Small Game, Predator and TrappingFrom shooting squirrels in your backyard to calling coyotes in Arizona. This forum now contains trapping information..
I used to call coyotes a lot, then moved for a few years to an area where they were scarce, and work kept me too busy, but I've now moved into an area thick with coyotes and changed jobs so I have a little "me time" again, so I'm looking to get a new coyote rifle.
I had two coyote rigs before I moved, a Remington 700 PSS .308, and a Savage 12FVSS .22-250...
This time around, I'm leaning towards the .223, since I reload the heck out of it for my AR's anyway.
I like the looks of the new "triangle barrel" Rem 700VTR's, but they're way too light for my taste. I found a great deal on a Ruger 77VT, but I've had bad run in's with Rugers "overboring" problem in the past. I'm leaning towards the Savage 12FV, but I'm open to suggestion?
Like I said, it's been a few years since I've looked at coyote rifles, so I'm not sure how different models measure up like I used to be. Money's not really a problem, I'm sure I'm going to spend close to 2grand between the rifle and optics, I just want to make sure I'm getting the most for my money. I want something I can really reach out there with, and something that's going to last!
My other rig a few years ago was a Bushmaster Varminter, never should have sold it, but what's the status on the Varminters compared to say the Rem 700VTR or Savage 12FV? I could clean coyotes to about 250 confidently with the Varminter a few years ago, but I'd reach to 400yrds with the bolt guns. If the Varminter's are getting better these days maybe I'll go with the semiauto?
sounds like you have your mind made up. cant go wrong with a savage. i know what your saying about those vtr's they cool looking. as far as the varminter i had one also and sold it. if i was to buy a new ar it would be a custom d-tech. if you wanted to go with a bushmaster i would go with the new predator model. it has a shorter barrel and a slower twist barrel which would prolly shoot a little heavier bullet than the varminter.
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Silence is Acceptance. "To stand in silence when they should be protesting makes cowards out of men." ~ Abraham Lincoln ~ Stand Up and Be Counted !
Now I'm stepping back a bit, .308win or .223Rem? I might double this rifle as an antelope rifle, so the 30 cal might be an advantage. It'll primarily be a coyote rig though, so maybe it's a good excuse to buy 2 heavy rifles to replace the 2 I sold years back?
I like the Savage, but the fit and finish of the Savages I had in the past just wasn't up to par for me. The accuracy and reliability were a 10, but general quality was a 6. I want a rig I can always be proud to pull out of the case... That's my only qualm with getting the Savage.
I want to be able to sell hides, but I like reaching out and touching coyotes...
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Silence is Acceptance. "To stand in silence when they should be protesting makes cowards out of men." ~ Abraham Lincoln ~ Stand Up and Be Counted !
Well, I guess the decision has been made for me. Since I mentioned I wanted a new coyote rifle, my girlfriend mentioned she wants to learn to hunt coyotes... So while we were at Gander Mountain tonight picking out which rifle I want, she ended up picking the rifle SHE wanted!
She's going with a Savage 12FVSS Stainless fluted heavy barrel with laminate stock in .223 rem, with a Nikon Omega 3-9x40mm glass and a Harris Bipod. Hopefully she'll be generous enough to let me borrow it every now and then!
Calling Coyotes
