Request suggestion for special use sidearm

Noggin ^ | 08NOV01 | gnarledmaw

[gnarledmaw]

Please forgive the vanity but I knew this group would have some of the best advice.

I find myself in a situation where I need a special purpose sidearm and Im having difficulty finding one that meets what has apparently become a rather unique need.

As some of you may know, I run a small, rather primitive homestead and use permacultural methods as much as possible. The intent is to grow as much food as possible for my free ranging stock without my intervention. This creates a situation where because of the seasonal over abundance of food, various pests stop by to take advantage of it and of course, where ever there are pests and small stock on the menu, the predators move in. Ive had some degree of success controlling the uninvited guests but because my property lies along various types of habitats that are criss crossed with wildlife corridors I soon find myself with and influx of new immigrants in the form of coyotes, foxes, 'possums, racoons, skunks, etc.

Often while completing my chores for the day Ill run across a beastie that obviously intends to cause problems and Id like to deal with it before it does. Ive attempted to carry a carbine with me but, as youve guessed, it was never nearby when needed. Obviously, I needed a pistol. Something like a .45acp splatters skunks all over the chicken coop (just trust me on that) and something small like the .22lr is useless against moving coyotes in the 30-40yd range (the max range Ill likely be shooting pop up varmints at).

[gnarledmaw]

The question then is, what model/caliber combination would you suggest as the best to attempt to cover all these bases? Keep in mind that its raining and youre covered in mud/manure, or youre standing knee deep in snow with a 125lb sack of grain on your shoulder. The weapon shouldnt require a full size leg holster as it will constantly be in the way and gathering garbage while working.

Am I questing for a mythical beast?

[gnarledmaw]

bang

[dirtboy]

I believe you can get a .45 caliber handgun that fires .410 rounds - that would be very effective at close range against varmints without having to worry about aim very much.

[mgc1122]

YOu can get all kinds of good advice here, but you should really go to a trusted firearms dealer or range operator to try a few out for fit, feel, comfort and efficacy. Good luck.

[dirtboy]

30-40yd range (the max range Ill likely be shooting pop up varmints at).

At that range, the .410 wouldn't do much more than sting their hides...

[tacticalogic]

I believe you can get a .45 caliber handgun that fires .410 rounds - that would be very effective at close range against varmints without having to worry about aim very much.

You can also get shotshell rounds in .45. Might want to consider getting a spare clip, and carrying a clip of solid rounds and a clip of shotshells.

[TOMH1]

Try this at the TALK section of this site.

www.shooters.com

Personaly, I think you are looking at a 6 inch .357 Magnum revolver. Use .38 Mid Range Wadcutters for the smaller/messy critters. Full house magnums for the larger ones.

[dirtboy]

You can also get shotshell rounds in .45. Might want to consider getting a spare clip, and carrying a clip of solid rounds and a clip of shotshells.

That would be a good solution, as it would cover both longer shots at coyotes and close-in shots at smaller varmints.

[Henchman]

Make a ZIP gun. recycles old car ariels, tubing or what ever; rubber bands; wood; nails and accepts the calibur of your choice

[ctdonath2]

Have you tried anything intermediate between .45 and .22? Maybe a long-barreled Glock 9mm with night sights?

Splattered skunks do provide a difficult twist on this problem...

[SJackson]

I believe you can get a .45 caliber handgun that fires .410 rounds ...30-40yd range (the max range Ill likely be shooting pop up varmints at)...At that range, the .410 wouldn't do much more than sting their hides...

You might consider a Contender with a 45 Long Colt/.410 barrel. Don't forget there are .410 slugs as well as the 45 for the longer shot.

Even with a 10" barrel you might not like the size/weight, but the durability will be there.

[ArrogantBustard]

Am I questing for a mythical beast?

Possibly. Seems to me that if your pistol is powerful enough to reliably terminate coyotes at 40 yds it's going to spatter skunk on the chicken coop at close range. Seems to me a .357 mag might serve you better than .45 acp for the long range shots (flatter trajectory). Have you looked at "flap holsters"? They cover your weapon better than the modern police type open holster, but do slow your access to the weapon.

AB

[RLK]

Get yourself a tough-ass dog such as a chow, or two of them. A Ruger stainless 357 single action will work on coyotes, even with 38 special.

[Servant of the Nine]

Take a look at the Taurus "Raging Hornet" revolver in 22 Hornet. The cartridge has adequate power to take coyote at 100 yards, but will not omogenize smaller animals close in. With a 2X scope it is capable of hitting rabits or sknks to 100 yd.

If that is too big, get some CCI shotshells for your 45. Keep a clip of shotshells in the pistol, and a clip of hollow points in your pocket. The shotshells are about equivelent to a .410

So9

[cibco]

Go to http://thefiringline.com

Any and all questions will be handled. ;0)

[tpaine]

Yep, It's an O/U derringer style pistol, chambered for the old 45 long colt rimmed cartridge. This chambering will accept .410 shotgun shells.

I've seen them advertized in the Shotgun News. One version comes wih a 6" or maybe 8" barrel, and would probably be usable out to 20 yards or so.

[mad_as_he$$]

I agree ,38 semi-wadcutters with the slug turned around have been very successful for me in removing pests of all kinds. The slug has instant energy transfer and I have only had 1 out 10 exit the carcass. Be careful though they can foul up the barrel if you shoot to many to fast - like in practice.

[ctdonath2]

WTF? He wants something effective against small predators, and you suggest jerry-rigging a hunk of junk that's more likely to blow up in his face???

[Rustynailww]

another vote for long barrled 357/38. you can even get shot shells in 357/38.

[ctdonath2]

How about loading shotshells for the first round, then ball for the rest? That would let you persuade the skunk to leave, and with two shots could take out the coyote.