The ultimate (affordable) FOX Rifle

[Piston]

Seems like most gun threads on here have a ton of very helpful information, so I think this will be an easy question for many of you.

I used to shoot a lot, and hunt a little, back when it seemed like I had a lot more time on my hands.

I'm not a gun nut and I don't follow them much, but I do love to shoot and thoroughly enjoy the smell of a spent shell

I'm curious what you all recommend for a small caliber rifle, specifically for shooting fox and coyote.

I have a few larger rifles but need something for small game like mentioned.

I would more likely put a good scope on it. I was thinking something like .17, .22, or what's the AR round? .243?

I'd like the gun to be "affordable". I'm not really sure what that means, but I don't want the most expensive gun around. Maybe something on the high end of "average price". I'd probably spend a few hundred on the scope for reference.

What do you have for me?

 

[Piston]

Oh ya, as far as range, most likely wouldn't be shooting anything over 150 yards, mostly because I live in thick New England woods and can't see through the trees that far.


Even that would be pushing it.

 

[dusty3030]

Distance you are shooting ?

150 yds and in a Savage bolt gun in 22 WMR or 17 HMR

Center fire 223 Remington is plenty of gun AR style or a sporter weight bolt gun from any brand name maker.

 

[dusty3030]

I type slow ok so 150 or in see above.

 

[rekees4300]

What do you have for me?

150 yards is too much for a .17 or .22, .223 would have the accuracy, range and power for fox and coyote.

 

[Deerherd]

For a low cost 223 that is real accurate and light, look at the a Mossberg. It's a great tractor gun, fluted barrel and spiral fluted bolt and takes AR style magazines. It has a very good trigger and for what you describe it would be perfect. They make a heavy non fluted version but it's not necessary for what you describe, plus you don't need the weight. It will shoot better than you. Good luck!

 

[Piston]

150 yards is too much for a .17 or .22, .223 would have the accuracy, range and power for fox and coyote.

I am probably exaggerating 150 yards. Maybe some target shooting at that distance but not taking kill shots. Let's say probably less than 100 yards realistically.

I do have other higher caliber rifles for anything distant if I get the itch.

 

[Piston]

For a low cost 223 that is real accurate and light, look at the a Mossberg. It's a great tractor gun, fluted barrel and spiral fluted bolt and takes AR style magazines. It has a very good trigger and for what you describe it would be perfect. They make a heavy non fluted version but it's not necessary for what you describe, plus you don't need the weight. It will shoot better than you. Good luck! <img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/files/rural-living/380117-ultimate-affordable-fox-rifle-image-jpg"/> <img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/files/rural-living/380118-ultimate-affordable-fox-rifle-image-jpg"/>

Ahh yes, 223, that's what I meant in my original post, not 243. That looks like a nice gun and I like that it can take AR magazines. I like that it's bolt action. Also, when you say low cost, what price range is that? Your right about the rifle being better than me, probably anything would shoot better than I'm capable of.

 

[Bigfoot62]

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.

 

[Deerherd]

Ahh yes, 223, that's what I meant in my original post, not 243. That looks like a nice gun and I like that it can take AR magazines. I like that it's bolt action. Also, when you say low cost, what price range is that? Your right about the rifle being better than me, probably anything would shoot better than I'm capable of.

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