Good critter gun?

[megacabdad]

Sold my house in the city and am moving to the country in a few weeks.:cool:

I'm new when it comes to what guns are good for what...

Like the title asks, what is good for racoons and such?

TIA

[Fronty Owner]

depending on how close your neighbors are, a .22 bolt gun with a low power 50mm objective scope works nicely.
If you need to go longer distances, a .223 or .243 may be a better choice.

[megacabdad]

What is the approximate range of a .223?

[soulezoo]

Terminal range is about 1 1/2 miles. Effective range about 600 meters.

For a "critter" gun, I agree with the .22 LR as a good choice, although I'd prefer a semi-auto with a low power (4x) scope. A ruger 10-22 is an excellent choice.

[Fronty Owner]

What is the approximate range of a .223?
600 meters will get you MOC with a decent AR. perhaps a bit better with a Mini-14. a varmit rifle will get you another 100 meters or so. you start getting up to 1000 yrds, your gonna need adjustable scope bases to get enough elevation.
Terminal range is about 1 1/2 miles. Effective range about 600 meters.

For a "critter" gun, I agree with the .22 LR as a good choice, although I'd prefer a semi-auto with a low power (4x) scope. A ruger 10-22 is an excellent choice.

The advantage to a .22 bolt gun is the use of shorts and CB caps. May not be a concern, just depends on the neighbors.

[tightgroup]

.22 and .223 are both good varmint calibers.

For guns, I would recommend the 10/22 or the AR-15 in a carbine format. There are a ton of accessories for either one in case you want to change anything to fit your needs.

[megacabdad]

I see that a Mini 14 is .223 caliber...

Besides being 3x's the cost of a 10/22, what is the difference?

Auto loading?

I like the compact size of the Mini 14.

Also,

My closest neighbor is 1/4 mile or so away.

[Shovelhead]

I see that a Mini 14 is .223 caliber...

Besides being 3x's the cost of a 10/22, what is the difference?


Both calibers might start with .22, but there's a slight difference in the powder charge....... :cool:

.223 on the left.

I believe in the proper tool for the job at hand.
I have a S&W MP15-T in .223 (Big two-legged varments),
a Winchester model 250 that will fire .22 short/longs/long rifle (4 legged critters 'n such) ,
and a 12 ga. (for those times when it gets up close and personal).
Sprinkle in a few 9mm, and a .45 or two.......
all will do the job, some just better at certain tasks than others, IF you have the time to chose.!

[Blake Clark]

Smaller stuff at close range the .17 HMR is great and deadly accurate. For a .22 I just love my Marlin Golden 39A.

[Fronty Owner]

Both calibers might start with .22, but there's a slight difference in the powder charge....... :cool:

.223 on the left.

I believe in the proper tool for the job at hand.
I have a S&W MP15-T in .223 (Big two-legged varments),
a Winchester model 250 that will fire .22 short/longs/long rifle (4 legged critters 'n such) ,
and a 12 ga. (for those times when it gets up close and personal).
Sprinkle in a few 9mm, and a .45 or two.......
all will do the job, some just better at certain tasks than others, IF you have the time to chose.!
you had to post a picture with wolf ammo in it??? couldn't find something in brass???

I like the Ruger Mini-14. its a good solid rifle and doesn't fill your face with smoke.
If you really want to spend the money and can find one, a Springfield Armory M1A in .308 is a good all round rifle and will give you plenty of accessory options.

There are many great rounds for varmint tho. .17 Hornet? .22 Bee? .50 BMG?

[megacabdad]

Both calibers might start with .22, but there's a slight difference in the powder charge....... :cool:

.223 on the left.

I believe in the proper tool for the job at hand.
I have a S&W MP15-T in .223 (Big two-legged varments),
a Winchester model 250 that will fire .22 short/longs/long rifle (4 legged critters 'n such) ,
and a 12 ga. (for those times when it gets up close and personal).
Sprinkle in a few 9mm, and a .45 or two.......
all will do the job, some just better at certain tasks than others, IF you have the time to chose.!

Gotcha!

You guys are good at helping me spend all my money.;)

[Don M]

I like the 22 Hornet.

Several reasons:

1) Super quiet for a centerfire ( just a tick louder than a rimfire ) I shoot mine at least 2-3 sessions a week if it is not raining. It wont ring your head like a big centerfire.

2) If you ever reload in the future, it sips powder. Literally a pound of powder last a long long time. It will work with small rifle primers and small pistol primers and benchrest primers. Giving you a wide range to use.

3) Decent power to 200 yards. Plenty for critters. Chucks, little piglets, song dogs, etc.

4) In closer ranges it'll smoke bigger stuff like larger hogs and deer if shot placement is good.

As time goes by you can always convert to a slightly more powerful cartridge based on the Hornet brass. The 22 K Hornet, the 17 Hornet, and the 19 Calhoon ( my fav )

Yes, it will kill big hogs. I have smoked a dozen over 200 pounds at ranges from 20 feet ( dont ask about that ordeal ) to 168 yards.

[n2moto]

If you are going the 223 route I'd go with a bolt gun or a good AR platform rifle. The mini 14 is know for barn door accuracy while the other two will shoot 1" groups at a 100 yards.

A 22 rifle will dispatch most if not all yard varmits. Feral cats and dogs, raccoons etc.

[megacabdad]

I ended up with a Remington 597 SS with a 30 round magazine.:)

Seemed like the best bang for the buck, IMO.

[Shovelhead]

Looks like a real nice choice.

I finally got a chance to zero my Aimpoint on the MP15T (minus the 3X magnifier) over the long weekend. :cool:

It's now truely a "Point and Click" interface. :D