Posted on 01/04/2005 12:16:13 PM PST by andie74
Knowing how my fellow FReepers believe in their second amendment rights, I thought that this might be the forum in which to ask the following:
DH and I recently moved our family to a 20 acre farm that is surrounded by 350+ acres in the middle of nowhere. Having lived in suburbia up until this point, we never believed that we had a need for a firearm.
But that was then, and this is now.
I want to buy something to take care of pesky critters (coyotes, etc.) and maybe something that we can do a little deer hunting with next season. We are beginners. We are not gun enthusiasts, though I'll bet we will be, especially when we have a freezer full of venison.
Plus, seeing as how I am out in the middle of nowhere, homeschooling, I would kind of like something for protection besides the dog (who is incredible, but I'd like to have her back).
Thoughts? Anyone?
maybe a pump shotgun in either 20 or 12 gauge. I have dispathced many a coyote with one and the deer also
What would be the difference between a 20 and a 12 gauge?
Remember, I am ignorant. I've shot a .22 and a BBgun, but that is it.
Take a hard look at a good scoped 30-06.
For a first rifle that can deal with coyotes and put some meat in the freezer, I'd recommend on of those SKS rifles that are all over the place these days.
Also, you're going to need a .22 caliber rifle. Look at Rugers, Marlins, Brownings, etc.
A good shotgun will come in handy as well....
Awww crap. I can never recommend just one firearm. I don't know why I even try.
L
I live in an area like you describe. Basic minimum would be a .22 semi-auto rifle and a 12 ga pump shotgun. Get size 8 shot for small game and rifled slugs for deer
I'd go along with the shotgun suggestion. Try a Remington 870 in 20 guage. Easy for a woman to handle, and can use a variety of loads for different applications. Probably the most versitile gun there is.
Bolt action .30-'06 or a .308. Ammunition is plentiful and so are rifles that shoot these benchmark calibers. These are the Ford and Chevrolet of hunting calibers.
For home defense there is nothing better, in my opinion, than a pump action shotgun - the Remington 870 isn't too pretty but does the job. Hard to miss the bad guy, and if you do you have another seven rounds. I'd prefer a 12 gauge but if you want to hunt deer as well, a 20 is better for accuracy and can easily double up for home defense.
20 mile sniper.
You need multiple weapons.
First, to learn, I would get Ruger 10-22. (A .22 caliber rifle). It's dirt cheap and the bullets are something like 1,000 for $10. Learn with this and/or shoot small varmits (maybe shoot 'em a few time -- semi auto and you can find bannanna clips that fit 200 rounds).
A 12-guage shotgun is handy for all birds and home defense (00 Buck). Get whatever. I would go cheap here, too, unless you plan on being a real hunter. Think pump, not auto.
Deer rifles ---- expensive and a matter of personal taste. Hold off for a year until you know what you want to do.
20 ga would work well, especially if you can't tolerate the kick...I use one all the time. A 12 ga will pack a real punch and give a little longer range when using slugs for deer since it has a bigger cartridge.
Picking a firearm is quite a personal thing so it's hard to tell somebody else what to get. I started out my collection with a Mossberg 500, 12gauge shotgun, for home defense, a Taurus P140 .40 cal, for concealed carry and a Browning semi-automatic rifle in .270. for long range defense and hunting. My Mossberg and Taurus were inexpensive and they are quite reliable.
Nice thud guaranteed!
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