Is it okay to ask a gun question....okay, several gun questions?

[farmerlor]

I want to buy Greg a gun for predator protection and just in case we have to put a horse or cow down in an emergency. He was an expert marksman in the army (I'm guessing with rifles) so he knows a little something about guns. Me, Daddy had some real special colt revolver hand gun and a shotgun he used to shoot and miss when he went "hunting" for pheasants so I know nothing about guns.
My questions: What kind of gun should I be getting? Is a shotgun enough power to put down a horse? Isn't a rifle overkill if he's shooting a fox? Does a handgun even figure into the equation? I've found a guy with a Mossberg that's practically new, in the box with instructions (?) and everything. He wants 250. Is that a lot, too much, good deal?
Thanks everyone

 

[Teach97]

power may not be the exact right thing you are asking about....think effectiveness...shotguns make great big holes...is this really how you want to put down a horse or cow? I would suggest a rifle in a smaller calibur...you can get close to the horse or cow and that is all you need. Having been in the military he will be familiar with the .223 cartridge. i would suggest a gun of this calibur. Lots to choose from...heck...he can get one that looks just like the M-16! Great little gun...as far as the Mossburg goes...about right...might be a tad high...but pretty close...haven't priced one in a few months

 

[HarlansHollowFarms]

Normally, there are different guns for differnent circumstances......I am not sure which is which...DH is the hunter, but I know, I like the 12 gauge pump action...both for birds and deer, I think I just like the sound of power!

 

[La Mike]

A shotgun will kill just about anything up- close not so good far away
Pistol would be fine too I have a seventeen that will mess up whatever gets shot with it
As far as the Mossberg need more info as in mod caliber stock style

 

[ThePamperedPullet]

I agree with teach. A small calibre rifle would be more practical. They did make a great little rifle call a Mini 14 Ranch Rifle that came in .223 calibre. You could probably find one at a local pawn shop if you called around.

 

[ChickenToes]

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I agree. A .223 would be a good choice, powerful enough to do the job without being overkill.

 

[farmerlor]

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Errrrmmmm, good point. My beloved horse deserves better than that. Thanks.

 

[farmerlor]

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The Mossberg in question is a Mossberg 500 if that tells you anything.

 

[Cara]

My husband uses my .22 Henry for putting down horses or cattle. A shotgun would not be a good choice, it would be messy to say the least. I think he also uses his .22 revolver if he doesn't happen to have my rifle with him.

 

[Teach97]

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Errrrmmmm, good point. My beloved horse deserves better than that. Thanks.

Most folks don't like the idea of that and a beloved animal...

The mini-14 is a very common "ranch gun"....look at the various AR-15's those would be the M-16 styles