hey guys im lookin for a new coon hunting gun in the .17..where and what kind should i be looking for?

Wow, I'm not going to tell you not to get one, but that seems like a bit much for coon hunting! My step dad was an avid coon hunter and all he used was a beat up single shot bolt action with .22 shorts.

A 17hmr is pretty distructive for something you want to keep the pelt on, though maybe not too bad on something the size of a coon, they are pretty big, at least around here. Then there is the price of the ammo, do you wan't to spend 8-10 bucks a box on coon hunting shells? For that you could get enough shorts to last your hunting career.

The 17 is more of a long range rimfire varmint gun. Using it for coon would not use any of its positive attributes that make it so popular. Unless you are shooting them off the ground at longer distances? Around here we shoot them out of trees at night. The challenge is finding them, not shooting them.

If you do get a 17HMR I would use the 20 grn XTP's, they are less distructive. And I would look at something like a savage or marlin with the plastic stock and sporter barrel. That way it will be light and cheap.

Good luck,
Paul

By the way, I have a savage heavy barrel with the wood stock and love it, great little gun and accurate as all hell. I just wouldn't want to use it for coons is all, but I'm not you am I.

Paul

well ive been using a lever action marlin 22 for coon hunting that i got from my uncle..its a nice gun but i also wanted a gun that would work for my coyote hunting and coon hunting..but u think a .17 is too much for coon hunting?

Not that it wouldn't work, it's just a bit much in my opinion. Especially on a critter you want to save the pelt on. The V-max's can be a bit distructive, but maybe not too bad on something the size of a coon. A head shot could likely take the head off if the range is right.

Plenty of people use them on coyote if you limit your range, others will tell you it's a bit light for one. I have never done it to be honest. I got mine for target shooting and a little varmint work. I would suggest the 20 gr. XTP's for dogs as well because they penitrate better.

Like I said, I'm not trying to talk you out of one because they are awsome little guns. Especially when you can get a savage or marlin rifle for $200 or under, a decent scope and shoot 1 inch groups at 100 yards on average, with no drop!

If I were you I'd get a .17 if you want one and keep the .22 for coons, what you have is a great little coon rifle in my opinion. Cheaper and quieter to shoot than the 17HMR. Now if you want to blast a coon out of tree at 100 yards away, the 17 is your gun.

Paul

personally i agree with Paul L Mohr.i think a 17 hmr is way to much for coon hunting. keep the lever action 22 for the coon hunting and get a 22-250 or something for the yotes. the problem i see with hunting coons with a 17 hmr is if you hunt them like us you will be shooting them out of a tree and a 17can goaLONG ways if you miss, hitting houses,barns, people etc. . around here in illinois there isAT LEASTone(usualy more)house every1 squaremile and that bullet will go way past a mile shooting it in the air like that poseing a major saftey issue. also as paul said a 17hmr will do alot more damage than a 22 will making the pelt worth less(as if they were worth alot anyways..lol). just my 2 penny's but i would stick with the 22.
good luck and keep the fur on the tailgate
Jeff Smith