Gun suggestions for predators-really

[WalkingWolf]

Quote:
Actually I believe the OP is a lady, and you obviously are no gentlemen, yes most of us know what you mean by the vulgar insinuation. Please reread the rules.

 

[WalkingWolf]

Quote:
And you can also get squib load for them that about the same as pellet gun for noise and power. I need to get around to ordering a brick, my pellet rifle has lost power and I need to find a smith who can rebuild a Czech pellet rifle.

 

[Hillbilly Rooster]

I would us your 410 or a 20 gauge.

The problem with the .22 and the 9mm for certain animals if you are kinda close. When hurt they will come after you.

Yes snake's will to.
Coons in a tree you want a shot gun and stay back. When coon hunting I have seen them jump out of a tree at you when injured.

Happy hunting

 

[Davaroo]

Quote:
ooooo who makes that???

Savage makes an over under combination rifle, and has for years.
Personally, I'd recommend these in 12 ga. If you can manage a 20 ga, you can shoot a 12 ga. Why do I say that? Because the 12 ga. is more widely available, with more shot and shell selections and, inevitably, offers a greater weight of shot per round. And shot weight is what carries the force to the target. It's simple physics.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

MYTH BUSTING TIME: There is a commonly held notion that says, "Because a shooter is a woman, she cannot handle certain calibers/bores." That is ludicrous.
Women climb mountains, dive the oceans depths and run marathons every day. But a woman cannot handle a given firearm? That is pure urban myth.
I'm a believer that any woman can handle 'most any forearm she selects, with only a bit of training. So, ladies shoot what works best for your needs. You can sort out the handling of it, with only a little determination.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

The .17 HMR is a stoked up rimfire, shooting a frangible bullet the same diameter as the common air-rifle BB. But it sends this bullet down range at very high speed. It is, therefore, extremely flat shooting and it gets there quick, quick. On target, it is nearly explosive in it's effect. For predators below the size of a medium dog, it is a good choice. For the smaller game, i.e., anything you may wish to eat yourself, it can also be considered too destructive.

The little .17 caliber burner is not re-loadable, though, being a rimfire. This may not matter to you, but it does to me. If I can't reload a cartridge, then it has diminished usefulness in my eyes.
This is added to the fact that .17 HMR may be difficult to find on local shelves and is not inexpensive.
In the end, it becomes a matter of personal choice.

Were I to select an over-under combination rifle, I'd get it in .223 WIN/12ga. But then, that's me.

 

[Boondachs]

I already have enough 12/20 guages but would like to see if there is an over under in .17 hmr / 410..... to serve as the quick and easy back yard pest dispatcher.

 

[RuffTuffCreampuff]

My DH wants me to get a shotgun, I would have to get a smaller guage one because my neck is kinda messed up. I am leary of using a shotgun though because of what if I was shooting at something just outside or inside the coop, wouldn't the spray of shots hit some of my chickens?

I really would rather have a 22 or some type of hand gun, but he feels like it wouldn't be powerful enough. I did kill a 4 foot snake yesterday with a CO2 bb gun...lol. Got him right between the eyes, but I was only about 6 feet away.

Pam

 

[Davaroo]

Quote:
Apparently, Remington has taken up the over under combination baton - as Savage Stevens seems to have dropped them.
But they only have them in .410/.22 RF/.22WMR.
The .17 HMR hasn't made the over-under lineup. Probably wont, although they look good on paper.

 

[Boondachs]

a 410 / .22wmr probably would do the job I would want it for...humm as long as the price is right.

 

[Davaroo]

Quote:
Oooo, the CS LEWIS quote. I love it!

A shotgun at close range wont spread the pattern much. But it is deadly on anything in its path. If you have physical limitations then stepping down to 20 ga. could be a good solution.
AS for whether you will hit your chickens... that is always a chance, no matter what you shoot. To minimize this problem with the shotgun, use tight chokes, aim your shot and don't shoot from more then 10-30 yards.
Contrary to popular belief, a shotgun must be aimed for best effect.And I wouldn't recommend you shoot it inside the coop!
Get a .22 handgun for that...

There are other gauges below 20, but they are uncommon. The bottom end is the .410, which seems like a good choice, at first glance. But it is really a purists round. The weight of shot is tiny and the power behind it lacking. Ammo for the .410 is actually more expensive than the larger bores, too. How it has hung on for so long is a mystery, except that I guess it just gives people something to shoot. If you want to be humbled in your shooting abilities, shoot a .410.

Now, for snakes up close they can be useful... but so can a forked stick or shovel. They have some use on predators that are close - and standing still, too. They are also not terribly noisy.

But outside of these reasons, I wouldn't consider one. You may as well stick to your pellet gun.

 

[antlers]

POSSIBLE consideration. It is for me.

When using shot around areas the chickens can be, I use STEEL shot, not lead. If your birds pick up lead pellets, they cna get lead poisioning . This should NOT be a big issue for many as steel is mandated for duck hunting but if you have an older (20 years plus) gun that has a barrel with a full choke, steel can really be dangerous to the operator.