Posted on 01/01/2022 9:38:38 PM PST by Paul R.
What do FReepers think of 9mm carbines as a mid-power varmint rifle? My requirements are relatively cheap ammo, typical range is < 100 yards (usually 50 yards or less, really), only moderate penetration, with stopping power similar to a .357 handgun / somewhere between a .22lr hollow point and a 12 ga. deer slug. More...
This morning tho', was the last straw, and when the dog came back on our property and growled and came at me, I was positioned to take a clear shot right at its chest. No sticks this time: doggie got a 22 lr hollow point dead center chest from my Ruger rifle, 10 yards away. The dog was able to run back across the road but was dead B4 I could position for a clear follow up. Might have been a bit of a lucky shot to kill so quickly, as the Ruger is more accurate than I am. Anyway, the situation had me wanting something a bit more powerful, without being a dang cannon. (If I need the latter, out comes the 12 ga.)
So... What do FReepers think of 9mm carbines as a mid-power varmint rifles? My requirements are relatively cheap, hopefully available(!) ammo, typical range under 100 yards (usually 50 or less, really), only moderate penetration to minimize exiting of the target, with stopping power similar to a 38 to .357 handgun / somewhere between a .22lr hollow point and a 12 ga. deer slug.
I definitely want something not as LOUD as a 12 ga., and with considerably less recoil, so my quite petite wife and / or daughter can comfortably use it, if need be.
The typical target is a medium to medium large dog (Pit Bull, Boxer, Lab, etc.), or possibly a coyote. Hollow point slugs are a given.
I DO have a .223 carbine, but a larger, lower velocity, relatively inexpensive slug makes more sense to me, here.
Have at it! I’m sure there will e many opinions... :-)
How about a .22lr and shoot it a couple times?
“will be”
Hahaha.
Of note: No, I DON”T like shooting dogs. This is basically “last recourse” stuff.
We use pistol calibers in pistols because rifle calibers don’t fit in pistols. If the platform works for rifle calibers, use a rifle caliber.
Just off the top of my head…
Henry .410. There’s a variety of shells available for specialty purposes, but for close range, not too loud & effective it is a good option.
Want a short barrel option? No worries.
I have a non-lethal rubber bullet load in the FIRST shell. After that…..
If I don’t make a perfect shot (and the above I thought was a dang good or dang lucky shot - take your pick), with a .22 lr the critter will likely run away wounded. This dog was FAST - I hit it dead square and it was 50+ yards away and around the side of the neighbor’s deck before I could get a NOT clear shot, much less the clear one I ran to in maybe 20 seconds.
Heck, last year I hit a 20 lb. raccoon with what on examination looked like a darn near perfect shot, and I found it in the woods to our East 200+ yards from where it was hit.
What you want is a .357 lever action. Nod your head “yes”. Trust Me.
High point makes a cheap 9mm or .45 carbine for less than $300. Yes its a high point but its suprisingly accurate.
Well, 9mm carbines are definitely available, a few are not out of my budget, and ammo for target practice is easy to get and not too pricey... (Our Rural King stores were running a special on 9mm target ammo recently, which, plus links like the below, were some of the things that got me thinking 9mm.)
https://gundigest.com/rifles/affordable-9mm-carbine-options
Ruger PC9 is a great carbine—and can be broken down. A bit heavy but accurate, 9mm, and can use Glock magazines.
Indeed, I saw a fairly decent review on it, IIRC.
Henry side gate. Pricy. It’s on my list.
45 ACP Camp Carbine. Nice and quiet. Use soft lead bullets.
There are a number of pistol caliber carbines out there. Ruger and Beretta make nice ones, and if price is a factor Hi-point makes one that I’ve never had a problem with. I might consider .45 as a caliber. Low velocity, big bullet. .45 also is not to bad out of a carbine, so those for whom it is too big in a handgun won’t be put off by a carbine.
I love mine. I’ve used it on whitetail deer with no issues. FMJ bullet no less. It has a 16” barrel, and those 9mm slugs come out of it cooking. I can ring an 8” plate with it a 200 yards.
Nice, I guess, if you could find one. Of course, you'll have to hand load those soft lead bullets.
Better, more practical options.
That is a VERY nice piece and it indeed might be what I get IF some inheritance $$ come through...
(My little .22 lr is a Ruger and I really like it. Accurate as all get out, somehow even if I’ve not shot it for a while, like this morning..)
For now, tho’, well, I need to keep it cheaper and a mid-size carbine for us won’t get hunting type heavy use: It might be out of the house perhaps twice a year, except maybe to do a little target practice once in a while (which will be in nice weather!!)
It’s not for home self-defense against humans, either, that’s what I now have a medium short 12 ga. semi-auto for. ;-)
Always double tap; always.
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