The ultimate (affordable) FOX Rifle

[rekees4300]

Let's say probably less than 100 yards realistically. I do have other higher caliber rifles for anything distant if I get the itch.

Coyotes are very smart and getting within 100 yards would be difficult. Nevertheless, a .22LR would suffice assuming a head or chest shot. A .22 magnum would be a .22 vs .223 compromise but ammo availability might be a problem.

 

[Dozernut]

The .17 would do the job if there is no wind. The wind really has an effect on that light of a bullet, so I would go with the others recommendation of a .22 mag or a .223. The one Deerherd posted looks real good.

 

[texasjohn]

Given your coyote objective, I firmly believe that a 223/556 is what you want....flat shooting over long distances and deadly in varmint loads. Learn the difference between the two loads, slight as it is, because it will affect your choice of rifle and subsequent ammo. I applaud your choice of putting a good scope on it. Then, consider how you will carry the rifle. Will you keep it in a vehicle on your place as you go about...or will it be only brought out when you are specifically going hunting??

I just faced this decision. I needed something to carry in my ranch vehicle as well when I was "going hunting." Target is coyotes, hogs, both of which can present multiple targets. Thus, I needed rugged, reliable, and multiple rounds in a short time.

I selected a KelTec SU16C. Cost on gunbroker.com about $550 plus scope and rings and I made a custom cheek rest from wood myself. It is made in USA ...

A rifle is a personal thing, so get what matches your needs, fits you and you can shoot well.

By the way, the kick of a 223 is almost not felt, barely more than a 22 rifle. Thus, many people find it FUN to shoot at targets and with family...so this is an additional consideration when you choose.

 

[Piston]

I paid less than $500. Here's a link to one on Gunbroker. Mossberg MVP Predator 5.56 18.5" 27714 : Bolt Action Rifles at GunBroker.com

I was just looking here Mossberg & Sons | 5.56mmNATO (.223 REM.)
And I'm a little overwhelmed at all the choices in this one model! Are there any specific versions that stand out?

I'll check out the link you posted.


I'm not too worried about ammo availability. I won't be shooting all that often so it's not too much of a concern.

 

[rmk700]

Fox and coyote's. 22-250

 

[k0ua]

.223 ammo is not too bad right now. You can find it pretty well. .22LR however, hum not so good, Available sometimes and in some places and usually at high prices. I was also thinking of the Mossberg rifle for you. I already have an AR-15, but if you just need to get a coyote now and then the bolt gun will be just fine.

 

[reb]

Savage rifles have a great reputation for out-of-the box accuracy, and are not very expensive. I was looking seriously at a Stevens (low priced Savage) .223 bolt action a year or so ago. The best price I found then was around $250 to $300. The Savage Axis is popular, but the plastic magazine catch turns me off.

The Savage accutrigger is supposed to be pretty good. There are also 2 or 3 aftermarket trigger modifications available for the non-accutrigger models. I put one on a Savage 111 and noticed a significant difference.

 

[RoyJackson]

Ruger Mini-14 Ranch Rifle Street price around $700.
That is my "truck" gun on the farm. Coyotes, wild hogs, and good for taking out skunks at a "safe" distance.

Concur with the mini-14...

Another low budget rifle...not tack drivers, but accurate enough...would be an SKS. This one uses 7.62x39 milsurp ammo and will shoot Wolf (hot, dirty and steel cased, but cheap). I have an old carbine version which is my truck rifle.

 

[Piston]

Just looking at the Mossberg site at all they're models brings up a few questions.

They have a varmint version, and a predator version (among others). I don't really see that big of a difference in them?

Also, they have 18.5", 20", 22", 24" barrels, some are heavy, medium etc.

I would mostly be using this for target shooting aside from coyote/fox. I really don't see myself bushwacking through the woods looking for game, but may occasionally sit in a tree or on a hill side a little ways into the woods.

Without getting into too much detail about the pros/cons of longer/thicker barrels, are there any that seem to stick out for my uses? Or is basically everything I'm looking at overkill for the distance I'll be shooting at?

 

[RoyJackson]

Just looking at the Mossberg site at all they're models brings up a few questions.

They have a varmint version, and a predator version (among others). I don't really see that big of a difference in them?

Also, they have 18.5", 20", 22", 24" barrels, some are heavy, medium etc.

I would mostly be using this for target shooting aside from coyote/fox. I really don't see myself bushwacking through the woods looking for game, but may occasionally sit in a tree or on a hill side a little ways into the woods.

Without getting into too much detail about the pros/cons of longer/thicker barrels, are there any that seem to stick out for my uses? Or is basically everything I'm looking at overkill for the distance I'll be shooting at?

Just my opinion here...and I'm more of a hand gunner then a rifle guy.
For the purposes you described through out this thread, I think you'd be best served with a shorter barrel (carbine....18" or so) semi-auto. My justification is that these are easily handled and are ready to shoot very quickly. The carbine may not have MOA accuracy, but they're accurate enough to do the job and 5.56/.223 is a really good round for your needs.
But again, I'm more into handguns and I'm not a hunter.