[berkeleybeej]

What would you recommend to someone who has never fired a weapon, but needs to eliminate a badger?

[The Other Harry]

What would you recommend to someone who has never fired a weapon, but needs to eliminate a badger?

You want a shotgun. They aren't hard to use. The dealer can show you how, and you can practice a few times first.

I'd say get yourself a Mossberg 500 with an 18 1/2" barrel. They aren't too expensive, and they can be used for other things later on. They make for a good hall gun. You might find you need one someday.

You do *not* need heavy loads. Those are for shooting ducks. Light loads will be just fine. The dealer can advise you.

[The Other Harry]

One more thing...

The most important thing is to keep your finger completely out of the trigger housing until you are actually intending to fire the weapon. This is the most common mistake people make. It is the way to blow your foot off or to to kill the wrong person.

Learn to keep that finger out of there.

[MineralMan]

"What would you recommend to someone who has never fired a weapon, but needs to eliminate a badger?"

Hi, sorry to be so late in answering. Badgers can be very dangerous. If this one is a genuine problem, you're best off with professional help. As an alternative, find a friend or relative who does have firearms experience. Do not attempt to take on this critter on your own.