Knights & Knaves Alehouse

In the market for a new firearm for varmint control around the property. Not looking for a deer hunting rifle, but more for coyotes. What do you guys suggest?

Whatever you do, do not try to shoot a rabbit with an elephant gun because an elephant will show up and give you such a pinch.

For coyotes, I'd look at scoped rifles (maybe 3-9x) chambered for .223 Remington. This is a decent starting point (you can obviously go up in price from here).

You could also consider .17 Remington or .222 Remington.

I'd stay away from rimfire cartridges if you're wanting to take coyotes. Can be done, but I think you (and your targets) would be better served with a slightly more powerful cartridge.

Thanks PJ! This is exactly the kind of info I was looking for.

- Wheggi

What about a high powered air rifle like an FX Impact?
Those things are badass and state of the art.
And technically, not a firearm. You can get one in the mail.

Without comment.

DungeonDork wrote:What about a high powered air rifle

I think high powered air rifles are cool (and I have a couple), but to get one that can take coyotes you'd have to spend a lot. And even then I'd feel better using a rifle cartridge. Even the best air rifles have much shorter range and more pronounced ballistics, and while it's possible to take down a coyote with one, I think it's a little iffy. I'd rather use a round that I know will take down the coyote. I wouldn't want to just wound it and have it run off if I can help it.

I'd probably only use an air rifle in situations where I can't use a powderburner (like shooting nuisance racoons in suburbia...).

Philotomy Jurament wrote:

DungeonDork wrote:What about a high powered air rifle

I think high powered air rifles are cool (and I have a couple), but to get one that can take coyotes you'd have to spend a lot. And even then I'd feel better using a rifle cartridge. Even the best air rifles have much shorter range and more pronounced ballistics, and while it's possible to take down a coyote with one, I think it's a little iffy. I'd rather use a round that I know will take down the coyote. I wouldn't want to just wound it and have it run off if I can help it.

I'd probably only use an air rifle in situations where I can't use a powderburner (like shooting nuisance racoons in suburbia...).

They go up to .50 cal now. You charge it with a scuba tank.

Yeah. Pre-charged pneumatic. I doubt I'd go above .25 for an air rifle, though. (I currently have a .177 and a .22 air rifle.) Range and ballistics remain an issue, even with the PCP air rifles.

Philotomy Jurament wrote:Yeah. Pre-charged pneumatic. I doubt I'd go above .25 for an air rifle, though. (I currently have a .177 and a .22 air rifle.) Range and ballistics remain an issue, even with the PCP air rifles.

There's a lot of tuning you can do for sure.

depending on how close you can get, a 20 gauge with some 00 buckshot might do the trick, too.

Close is one of the issues with coyotes. A lot depends on the hunting situation/environment, and whether you're looking to have the gun ready when a coyote shows up, impromptu, or if you're going to actively hunt a nuisance coyote.

If actually hunting, I'd probably set up a prepared position with the wind in my face and use a predator call.

they make .22lr receivers for ar's, you could do worse than to put a bird round down a 18" semiauto barrel. just saying. Or even go Carbine with a 9mm or .45 kit for one

I've really enjoyed this guys channel on PCP guns, he really knows his stuff.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCthxJ7 ... d4n_aSSO7g

francisca wrote:depending on how close you can get, a 20 gauge with some 00 buckshot might do the trick, too.

Long barrel, my snub has no kind of range.