Author Topic: Inside 100 yards; Whats your favorite firearm and why (Read 3215 times)

cwlongshot · « **on:** February 20, 2012, 04:34:27 AM »

I'm primairly talking Coyotes, Foxes and Bobcats here.

I'm on the east coast where shots inside 200 yards are normal. Even then, shots inside 75 make up the lions share of those shots.

I have used everything from a 22/250 to a 22 LR and a 3.5" 12ga to a .410, extremes to say the least.

My own favorites. I hold my Savage 23B in high reguard. It's a very good shooter with much sentamintal value. If it could be scoped it would be all I would need. (I will not drill it) it puts dogs down with authority using the Speer 75g FP bullet at about 2100 fps. I have a red dot on it now as its got a single hole tapped and I mounted a single base and use one ring. It's a tiny very light weight red dot. But I worry about bumping it.

I recently went back to the 22Mag. I bought a very nice 40 year old, Marlin and am remembering all the great times of my youth shooting this caliber.

How about you?

CW

My combo lately is a Marlin 782 22MAG and a Remington 870 with short barrel, a super full choke and 3" BB shot.

Rock Home Isle · « **Reply #1 on:** February 20, 2012, 05:28:19 AM »

I hunt a few small farm properties for Varmints and in those situations, the .22 Hornet is my "GOTO" gun. The mild report is an asset if neighbors are close by, while the great accuracy of the ccartridge and the fact that the .22 Hornet is a little hotter than a .22 Magnum combine to make this calibre an obvious choice for the shooting that I do on a regular basis.

The fact that the I can also reload the .22 Hornet is a major bonus in my opinion.

cjclemens · « **Reply #2 on:** February 20, 2012, 05:52:28 AM »

I mostly hunt coyotes - no bobcat or fox here to speak of. Most shots here are inside 100 yards easily. The rest are usually way beyond. I started coyote hunting with a single shot Handi Rifle in .223. It worked well enough, but I kept thinking I should upgrade to a .22-250 to increase my range a bit, so I picked up a Savage 12 FV. I love the rifle, but its so damn heavy, It rarely goes out hunting with me. Since then, I've been using a plain old 20" AR from Del-Ton. For me, its the perfect compromise. Fairly light, very accurate (I can easily stretch it out to 200 yards if necessary), and gives me a fast follow up shot if I need one. I've enjoyed using it for coyote hunting so much that I'm thinking about buying or building another AR just for that purpose. As far as .223 goes, i think its just right for my situation. It wont make an outright mess of the coyote, and it has enough power for those longer shots. I usually go with just the AR, but I have a Remington 870 that I use when I hunt in heavy brush. One last note - I recently picked up a Savage Model 25 in .222. I haven't had the chance yet, but I'd like to take it out hunting sometime soon and see how it handles.

Wyo. Coyote Hunter · « **Reply #3 on:** February 20, 2012, 08:12:26 AM »

My favorite close range varmit rifles are my CZ .22 mag..and my Browning 22Hornet...thought I didn't need a .22mag. til I got this one at a yard sale...It is a winner, and I don't have to reload for it..it fills a niche between the common .22 and the Hornet..another gun I used for less than 100 yard varmits in my Marlin 24" .25-35.....

yellowtail3 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 20, 2012, 09:10:20 AM »

Marlin 336 chambered in 30/30.

Bigeasy · « **Reply #5 on:** February 20, 2012, 10:32:27 AM »

Here in PA, I do a lot of coyote hunting in the winter, at night. Most shots are taken with a call and a decoy, usually on the edge of a field, or powerline, 75 yards and under. For the past few years I have been using a CZ bolt action in 204 Ruger with a high power combat light mounted on the forearm. (Second rifle from the top) I use 32 / 34 grain bullets that tend to explode inside the dog, killing them quickly and minimizing pelt damage, which is a concern for me as prime winter pelts cane be worth a few bucks. I had tried my Winchester 9422 .22mag on a few previously, but while it worked, it did not drop them with the authority of the .204.

Larry

mechanic · « **Reply #6 on:** February 20, 2012, 11:34:32 AM »

22 mag., or 17hmr both in Handi's. My only option short or long on Corp of Eng. land as only rimfire and shotgun permitted.

The 17 is great on head shots, the mag has the upper hand overall.

Ben

PowPow · « **Reply #7 on:** February 20, 2012, 01:20:52 PM »

Glad you started this topic CW; it will be interesting to follow.
I bought a Ruger 1-V with a VX-II 6-18 AO scope a few years ago for coyote hunting in open fields, but we leased lumber co land with thick pines and the gun became impractical. Last week of deer season I shot a fox and a bobcat on sucessive days at 40 feet and 60 yards respectively. Realized that was probably was what it would be like at this spot, so last week I bought a Benelli Supernova 12 ga 3.5". Haven't shot it yet, but I think it will be the right answer for the spots I will hunt in the spring and summer. We also have a lot of crows and some turkeys, so it hopefully it will get plenty of chances on any given trip.

OLDHandgunner · « **Reply #8 on:** February 21, 2012, 03:03:38 AM »

You said for coyotes, fox & bobcat. The bigger varmits.

Althought my first thought was my .222. I'd say after thinking about it awhile I'll say my 22k Hornet.

My 17HMR would be a marginal clean killing bullet for our bigger coyotes up here in VT & Northern NE at 100yrds. That why my first thought was my .222.

cwlongshot · « **Reply #9 on:** February 21, 2012, 03:48:42 AM »

I also have and have used a 17HMR. It's put them down with more authority than the 22Mag or Hornet. Although I don't think I ever kilt one with a hornet from a rifle. I have killed a couple with my contender 10".

In fairness the couple I have crap and seen shot have been head shots and well placed shoulder shots. Nervious, moving or adjitated animals is where the higher HP calibers shine. All have been DRT or recovered close by. Heck I shot a good sized calm dog two years back with a 2000fps 200g 45 FTX bullet from my 454 and he ran about 50 yards!! I hit him thru the lungs just behind and above the heart. I haven't shot that many with the 22Mag but none have gone that far... I can't explain that one.

The lil 22Mag is quite under rated. I have read a number of times it's preferred for treed mtn lions out west and Javalina in the south west.

I can't explain why, I am satisfied with a SS I just like a bolt for dogs....

CW

Catfish · « **Reply #10 on:** February 21, 2012, 05:08:30 AM »

I like the AR. Folow up shot are instant and that is real nice for doubles and when the first shot does not anchore them.

cwlongshot · « **Reply #11 on:** February 21, 2012, 06:47:27 AM »

Quote from: Catfish on February 21, 2012, 05:08:30 AM

I like the AR. Folow up shot are instant and that is real nice for doubles and when the first shot does not anchore them.

That's the way my pop wants to go! I have had them, they don't do "it" for me!?! Aside from side arms, I don't have much use for a auto loader.

I'm tring to convince him to go 6.8 so he could also shoot bigger game with it.

CW

Buckskin · « **Reply #12 on:** February 21, 2012, 07:41:54 AM »

That is a tough call, not because it's inside a 100yds, but because it's up to 100 yds. If you would say inside 40, I would say 12ga with #4 buckshot. But 100yds I would have to go with my R-15 223, but close second would be my Encore 204 only because it shoots so damn nice. The AR gets the nod because it's an autoloader and camo. Both these guns are my picks out to 400yds also.

When I get the AR to shoot like the 204 there will be no question.

jlchucker · « **Reply #13 on:** February 21, 2012, 10:36:17 AM »

30-30 Winchester Classic rifle, for everything I care to hunt and shoot.

timothy · « **Reply #14 on:** February 21, 2012, 04:33:38 PM »

I hunt rabbits year round with a Cimarron 1873 in 44wcf. While I use other guns its the most satisfying.

cwlongshot · « **Reply #15 on:** February 21, 2012, 11:34:02 PM »

Quote from: Buckskin on February 21, 2012, 07:41:54 AM

That is a tough call, not because it's inside a 100yds, but because it's up to 100 yds. If you would say inside 40, I would say 12ga with #4 buckshot. But 100yds I would have to go with my R-15 223, but close second would be my Encore 204 only because it shoots so damn nice. The AR gets the nod because it's an autoloader and camo. Both these guns are my picks out to 400yds also.

When I get the AR to shoot like the 204 there will be no question.

NICE SHOOTING!!!

I know how confident one can get with such groups!!!

I used to use the #4 as well, but some of the dogs got really close and that buck shot really rips them up. I deff see a drop off with the BB at longer shotgun ranges, but if they appear at 50 the Lil maggie drops 'em nice nice! If I had a bigger CF, I might worry about the bullet blow up at too close shots... To me its a fine line...

CW

Ladobe · « **Reply #16 on:** February 22, 2012, 08:10:42 AM »

For 100 yards my choices are easy ones... if a rimfire the 17HMR, if a centerfire either the 17 Ackley Hornet or 17 Ackley Bee, although I have also use all of them twice that far and more in a pinch. But then I went to the 17's for all my predator and varmint hunting a long time ago except for when the ranges are extreme and the wind is howling. I had a bunch of the 17 wildcats, so they were my easy choices.

Ooops! Edit to add why...
Very flat shooting for more accurate shot placement, usually no exit or splash so they are fur friendly and a fast 17 caliber bullet expends a heck of a lot of hydrostatic shock to help anchor despite their low weight.

twoshooter · « **Reply #17 on:** February 29, 2012, 04:02:52 PM »

Hey, CW. I liked my 22mag awfully well, but my grandson liked it even better

so it became a Christmas present this year. I now would say my Hornet I think, although my plain old 357 gets a lot of use also. We now also have a bunch of armadillos around now and the 357 is a bit better there. I am hoping that AAC thing works out, but if it does not I will just stay with my hornet and be happy.

Flynmoose · « **Reply #18 on:** March 01, 2012, 03:21:30 PM »

Inside 100 yards, for me, it would likely be my CZ527FS in 22 Hornet. If a rimfire were required, it would be my Stevens Favorite in 22 WMR.
FM

cwlongshot · « **Reply #19 on:** March 01, 2012, 03:27:04 PM »

Quote from: Ladobe on February 22, 2012, 08:10:42 AM

For 100 yards my choices are easy ones... if a rimfire the 17HMR, if a centerfire either the 17 Ackley Hornet or 17 Ackley Bee, although I have also use all of them twice that far and more in a pinch. But then I went to the 17's for all my predator and varmint hunting a long time ago except for when the ranges are extreme and the wind is howling. I had a bunch of the 17 wildcats, so they were my easy choices.

Ooops! Edit to add why...
Very flat shooting for more accurate shot placement, usually no exit or splash so they are fur friendly and a fast 17 caliber bullet expends a heck of a lot of hydrostatic shock to help anchor despite their low weight.

This is making more and more sence to me!

I have shot a few critters with the 17 RF rifles...

Rogers story about the 17g HMR bullet failing on a 150Yard fox is a bit perplexing... But the 17 CF is the way I am thinking... 17 Hornady Hornet!!

CW

Sourdough · « **Reply #20 on:** April 01, 2012, 07:48:14 PM »

I like to carry my Savage V-24, .223/20ga. .223 for anything from 60 yards on out to 200 yards. If 60 yards or closer I use the 20ga.

tuck2 · « **Reply #21 on:** April 04, 2012, 06:29:06 PM »

Most all of my shooting within 100 yards using a 17HM2 rifle is shooting prairie dog pups. It is accurate and flatter shooting than a 22 RF rifle.

Hodr · « **Reply #22 on:** April 04, 2012, 07:17:34 PM »

When we get a chance to go see my sister up on the Mogollon rim, I generally go varmint hunting 1 or 2 mornings with my brother in law. He is one of those people who uses a .270 Remington bolt with a 3 x 9 scope set a 6 x for everything from beheading jack rabbit to buffalo. He is a wizard with that rifle. I on the other hand take along a Winchester Trapper in 357 mag. Mine has been altered to a front post sight with a rear ghost ring. I load out 125 grn hollow points that are supposed to be moving 1400+fps. Generally my brother in law spots things and will take the shot beyond 100yds. But if it is under that distance I can get on it faster than he can. There is something to be said for quick target acquisition and a heavy round. A lot of people tend to take pets up on the rim and dump them. Since a rancher has more to do than hunt these, my brother in law keeps track of sightings and we often go out after feral dog as well as coyote. I am not sure what 17 or 22 mag would do to a feral Rott, but a 125 gr 357 will kiss it good night.

Hodr
Works on Texas hog also

petemi · « **Reply #23 on:** May 04, 2012, 03:29:33 AM »

CW, I guess I am slow. Just found this thread

100 yards or inside it's my Handi .32-20 hands down. I tailor the load for what I can expect. I usually carry an assortment of three each of three different loads in an Allen nine round buttstock cartridge holder. Anything from chipmunks to venison.

Pete

Drilling Man · « **Reply #24 on:** May 04, 2012, 03:57:47 AM »

Inside 100 yards, i grab my Remington 597M every time. It's accurate, reliable and the 22WMR works perfectly at those ranges.

DM

mauser98us · « **Reply #25 on:** May 05, 2012, 05:17:38 PM »

Remington Model 141 in 32 Remington.Lyman tang sight,points like a shotgun. Why? Because I can!

RPRNY · « **Reply #26 on:** May 05, 2012, 06:22:33 PM »

My favorite rifle inside 100 yards has been my Marlin 336 Texan in 30-30. I love a straight grip lever gun and the 30-30 does for everything from varmint through black bear, the latter of which we are plagued by at our house in southern VT. Having said that, over the Winter I built an H&R break action Mannlicher stocked carbine in 45 Colt and reamed to 454 Casull. I have a feeling that may become my new favorite.

Sent from my Kindle Fire using Tapatalk 2

Bowhunter57 · « **Reply #27 on:** May 06, 2012, 02:04:31 AM »

I'm in N.W. Ohio, where things are either inside 50 yards or they're well past 100 yards. That's because it's flatter than a road killed squirrel, here. This is my coyote set-up.

Inside 50 yards: 12 gauge, 3" Mossberg 500 Turkey Special with a 20" barrel. Carlson's extended non-ported .680" choke tube. Shooting Dead Coyote T shot or Remington HD BBs. 16 pellets inside a 10" circle at 50 yards.

Past 50 yards: In case something thinks it's out of range.

Stevens 200 in .25-06, 3x9 Nikon and a 22" barrel. 87gr. Nosler BT @ 3300 f.p.s.

Bowhunter57

Swift One · « **Reply #28 on:** May 07, 2012, 07:25:26 AM »

Quote

Stevens 200 in .25-06, 3x9 Nikon and a 22" barrel. 87gr. Nosler BT @ 3300 f.p.s

That's just plain sexy.

Chupathingy · « **Reply #29 on:** May 20, 2012, 12:50:22 PM »

This.

Or this.

Rifle in the top picture is a Bushmaster O.R.C in .223 with a Leupold Mark AR 3-9x40
Rifle in the second picture is a New Frontier Armory 6x45 with a Black Hole Weaponry 3 groove polygonal match barrel and a Meuller 2-7 with illuminated dot.

Chupa