Varmit Rifle

   / Varmit Rifle #11  
Lane -- You'll get an earful on this topic! Everybody has their favorites, but my question to you is just how would you use this firearm? What's your shooting style?

My wife pulls the trigger till the magazine is empty, so she preferred something like a Ruger 10/22, 10/77 or their little .17 caliber. But then I got tired of the lead flying everywhere and took her guns away.

My style is to know my land and to snipe. In the Marines we are taught that every shot counts. So while I have a Marlin lever-action in a .35 Remington, and a Winchester 12ga pump, my firearm of choice is a 6.5x55mm in a Mauser action. (It's around a .260 cal I believe.) While I can't get off several shots at a running target with it, it is an extremely accurate combination with boxed ammo. In fact, I put a round through the ear of a young coyote last week at 300+ yards, and the base of a fox's skull at the same distance in the rain. If my first shot had missed, with a bolt-action I probably wouldn't have had another chance, though.

You'll get some great suggestions. Tailor them to your needs and your style. Good hunting!

Pete
 
   / Varmit Rifle #12  
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I declared war on them when they killed my dog.
)</font>

DozerNut -- That's my nightmare! Several years ago a group of 5 coyotes approached to within 80 feet of our house in winter while our goldens were on the porch. It looked like they were trying to entice them to give chase, but my dogs obeyed my stay command and just growled from the porch while I fetched the rifle.

Losing a faithful companion that way must have hurt like heck! Good luck in your battle.

Pete
(Molson, Tetley, Harley, Glenfiddich and Tuppence)
 
   / Varmit Rifle #13  
Well to answer your question about the two you mentioned I'd take a 30/30. I've got a 32 Winchester Special which is pretty similiar to a 30/30. I've killed alot of deer and a few elk with it. Couldn't even count the coyotes and other varmits that it has killed. The 30/30 is a solid dependable gun that will provide you many years of fun.
 
   / Varmit Rifle #14  
Something in .223 is in order if you want distance. I'd go with the Mini-14. if that's your liking. Personally, I'd get a lightweight bolt action .223, you can't beat the accuracy.

If you didn't need distance, I'd recommend a Marlin 1894SS in .44 mag. These are nice compact rifles that are a blast to shoot. They'de be great on hogs and coyotes with a light bullet (200 gr.) and could shoot to about 150 yds. accurately.
 
   / Varmit Rifle #15  
"If you didn't need distance, I'd recommend a Marlin 1894SS in .44 mag."

Those 1894's are really sweet little rifles! I've got one in
.38/.357 Mag caliber. Nice easy shooter!
 
   / Varmit Rifle #16  
Lane, that's like asking which brand of tractor to buy. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif Personal preference more than anything else. Now I know it's not the flattest shooting gun for long range, but I'm like Cowboydoc. I just like shooting that lever action 30-30.
 
   / Varmit Rifle #17  
You're right Bird. To me, a gun is as specialized as a wrench. They're each made for a particular application. For me, the 1894 .44 is for plinking, hogs or for any application when you want to carry one in the woods, but don't know what you'll be shooting (rabbits, hogs, deer, cans).

For serious Texas shooting, I shoulder a .257 WBY with 100 grs. loaded fast (+3500 fps). These are great on deer and coyotes at long ranges. Next year I'll go after pronghorn.

When it comes to larger game, I opt for the .300 win mag loaded with Barnes X. I just got back from taking 7 animals in South Africa with the 300 and never felt undergunned, even on some brush shots.

When the need arises, I'll take the next higher step to a .375 H&H.

There's never one "perfect gun". Although for North America small to large game, the .257 WBY comes close with the right bullets.
 
   / Varmit Rifle #19  
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( "If you didn't need distance, I'd recommend a Marlin 1894SS in .44 mag."

Those 1894's are really sweet little rifles! I've got one in
.38/.357 Mag caliber. Nice easy shooter! )</font>

Roy,

Ive got the same rifle (1894 CP), except it's ported. I prefer the flat top Marlin. Adequate stopping power for 2 and 4 legged intruders in close.

I think the 30/30 would be adequate (Marlin of course!) for Lane if your under 100 yards. Somehow or another, that cartridge has been used for a hundred years.

If the 44 Rem Mag has enough range, you could get a nice revolver to match. Same cartridge for pistol and rifle is handy.
 
   / Varmit Rifle #20  
Another thing to consider: The mini 14, which is an excellent rifle, requires quite a bit more attention to maintenance and cleaning than a top brand lever action. With practice, you can get shots off pretty quick with a lever action.
 

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