what gun to buy for "varmints"

[rcrcomputing]

If your to buy one gun only, make it a .22 long rifle automatic. Do NOT buy a "Wally World" special. (I think it's a savage brand). The sights are not adjustable as you would like. Your likely to have this gun forever, get a good one.

Bullet's are cheap for practicing. Best all around useful gun to have. No kick. The girls will shoot it. Not to loud. Then if you have other needs for guns, you can get more specific and buy the gun for that need.

 

[LD1]

I will take the .223 over a 22-250 any day.

The last time I bought ammo it was $6 for a box of 20. That is because it is a military caliber and there is economy of scale in making it. With the current ammo shortage I can't find any to buy so I don't know current prices.

For every 400 yard shot I get a chance at, there are 25 or 30 200 yard shots, and an equal number under 100 yards.

Same thing for a deer rifle. I use a .308 and my ammo is $14-15 for 20 rounds. A lot of the people I hunt with think you can't kill a deer with anything less than a .300 WSM at $40-45 per box. I don't think you can sight in the rifle with less than 20 rounds, maybe more. They solve that problem by not practicing and not sighting in.

I have yet to miss a deer for lack of power in the cartridge. I have missed because they stepped behind a tree, ran behind a tree, or ran into the next county.

Your post prompted me to check on current ammo prices, as i have not done so in a while.

While you can buy military surplus ammo for the .223 and really cheap prices, I have not had much luck with the accuracy of said ammo.

I checked on cabelas for winchester ballistic silvertip bullets, which is simmilar to what I shoot, and both the .223 and 22-250 are 23.99 per box. Which is $1.20 per round. This reminded me why I reload, besides finding the optimum round for my gun.

Currently I load the 55gr combined technologies ballistic silver tip bullets with 26.5gr of varget powder, which is basically the ballistic silvertip bullets.

At current prices of
21.99 per lb of powder
21.99 per 100 bullets
2.99 per 1000 primers
21.99 per 100 .223brass
34.99 per 100 .22-250 brass

figuring about 5 rounds per brass I can load
.223 for .37 per round and $7.40 per box
.22-250 for .43 per round and 8.60 per box.

I quote the 22-250 because I used to shoot one and my dad still does so we still load for them.

the reason why i am bringing this up is anyone who shoots a lot of centerfire cartridges, it is worthwhile to spend about $300 on a reloading press. Then for each different caliber you want to reload, it only cost $30 for the dies. Our press has paid for it many times over as we reload for everything, .357/.38special, .223, .22-250, 6mm rem, .270, and .30-30. With a savings of about $16 per box of ammo, it doesn't take long to pay for the loader.

 

[studor]

Unless there are a lot of pets around I too would go with the trap. My next choice would be the 410 or pellet gun. I have a lot of .22 centre fires and given the circumstances would not even think about them. You are trying to get rid of pests in a populated area-- and dispatch them humanely. If you wish to invest the time and effort to learn to shoot accurately and safetly that would be great and I am sure many would welcome you to the sport. If not, trap them -- it is safer for everyone and more humane -- JMHO

 

[cowboy357]

I still Dont think a 22 or any other rifle is a good idea. It can carry up to a mile easilly . I still say a cheap 20 guage ( Personally I prefer a pump ) is Your best choice. the 410,s a nice little gun no doubt .

But at least around here the 410 ammo is Quite expensive & very hard to find. Where the 20 guage is very Popular, cheap & readilly available.

The pump would also be nice for a home defence weapon. Theres no sound that is more likely to scare an intruder & make them think twice then the sound of the pump slide , even with an empty chamber .

Sounds Like You have the right thinking on the safety factor though. Best of luck whichever way You decide to go. Bob

 

[polo1665]

OK - I've never owned a gun before - never felt I needed one.

I live in a rural area - small cluster of 10 houses on 3-6 acre lots - none closer than 400'. corn field on one side of my property.

Wife has decided that the damage the local woodchucks are doing to her vegetable garden and house plantings needs to stop - and she's none too happy with the rabbits either.

Please give me some advice on what gun to purchase for dispatching woodchucks and rabbits.

Thanks

WVBill

Well, I'd say you got an awful lot of good advice so far. I'll give you my two cents. Some of it will be repeat, some of it won't.
When I move here I was sort of in the same boat as you. Although I had owned and shot guns before, it was always in a controlled or "wide open" environment.
First thing I decided I would have to do when I got here was eliminate some of the groundhogs that were infesting a two acre field on the property. I also have one home within 500 feet and another about 800 feet away. What compounded my problem was a major two lane highway one end of the field (don't want to shoot across that). I started with pistol and gave it up pretty quickly (not a good enough shot). I then decided to give my 20 gauge a try. That worked pretty good. the hogs weren't scared of me yet and I was able to get close enough. I dispatched quite a few with the shotgun, but eventually the pigs got "wise" and I changed to a small 22 rifle. I gotta say, I was alot more comfortable with the shot gun. That 22 round will travel a long way.
Whatever you decide to use, be careful. Make sure that you never shoot towards any houses or a roadway. Always plan your shot (no "shooting from the hip"). If you can get away with a shot gun it'll be alot safer.
Sorry for the long post, good luck.

Mark

 

[Bignoles]

Sounds like a good candidate for the .22 rimfire. As a first time gun user I would suggest a single shot rifle for several reasons. 1)SAFETY You only have ONE bullet to worry about at a time and simpler to make sure it is clear of a live round. 2)It will make you concentrate on hitting your target the first time, not wasting ammo. 3)With a little instruction the wife or older kids can learn quickly. 4)A quality single shot rifle is less money than most semi-auto's. Of course, if you decide to go with a shotgun the same things apply for it. Your on here asking questions, that's a good sign. Ask more questions of your neighbor sheriff, the guys at the gun store, your firearms safety instructor, and then use a LOT of common sense. Just like a hammer, it's a tool - we love em, but can get us in trouble.

just my 2 cents

 

[Wayne County Hose]

Actually, the Rossi mentioned by johndeere4300 might be the perfect solution. It is definitely in the price range I'm looking to spend and would be versatile.

I have this gun for my daughter. it would be a good choice. Basically as far as .410 or .22, here's my opinion. You know what the ranges are and how comfortable you would be. Buy the Rossi and experiment. Also, seeing as how there are all these law enforcement types around, I'm sure some of them would help you take care of your problem. I approach farmers in my area about chuck hunting and most of them would probably pay me to do it.

It sounds like you have a great attitude about this. Yes, even a .22 is lethal and at far greater distances than most people realize.

 

[JohnDeere4300]

Given that - and the probability that I'm not going to be the world's greatest marksman - wouldn't a 410 shotgun be a better choice?

Actually, the Rossi mentioned by johndeere4300 might be the perfect solution. It is definitely in the price range I'm looking to spend and would be versatile.

Thanks again for your wealth of information.

WVBill

I've seen different members saying a 410 OR a .22 and with the Rossi matched pair you can get both for a great price.....When you put on the .22 barrel it reminds you of one of those cricket .22 rifles..those are 30in. long and the Rossi is 32in. long and with the the 410 barrel on its 36in. long.

If you didn't read about the Rossi matched pair here's the link.

Rossi's Matched Pair - A Combination For Success

 

[Egon]

Here is a over/under Remington in .22 and 410.

Remington International 410 Ga/22 LR Over & Under/24" Blue B for Sale at Buds Gun Shop $304.00

 

[/pine]

c'mon...22-250 and 223 are simply not practical for the OP

granted they are good "varmint guns" for experienced riflemen and hunters but they are just not practical for what the OP requested...
I agree with those that have suggested 410/20ga shotguns or 22 rimfires or a Remington or savage combination (over-under)...

I do recommend a firearms course for anyone new to shooting