Open carry / firearm handy

[plowhog]

Here is a small coyote my game camera observed at the pond edge. Some of the coyote scat is the same size as my dog's, and he is 70 lbs. Maybe my dog could handle business 1 on 1, but one against a pack isn't going to end pretty. I've read accounts where a female in heat approaches a domestic dog, then runs away provoking a chase. Once over a ridge or into a forest, the pack jumps the domestic dog and its all over. True or not, I don't want to take that chance.

My friendly gun dealer says to use my .223 rifle on coyotes.

 

[square1]

.357 lever.

That is my most often used search
Thoughts on carbine vs rifle?

 

[RoyJackson]

That is my most often used search
Thoughts on carbine vs rifle?

I have a carbine (Marlin 1894) in .357 Magnum. Easy to point, light and compact. For a pistol caliber, I think a carbine is a better choice, since it's not a 200 yard round. This is not the kind of gun I'd hunt with (if I was a hunter), but it's fine for protection at fairly close distances and small game.

 

[square1]

I have a carbine (Marlin 1894) in .357 Magnum. Easy to point, light and compact. For a pistol caliber, I think a carbine is a better choice, since it's not a 200 yard round. This is not the kind of gun I'd hunt with (if I was a hunter), but it's fine for protection at fairly close distances and small game.

Your assessment of the carbine fits well with my intended use of it riding in a scabbard on the FEL frame. Thanks!

 

[plowhog]

What is the total length of your Marlin .357 carbine? My other option is a Mini-14 in .223. It's 37 inches total. But doesn't use pistol or revolver ammo of course.

 

[Peter 315]

What is the total length of your Marlin .357 carbine? My other option is a Mini-14 in .223. It's 37 inches total. But doesn't use pistol or revolver ammo of course.

Hi 1894c 357/38 is 36''

 

[k0ua]

The .357 lever gun, would certainly put a coyote down with good ammo, and it is certainly a fun gun to have and shoot, but keep in mind, even though out of a carbine length arm, the round will shoot flatter than out of a 6 inch barreled handgun, it still is not a REAL flat shooting round. As compared to a 5.56/223 it is pretty short ranged. I would not feel comfortable with using it past 150 yards at most. And with the typical iron sights on the typical cowboy carbine, it is more like a 100 to 125 yard gun at best. Where the AR15 is going to be good to hit with out to 300 easy enough. While the AR bullet is smaller, it is over twice as fast and is a much much flatter shooting gun. A lot less mental calculations required to hit and make a clean kill with. It is up to you, but when I think coyote gun, I think AR15, for up to 300 yards, and over that I think .22-250 or .243 Win. If you live in closed in country, where you can't see over 100 yards, then the .357 lever gun would be fine.

 

[square1]

The .357 lever gun, would certainly put a coyote down with good ammo, and it is certainly a fun gun to have and shoot...If you live in closed in country, where you can't see over 100 yards, then the .357 lever gun would be fine.

My situation exactly. Very hilly and medium / high density wooded. I like the idea of carrying one caliber for my revolver and long gun. Too many other things to remember when heading into the woods.

 

[RoyJackson]

I like the idea of carrying one caliber for my revolver and long gun. Too many other things to remember when heading into the woods.

Works well especially if you wear a gun belt with extra rounds.
Many .357 Mag revolvers hold 7 rounds, the 1894 holds (darn!!!...not sure) 12 rounds or so.
Carry and extra 20 or more on a gun belt

 

[dieselcrawler]

Y'all talking about lever guns has me wanting a smaller cartridge lever gun... trusty ol' marlin 30-30 is what my boy used a few weeks ago on his first deer, and as did I the next evening, both were clean kills. Real proud of my boy, he's only 9yo, and as I do, he thanked the animal for giving its life to sustain ours.

Smaller lever gun would be fun to shoot, and good to train the young ones with before feeling the kick of a larger caliber. I would favor a .22 mag.

Roy and Richard, (in reference to a few pages back) you guys will never be on my ignore list. You both have proven to me that you have valuable information and opinions, whether parallel, similar or opposite of my own. I hold you both in high regard. Shame others can't be a little more tolerant and open minded.