Weapon suggestion

[eggboy]

That sounds like a good plan on the b.b. gun and then the magnum. To keep the gun safe either keep it in a locked room, put a trigger lock on it or buy a padded gun case and padlock the case.
You could also get a gun safe but that would cost at least a hundred dollars for a cheap one.

 

[moetrout]

Quote:
No disagreement about that. I just find them a little light for bigger animals, which is basically what you are saying as well.

One other comment from me. Anyone looking inot a shotgun might want to consider a 20 gauge over a .410 shotgun. The .410 shotguns do not really pattern as well and ammo is expensive. A 20 gauge kicks only a little more, patterns much better, and ammo is dirt cheap (20 bucks a hundred).

 

[dacjohns]

Quote:
Some things to consider:

First of learn the laws for your state and local laws concerning shooting wild and domestic animals. Learn for yourself. What is lawful in Tennessee might not be legal where you live.

You mentioned coyotes, bobcats, and dogs. You have to be a really good shot to kill those animals with a .22LR. If you want a small caliber weapon I would go with something that has more killing power.

You mentioned light recoil. A rifle in an AR platform should meet that requirement. The recoil is absorbed by a buffer spring in the stock. It might be a pricey weapon though and it is a, gasp, "assault rifle".

Shotguns are a good option but you need to be in range. They probably won't reach out and touch a coyote or bobcat unless you are fast and catch them in the act.

 

[Chicken Rustler]

For me for dogs PAINTBALL is the first chance. And I use bright pink paint so it will show the owners the dog has been where it is not welcome. A decent paintball gun will also cause a nice sting.
While a WELL PLACED .22 will take down even some larger animals. I like to make sureI do it once and do it right. So my choice for repeat dogs or wild critters up close it is a 12 guage with double ought buck (thats 9 .32cal hits all at once) and if I need to reach out there .270.

For you I agree with learn the local laws, get training, Find what feels good to you. I also agree with start with PAINTBALL, BB OR PELLET gun. There are some very good pellet guns that are also .22 and can be lethal.

 

[eggboy]

A rifle in an AR platform should meet that requirement.

That is what I was about to say!​

 

[eggboy]

Chicken Rustler said

For me for dogs PAINTBALL is the first chance. And I use bright pink paint so it will show the owners the dog has been where it is not welcome. A decent paintball gun will also cause a nice sting.
While a WELL PLACED .22 will take down even some larger animals. I like to make sureI do it once and do it right. So my choice for repeat dogs or wild critters up close it is a 12 guage with double ought buck (thats 9 .32cal hits all at once) and if I need to reach out there .270.

For you I agree with learn the local laws, get training, Find what feels good to you. I also agree with start with PAINTBALL, BB OR PELLET gun. There are some very good pellet guns that are also .22 and can be lethal.

I have been considering using a paintball gun for neighborhood dogs. What kind of paintball gun do you use?​

 

[Chicken Rustler]

Quote:
I have been considering using a paintball gun for neighborhood dogs. What kind of paintball gun do you use?

I have a TIPPMAN 98 I really like it and when Ifan the trigger it will almost put out asloid line of paint. Also when I gamed with it I never had trouble with broken paint. Even if it did break I was able to play on rather than have to stop and swab the bore. I chrono and keep mine just a hair under 300 fps. to decrease breakage and to stay legal on play fields.

 

[eggboy]

Thanks! So at 300 fps that scares off dogs?

 

[Chicken Rustler]

Quote:
Yes 300 fps will draw blood welts.

 

[thekid]

Well if you live out in the country with no houses around I say go for a 20 guage, most people are going to say .22 LR but if you want a .22 LR you might as well just spend the extra $20 on a 17 HMR. A 17 HMR is basically a neck down version of the .22WMR (basically they took away all the fat and make it pure muscle). A 17HMR is better than a .22 LR owned and tested personally.