Many of us here have been learning and using the acronym SSS. Many of us are rural, and while we didn't have chickens or pets smaller than a pony, predators etc were not a problem. Then we got chickens. Then we started learning that a gun is a handy tool to have around.
First let me say that I'm a STAUNCH advocate of two things: (1) Using a Hav-A-Hart type trap to trap, if at all possible, so that you can dispatch your critter where there is a FOR-SURE safe backstop, and (2) Getting proper training in shooting, legalities, safety, hunter education, etc. When in doubt, take another class! Honestly!
OK now, I have found a line of guns, and bought one myself today, that I think are just right for our type of real-world shooting, and our types of people, IE, not necessarily gun-nuts, not necessarily he-men or men at all, etc. They are the Henry lever-action rifles. I looked at 'em all, worked actions, looked at prices and alternates, and the one I bought is the Youth model. Er, I'm not a Youth. But I'm Youth sized, and have done a long enough list of hairy he-man stuff in my life, a lot of it much more than once because it was good dangerous fun, that I don't care if a gun comes with a pink stock and is the Barbie model, if it fits and works for me, I use it. So, for me, because I'm 5'4" on a tall day and know a bit about gun fit, it's the Youth model for me. There's also the standard model, the "yellow boy" which has a pretty gold colored body (which the call the receiver on a gun) and a carbine that has a big loop lever on it. They all have these things to recommend them:
They have SMOOTH actions and are really easy to cock.
They are not high-priced. We're talking $300 tops.
There's not "more stuff" to buy, no getting $100 worth of spare magazines, no "gadgetitus" like with the Ruger 10/22
They are FRIENDLY. They do not LOOK intimidating, they are not intimidating to operate.
They are used in "cowboy action shooting" which is a friendly bunch of folks, if you want to do more than dispatch possums.
It is a very easy to understand mechanism, hammer's back, it can fire. Hammer's down, it can't. Good enough for the Old West and good enough for you.
Because there's a Youth model, small guys, gals, Youths, can get one that fits them.
Because there's the Carbine model with the big lever loop, there's your winter gun for shooting with gloves.
Because there's the standard model, you average size guys are going to be fine.
Because you can always stack a few extra spacers on the butt, you big/tall guys are taken care of.
So if you are thinking about getting a "farm gun", this is a line to consider.
(And in closing, I am in fact one of those "gun nuts" and have done it all from plinking to rather serious competition, I'll happily answer any and all gun questions, feel free to PM me and I'll try to help you out.)
First let me say that I'm a STAUNCH advocate of two things: (1) Using a Hav-A-Hart type trap to trap, if at all possible, so that you can dispatch your critter where there is a FOR-SURE safe backstop, and (2) Getting proper training in shooting, legalities, safety, hunter education, etc. When in doubt, take another class! Honestly!
OK now, I have found a line of guns, and bought one myself today, that I think are just right for our type of real-world shooting, and our types of people, IE, not necessarily gun-nuts, not necessarily he-men or men at all, etc. They are the Henry lever-action rifles. I looked at 'em all, worked actions, looked at prices and alternates, and the one I bought is the Youth model. Er, I'm not a Youth. But I'm Youth sized, and have done a long enough list of hairy he-man stuff in my life, a lot of it much more than once because it was good dangerous fun, that I don't care if a gun comes with a pink stock and is the Barbie model, if it fits and works for me, I use it. So, for me, because I'm 5'4" on a tall day and know a bit about gun fit, it's the Youth model for me. There's also the standard model, the "yellow boy" which has a pretty gold colored body (which the call the receiver on a gun) and a carbine that has a big loop lever on it. They all have these things to recommend them:
They have SMOOTH actions and are really easy to cock.
They are not high-priced. We're talking $300 tops.
There's not "more stuff" to buy, no getting $100 worth of spare magazines, no "gadgetitus" like with the Ruger 10/22
They are FRIENDLY. They do not LOOK intimidating, they are not intimidating to operate.
They are used in "cowboy action shooting" which is a friendly bunch of folks, if you want to do more than dispatch possums.
It is a very easy to understand mechanism, hammer's back, it can fire. Hammer's down, it can't. Good enough for the Old West and good enough for you.
Because there's a Youth model, small guys, gals, Youths, can get one that fits them.
Because there's the Carbine model with the big lever loop, there's your winter gun for shooting with gloves.
Because there's the standard model, you average size guys are going to be fine.
Because you can always stack a few extra spacers on the butt, you big/tall guys are taken care of.
So if you are thinking about getting a "farm gun", this is a line to consider.
(And in closing, I am in fact one of those "gun nuts" and have done it all from plinking to rather serious competition, I'll happily answer any and all gun questions, feel free to PM me and I'll try to help you out.)
