I knowed that!!! Just didn't want any friends reading that I knew it!!!

Ed

 

[G Wiz Ranch]

I have one for you, but I havn't gotten arround to sighting it in yet. It is a over/under "combo". It has a 20 gauge AND a .17HMR barrel. You can select which one you want to shot the at the last second.

 

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

Isn't a gun really just a band-aid for a shoddily-built coop?

I haven't lost a chicken yet that I didn't lose myself.

Edited for language. ~Lisa~​

 

[thomast77]

I must agree with the other users who have mentioned the .17 HMR. It is smaller that a .22 but it packs a bigger wallop. However a well placed shot from either .22 or .17HMR will have the same result a dead varmint. Practice makes perfect. Anything in .223 like a mini-14 would be a good choice as well. Here is a video I found on youtube comparing a .22 to a .17HMR that is interesting.

 

[bluey]

The nicest feature about the .22 is that it sounds no louder than a firecracker. It's not loud enough to raise much of an alarm with the neighbors.

 

[Boondachs]

Quote:
Reread the origianal post :

" "Alright I am a "mature" lady. Hubby travels sometimes , Say I hear a commotion in the aviary. (we live in a rural and forested area). (I used to be on a rifle team as a kid and dad used to hunt) Anyhow we have several rifles (mostly inherited) , 22, 410, shotgun, deer rifles, hubby has a 9 mm pistol. and I am wondering the best gun for predators.For me to handle (I am average size and fairly strong for my age, which I won't tell)
Say for coons? coyotes?---then there are the local ratttleankes and copperheads-- I won't mention bobcats and bear could come down- but there is an perimeter fence and electric fences.
Pistol suggestions possibly too. (I also trailride)--Mainly pistols seem to be to big in the grip for me comfortably.I have wide square hands, but short fingers.

 

[Boondachs]

Quote:
ooooo who makes that???