Good critter gun?

[megacabdad]

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

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]

Originally Posted by megacabdad

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.

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by megacabdad

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.......

.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]

Originally Posted by Shovelhead

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

.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?