Quote:
And I do hope that you are not saying that those of us that are 55 years old and grew up with guns do not know what we are talking about since we favor the .22LR for predators,including coyote.
Remember, the topic is NOT hunting,where the shots are 100+ yards. What we have been talking about are CLOSE RANGE shots for the protection of our animals. If this was a hunting discussion I would also advise the centerfire rifle calibers.
It's been an enlightening thread but I think it has served it's purpose. I hope the original poster and anyone else following has not become more confused by the information thrown out here. As no poster has identified themselves as a certified firearms instructor or otherwise CERTIFIED in predator control take all the information given in this thread with the proverbial grain of salt. It comes from many combined years of experience,in all areas of the country,from the hill and woods to open plains,and each area has it's own difficulties. My 30-40 yard shots may be 100 yards to someone in Kansas.
I think two things stand out more than anything else from this thread. Above all else ,get what you can comfortably handle,and PRACTICE until you feel comfortable with the shots you may need to take. And take a serious look at what distance becomes a threat to your livestock/pets and what distance is "just passin' through". There is a difference!
Off my soapbox now.
Larry
I have been a licensed hunter since 1955 and when I severed our country Uncle Sam liked my shooting so much he gave me a special job handling rifles. I worked as a representative for a large arms company for many years putting on shooting expeditions. Though never certified as a predator hunter, I still today remove unwanted critters for farmers, ranchers and different states.
When someone asks about what gun would be the best one, I give my best answer not knowing where they live or how close they are to others. But what I take into consideration is, a fast clean kill for the animal. NO CRITTER SHOULD SUFFER A SLOW DEATH.
If a person can only take a 30 or 40 yard shot, they need to get a trap, then shoot the critter.
I know many that don't like my approch to handkling predators, but others do. A person must do what they have to.
Anything I tell someone what gun to use, I think of which one I would use and go one size larger. Like shoes, a person buys an 11 because they feel good, knowing they only wear a10.
Again, my situation is much different than others. I can sit on my proch and shoot a predator across the pasture at 500 yards with no fear of hitting anyone or thing at the other end of the shot.
Here is the best answer for this question, can you kill a coyote with a 22 or 410, YES. As was stated once, I can cripple the coyote with my 22, then walk up and kill it. What is this critter feeling during this walk?
Now it is my turn to step down off the soapbox.
