Gun peoples: first shotgun. [Archive]

Adeptus_Minor

12-10-2008, 12:10 PM

Normally I would say go for an Remington 870 Express or a Mossberg 500, or perhaps even a Charles Daly.
You can get a decently low buy-in price, but if you really want to do a lot with it, you're going to be spending money on things like screw-in chokes to change the pattern, or even a slug barrel if you want rifle-like qualities for deer.
For migratory birds, depending on local game laws, you will probably have to have a plug for the magazine that limits the number of shells it can hold at a time.
If you want it to have any real value for hunting, I would suggest no less than a 20" barrel... probably closer to 22". It sounds long for indoor use, but it's really not that bad.

Another thing you might look at is the NEF Pardner Pump "Protector".
http://www.hr1871.com/Firearms/Shotguns/pardnerPump.asp
Academy was selling them for $179 and they are pretty damn solid feeling.
They aren't going to win any beauty contests, but for that price you can buy it and still be able to afford a more hunting-practical weapon while staying under your $500 limit.

Also, not to argue with Rider, but 3.5" shells and "extra full" chokes are not a necessity for most, but ymmv. Plain old 2 3/4" and 3" have had no trouble taking down anything we've needed to shoot. :idk:

fnfalman

12-10-2008, 12:12 PM

I prefer the Benelli Supernova. Very slick pump action. Nicely made. Pleasing to the eyes.

Captain Morgan

12-10-2008, 01:31 PM

I prefer the Benelli Supernova. Very slick pump action. Nicely made. Pleasing to the eyes.

He said he wants to spend less than $500.

Mossberg is great. When I bought mine, it came with two barrels, one of which is 18.5", great for home defense. It also has a 28" barrel for hunting. I don't know what you're hunting, but the barrel can be changed very easily. You can keep the short barrel on at home, then put the long barrel on whenever you go hunting. And it's cheap. Mine has lasted many years.

fnfalman

12-10-2008, 01:35 PM

He said he wants to spend less than $500.

Mossberg is great. When I bought mine, it came with two barrels, one of which is 18.5", great for home defense. It also has a 28" barrel for hunting. I don't know what you're hunting, but the barrel can be changed very easily. You can keep the short barrel on at home, then put the long barrel on whenever you go hunting. And it's cheap. Mine has lasted many years.

The Supernova is easily under $500. Unlike American pump guns, they don't have the rattling pump/fore end which I utterly detest in Mossberg and Remington. I briefly had a Mossy 590. The only cool thing about it was the bayonet lug. And the ghost ring sighting system. So there were two cool things about it.

Rider

12-10-2008, 01:41 PM

I have to go with the Browning BPS because they are one of the very few that eject the shell from the bottom. Being left handed is a pain in the ass when it comes to guns of any kind.

Captain Morgan

12-10-2008, 01:42 PM

The Supernova is easily under $500. Unlike American pump guns, they don't have the rattling pump/fore end which I utterly detest in Mossberg and Remington. I briefly had a Mossy 590. The only cool thing about it was the bayonet lug. And the ghost ring sighting system. So there were two cool things about it.
That's cool. I see the word Benelli and I instantly think $1200.

Dragonpaco

12-10-2008, 01:57 PM

you can get a rifled slug barrel. i've been using the same barrel on my 12 ga since i got it for buckshot and slugs and i never had a problem

ericr

12-10-2008, 01:58 PM

Mossberg 500 is probably the best, most durable for your money on a lower end shotgun w/ interchangable choke barrels. I've had 2 for over 15+ years and never had a problem with them. There are better/nicer/fancier guns out there but you pay for it.

BTW, if you're planning on using slugs for hunting (I'm assuming deer hunting?), a 12 ga shotgun slug will travel farther than a 30 cal. rifle bullet if at the correct angle etc. Someone finally put the myth to rest and documented it...slugs have so much mass they will go farther at a slower speed. Just FYI.

Captain Morgan

12-10-2008, 02:14 PM

Do you remember the model you purchased? Can the chokes be changed easily to alter the spread pattern for different game?

Can a 12-gauge shotgun shoot any kind of load so long as it comes in a 12-gauge shell? Or are modifications necessary to swap from shot to slugs, etc.?

:read:

Sorry, I didn't read through the entire thread. I have the Mossberg 500A and got it 19 years ago for my 16th birthday. The particular barrels I have don't accept screw in chokes, but that's not a concern to me as I don't hunt turkey or waterfowl. However, Mossberg does sell additional barrels. There is no modification necessary for changing from shot to slug, with the exception of removing the choke if you have one on the barrel. Take a look at www.mossberg.com to see what all they offer.

Krabill

12-10-2008, 02:28 PM

Yet another vote for the Mossberg. Mine was cheap, came with three different chokes that are a piece of cake to change out, and has yet to fail me. Partridge, rabbits, and skeet have all seen the wrong end of it.

Krabill

12-10-2008, 02:57 PM

Slug.

Rider

12-10-2008, 03:10 PM

nhgunnut

12-10-2008, 03:13 PM

I have to go with the Browning BPS because they are one of the very few that eject the shell from the bottom. Being left handed is a pain in the ass when it comes to guns of any kind.
The old Ithaca Model 37 was a bottom dumper and therre a couple of chinese clones of them you can grab for under 200. I am not sure where the orginal poster is from but if used is an option check around for poice trade ins I have a friend whose shop just moved of a bucnh of 20 inch 8 round pump guns for 125 each he took in trade when he outfitted a local Dept

Adeptus_Minor

12-10-2008, 07:34 PM

You definitely want a BPS then. They eject the shell through bottom of the shotgun. Otherwise on other pump actions the shell is going to eject right into your face.

That depends actually.
Left handed doesn't always mean left hand/left eye. ;)

Captain Morgan

12-10-2008, 07:49 PM

What makes their Supernova better than the standard Nova?

The Nova Tactical 12-gauge would be ideal if it has interchangeable barrels. Cost is in line with the Mossberg.

ALSO, forgot to mention, I shoot left handed, if that should make a difference in my selection.

You definitely want a BPS then. They eject the shell through bottom of the shotgun. Otherwise on other pump actions the shell is going to eject right into your face.

That depends actually.
Left handed doesn't always mean left hand/left eye. ;)

Yep. Point to something with both of your eyes open. Close your right eye. If your finger doesn't appear to move, then you're left eye dominant and will want a gun that ejects at the bottom. If your finger appears to move, then you are right eye dominant and will want to learn how to shoot right handed.

Gas Man

12-10-2008, 11:46 PM

Get the brand you want or can afford..

But when it comes to shot guns for home protection..

Get a pump action. The sound is UNMISTAKEABLE and tells the would be intruder to GTFO

speedylocksmith

12-10-2008, 11:54 PM

Get the brand you want or can afford..

But when it comes to shot guns for home protection..

Get a pump action. The sound is UNMISTAKEABLE and tells the would be intruder to GTFOIt should but not always. About 10 years ago down here, 2 teenagers broke into a house in the middle of the day. The housewife was home alone. Went upstairs to grab the shotgun when she heard them trying to get in and called 911. As she heard them coming up the stairs, she pumped. The first kid continued up the stairs so she blasted him. The other "quicky" turned around and ran. First kid was blasted to pieces and died. Second kid went to jail for second degree murder. :dthumb:

Props to the housewife for protecting herself but I'm sure she still has nightmares about it.

t-homo

12-11-2008, 12:01 AM

Another vote for the Benelli Nova. I got mine 3 years ago mainly for waterfowl hunting. Barrels are very easy to interchange. All you do is unscrew the cap at the end of the magazine and slide it off. I've never had it jam on me, shortstroke it, or anything like that. My dad and brother both had mossbergs before me. My bro is tall with long arms and still short strokes it when pumping the next shell fairly often. My dad sold his gun about a year after I got mine and went with the top of the line benelli hunting gun and has never looked back. Also, benellis are the best balanced shotguns I have used. Comes up to your shoulder very naturally so you can get your eye down the sights the fastest.

I have used Mossbergs, Remingtons, and Benellis. I have no experience with Browning, but have heard great things also.

Gas Man

12-11-2008, 12:01 AM

I'm telling you this...

Some fucker comes in my house... I'm going to paint the fuckin walls with their blood.

FUCK THEM!

My pump action is always loaded and next to my bed... But it only has 5 shells in it with buck shot. Guess if that isn't enough for the fuckers... the glock has 11 more 40 cal rounds.

Adeptus_Minor

12-11-2008, 12:45 AM

Can a 12-gauge shotgun shoot any kind of load so long as it comes in a 12-gauge shell? Or are modifications necessary to swap from shot to slugs, etc.?

:read:

For slugs, you're going to want a slug barrel. It has no choke and may or may not be rifled for greater accuracy.

Dova80

12-11-2008, 12:52 AM

dont ask tigger he doesnt think you need guns because he is a pinko commie.

Benellie M1 or something there of...

t-homo

12-11-2008, 12:57 AM

dont ask tigger he doesnt think you need guns because he is a pinko commie.

Benellie M1 or something there of...

Benelli M1s are semi-auto, but only a 3 inch chamber. I only use 3.5 inch shells for waterfowl and turkey. They are also like 800 dollars.

BICH

12-11-2008, 12:59 AM

http://a232.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/12/l_543e05d60cf77bd644a8f52e21d6245f.jpg
http://tacticaladv.com/picture.php?albumid=5&pictureid=39
http://tacticaladv.com/picture.php?albumid=5&pictureid=37
:dthumb:12g! who cares which one!

Dova80

12-11-2008, 01:08 AM

Benelli M1s are semi-auto, but only a 3 inch chamber. I only use 3.5 inch shells for waterfowl and turkey. They are also like 800 dollars.

And its bad mutha fuckin ass.. so where is your point? Want a 3 1/2 inch get an SBE

Oh I didnt read shit besides the title :)

t-homo

12-11-2008, 03:18 AM

And its bad mutha fuckin ass.. so where is your point? Want a 3 1/2 inch get an SBE

Oh I didnt read shit besides the title :)

Yeah, it is a badass gun. My sister has one. My dad has the SBE2. He was looking to spend under 500 bucks on one.

BICH

12-11-2008, 09:57 AM

http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/26/l_aa837f877e1d4e6299e5229f7d1519e0.jpg:dthumb: 870 7-shoot 12g

Rider

12-11-2008, 10:05 AM

I hold the gun against my left shoulder, aim with my left eye, and pull the trigger with my left hand, so I assume I shoot left handed. :idk:

I'm liking this:

http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/detail.asp?value=011B&cat_id=012&type_id=244

Seems just about perfect for home defense. However, can it be easily altered for hunting use? It has a fixed choke barrel; can a longer barrel be swapped on and off for hunting?

Site says it has a 3" chamber. Does that mean it can fit all shells 3 inches and under? Does the size of the shell determine the number/size of pellets..?

The link is blocked at work so I cant see what model you are looking at.So I don't know if you can change barrels. If you are hunting turkey, you will not want a fixed choke barrel. You will want to put at least a full choke on that guy using #4 or #6 lead shot(if lead is legal in your state). If it is a 3" chamber, you can shoot 3" and 2 3/4" shells.

BICH

12-11-2008, 10:07 AM

BPS High Capacity
http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/images/012244m.jpg

z06boy

12-11-2008, 10:09 AM

I've read that Mossberg and Remington 12-gauges are among the best for the price. Recommendations?

Either will serve your purpose as long as you have a slug barrel if you intend to use slugs.

fnfalman

12-11-2008, 10:49 AM

[Seems just about perfect for home defense. However, can it be easily altered for hunting use? It has a fixed choke barrel; can a longer barrel be swapped on and off for hunting?

Site says it has a 3" chamber. Does that mean it can fit all shells 3 inches and under? Does the size of the shell determine the number/size of pellets..?
All of these shotguns have interchangeable barrels.

The 3" chamber does mean that it will take all shells 3" and below. And yes, the size of the shell determines the quantities of the pellets.

Amorok

12-11-2008, 11:18 AM

Any American Repeating Arms shotgun barrel will fit any domestic shotgun and most standard models of Benelli's. The Nova's and the like are a different story, but for the most part you can get a barrel from ARA and be sure it'll work, and I've never paid more than $150 for a barrel. Try sites like Gunbroker or Gunsamerica, you'll find deals there.

I use a Winchester 1300, don't know if it'sa been mentioned before. $300 new in the box and it holds 6 plus 1.

t-homo

12-11-2008, 12:54 PM

Double check your laws as far as high capacity go for when you are hunting. I know in MO, its illegal to hunt waterfowl with a gun that holds more than 3 shells. My nova can hold 4 (almost 5) 2 3/4 inch shells with the plug out of the magazine, but the plug stops it at 3 total.

Smittie61984

12-11-2008, 01:01 PM

Are you more concerned with Home Defense or hunting. Home defense with some hunting I'd get something like a Remington 870express 20ga. I actually have a youth model from when I was 12. Great gun. Make sure it's a pump gun. Pump guns are like tanks and won't let you down. Plus an intruder will shit their pants at the sound of that.

More hunting than home defense a 12ga for sure. But a basic model Remington, Browning, etc will work great. Shotguns are simple enough that you can't really screw them up. I've shot probaby 50+ different type of shotguns including some high dollar ones. A good midgrade is fine.

HRCNICK11

12-12-2008, 02:02 PM

When in doubt buy the pick one!

LeeNetworX

12-12-2008, 02:37 PM

How can you purchase a gun from one of these sites if you aren't a dealer and your local dealer won't let you have it shipped to them..?

You can't. If your local FFL dealers won't accept them for you for a fee (usually $15-25) then there's nothing you can do, except buy one from them or drive to somewhere else. :idk:

Have you tried one of these locater tools?

http://www.auctionarms.com/help/fflnetwork.cfm

You could always get an FFL of your own?

http://www.fflkit.com/?hop=binocs

ericr

12-12-2008, 06:30 PM

I keep forgetting your're in GA Triple. IF you can't get your local dealer to do a transfer, try Bargain Barn in Jasper, they have decent prices.

On shooting slugs, the most accurate is a dedicated rifled slug barrel. You can get rifled "slug" choke tubes for some guns, depends on the brand. It is bad to shoot slugs through regular shotshell choke tubes.

The chamber size is the max length shell you can fire in that gun... but the next longer size will sometimes chamber and can be dangerous if you fire it. THe longer the shell, the more powder and shot in them so size does matter. Do you always need bigger? Not always. A 3" chamber gun will handle most hunting situations unless you really want long range for waterfowl or maybe turky. Also GA law limits the gun to 5 shells for deer, 3 for small game and dove so if you get a 7 or 8 shot gun you have to make sure you get the right magazine plug for those limits. And the shell limit includes teh round in the chamber so small game, 2 in the mag and 1 in the chamber.

THe Benelli M1 is a bad mofo, I bought one 8 or 9 years ago but they are expensive. Mine has ghost ring sights and now has a 8 shot extension.

Captain Morgan

12-12-2008, 08:44 PM

Also GA law limits the gun to 5 shells for deer, 3 for small game and dove so if you get a 7 or 8 shot gun you have to make sure you get the right magazine plug for those limits. And the shell limit includes teh round in the chamber so small game, 2 in the mag and 1 in the chamber.

Most of these "plugs" are simply a small dowel rod that slides into the magazine to limit how far the shells will go into it, thus limiting the number of shells you have in there. My cheap mossberg came with one, so I imagine all other guns will come with one as well. If not, you can actually make one for a couple of dollars. If your gun doesn't come with it, PM me and I'll take a pic and send it to you.

ericr

12-12-2008, 09:20 PM

Most of these "plugs" are simply a small dowel rod that slides into the magazine to limit how far the shells will go into it, thus limiting the number of shells you have in there. My cheap mossberg came with one, so I imagine all other guns will come with one as well. If not, you can actually make one for a couple of dollars. If your gun doesn't come with it, PM me and I'll take a pic and send it to you.

THe 5 shot guns usually do come with a plug but most of the "combat" "self defense" 7 and 8 round guns don't come with plugs for hunting since they're inteded purpose isn't hunting. Just wanted to mention to him since it's his first. A plug can be made from 1/4 in wood dowel for any gun if it doesn't come with one.

t-homo

12-15-2008, 12:56 PM

So you can't be bunching 7-8 shots into a goose as it is flying too far away by that point and just injure it is my guess.

Rider

12-15-2008, 01:11 PM

What is the purpose of these limits?

Waterfowl fly in large groups. It's not really hunting if you have unlimited ammo and you start firing as they fly over. You'd end up hitting some just by shear luck. It's called hunting for a reason, otherwise it would just be called killing.

BICH

12-15-2008, 01:22 PM

Waterfowl fly in large groups. It's not really hunting if you have unlimited ammo and you start firing as they fly over. You'd end up hitting some just by shear luck. It's called hunting for a reason, otherwise it would just be called killing.

one shot:idk:

http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/10/l_397b5a00598a4ce49c6f1eec74ef1655.jpg
http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/42/l_dc874c7ba8f446fca4739070f4591d39.jpg

Rider

12-15-2008, 01:24 PM

one shot:idk: http://tacticaladv.com/picture.php?albumid=5&pictureid=37 http://tacticaladv.com/picture.php?albumid=5&pictureid=38

cant see pics. attach them

Rider

12-15-2008, 02:04 PM

Why the limit for deer, then?

If you are only legally allowed to take a certain number of animals, I don't see why it should make any difference how much ammunition your firearm holds. :idk:

Not a big deal, I'll use a bigger plug if I have to. Just doesn't make much sense to me.

Why the limit on deer? I have no idea, I don't hunt deer with a shotgun. I dont make the laws, I just follow them.

These are my rules for hunting:

Use rifle for elk, moose, deer, coyote, squirrel....and people.

Use shotgun on upland birds, waterfowl, turkey, and people.

Use pistols for target practice and people. Although I have heard people on occasion take a deer with a .44 magnum.

I don't bow hunt either.

Rider

12-15-2008, 02:34 PM

You eat coyote..?

No. They are a nuisance predator. It's probably the only animal I will kill just to kill. Bear and cougar would be for self defense only. Everything else is "eat what you kill"

BICH

12-15-2008, 03:14 PM

cant see pics. attach them

:pat:

Rider

12-15-2008, 03:21 PM

:pat:

Nice. What's the appeal though? I hear they are very accurate but aside from that, what is the advantage?

LeeNetworX

12-15-2008, 05:01 PM

I could only shoot a coyote if one were attacking my wife or dogs. Which I am almost certain would never happen.

Think again. The coyotes here will run up and attack your dogs, cats, etc. They seem to go through periods of hunger or something, because we'll start hearing about attacks in waves. If I even see one on my property below my house I'm going to shoot it. I don't want to take a chance with our dogs.

BICH

12-15-2008, 05:54 PM

Nice. What's the appeal though? I hear they are very accurate but aside from that, what is the advantage?

Just that you have one shot and its hard to shoot!!! it go's off like a musket!!:panic:I use it for trap!, its pretty fun.

Cutty72

12-15-2008, 07:38 PM

I could only shoot a coyote if one were attacking my wife or dogs. Which I am almost certain would never happen.

Coyotes are all over down here. You hear them yipping and howling every night, and sometimes you can tell they are very close. I'll see their eyes shimmering in the moonlight around the edges of my fence every now and then. I find turkey carasses in the woods they've left behind, but I don't mind, they were here before I was. I can go to the grocery store and buy my own turkey if I have to, they can't. A lot of hunters down here think it's a sport to shoot coyotes and stray dogs.

If I see a coyote and I have a gun, it dies. We've lost too many calves over the years from them for me to let them live.

as for the shotgun, I shoot a Beretta Extremea. Love it. but no where close to $500 new.

ericr

12-15-2008, 09:46 PM

Why the limit for deer, then?

The limit is to impede poaching, and stupid hunting I suppose. Even deer, I've heard people fire off 4-5 shots in as many seconds because they either miss the first or think they did. It also gets dangerous, they longer they shoot, the more wild shots will be flying everywhere. That's my thinking anyway. And deer travel together too, bucks not so much after the rut starts but does do. Anyway, that's the laws.

And as far as the coyotes... you better be concerned. They have carried off and killed children on numerous occasions. They frequently kill pets and livestock too so if they're numerous in your area you might want to discourage them.

LeeNetworX

12-16-2008, 11:39 AM

My thoughts are this: if it isn't posing a direct threat to you, your family, or your pets, don't shoot it. Try scaring it off, clean up your property so it isn't encouraged to return (no garbage, clean your outdoor grills, take care of any rodent populations, etc), but don't punish the animal for a problem you created for it. They were there hunting mice and hares way before you, your house, and your Jack Russell showed up.

I don't have garbage on my property and we live in a populated neighborhood. I undertand they were here before we moved in but we're here now, and there's no reason for them to be up near my fence, other than looking for food. I'm not taking the chance. I see one, it dies.

LeeNetworX

12-16-2008, 01:03 PM

What kind of dogs do you have?

Small ones.

LeeNetworX

12-16-2008, 01:30 PM

Get a big one.

Another dog to love and no murdering required!

Big dogs are too annoying.

Give it up, hillbilly.

Ninjakel

12-16-2008, 01:42 PM

:lol: :lol:

hahahahahahaha Hillbilly

Captain Morgan

12-16-2008, 01:51 PM

Why the limit on deer? I have no idea, I don't hunt deer with a shotgun. I dont make the laws, I just follow them.

These are my rules for hunting:

Use rifle for elk, moose, deer, coyote, squirrel....and people.

Use shotgun on upland birds, waterfowl, turkey, and people.

Use pistols for target practice and people. Although I have heard people on occasion take a deer with a .44 magnum.

I don't bow hunt either.

You eat coyote..?

No. They are a nuisance predator. It's probably the only animal I will kill just to kill. Bear and cougar would be for self defense only. Everything else is "eat what you kill"

So...you will eat a person if you kill it? ;) Sorry, Ed, just couldn't resist it.

I could only shoot a coyote if one were attacking my wife or dogs. Which I am almost certain would never happen.

Coyotes are all over down here. You hear them yipping and howling every night, and sometimes you can tell they are very close. I'll see their eyes shimmering in the moonlight around the edges of my fence every now and then. I find turkey carasses in the woods they've left behind, but I don't mind, they were here before I was. I can go to the grocery store and buy my own turkey if I have to, they can't. A lot of hunters down here think it's a sport to shoot coyotes and stray dogs.

Think again. The coyotes here will run up and attack your dogs, cats, etc. They seem to go through periods of hunger or something, because we'll start hearing about attacks in waves. If I even see one on my property below my house I'm going to shoot it. I don't want to take a chance with our dogs.

In some areas, coyotes are overpopulated and have no natural predators. The farm I hunt on, I've been asked to kill them if I see them, as they have taken livestock. I don't think of it as a sport to kill them. I have not done so yet because they've been too far away when I've seen them. However, the pelts can be sold, so there is at least some general use to them. Maybe they aren't overpopulated or a nuisance in your area, which is fine. But they are really bad in others.

xx CURVE xx

12-16-2008, 01:53 PM

Big dogs are too annoying.

No..little ankle biters are...and they're for chicks :p

Rider

12-16-2008, 01:58 PM

So...you will eat a person if you kill it? ;) Sorry, Ed, just couldn't resist it.

In some areas, coyotes are overpopulated and have no natural predators. The farm I hunt on, I've been asked to kill them if I see them, as they have taken livestock. I don't think of it as a sport to kill them. I have not done so yet because they've been too far away when I've seen them. However, the pelts can be sold, so there is at least some general use to them. Maybe they aren't overpopulated or a nuisance in your area, which is fine. But they are really bad in others.

Coyotes are a nuisance here and I have been asked by the land owner to shoot them if I encounter them.

LeeNetworX

12-16-2008, 02:05 PM

No..little ankle biters are...and they're for chicks :p

Our dogs don't bite ankles. Piss them off and they'll rip your nuts off, however. They also don't have big ass tails that knock over drinks.

xx CURVE xx

12-16-2008, 02:13 PM

Our dogs don't bite ankles. Piss them off and they'll rip your nuts off, however. They also don't have big ass tails that knock over drinks.

your dogs against mine :D

I find the tail thing charming :lol:

t-homo

12-16-2008, 02:14 PM

Why the limit for deer, then?

If you are only legally allowed to take a certain number of animals, I don't see why it should make any difference how much ammunition your firearm holds. :idk:

Not a big deal, I'll use a bigger plug if I have to. Just doesn't make much sense to me.

On an unrelated note, has anyone ever fired one of these crazy things?

http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=118536984

http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=118476160

My brother has a 12 gauge/22 over under. Its pretty fun.

As far as the limits, we didn't make them. Just follow the rules.

I could only shoot a coyote if one were attacking my wife or dogs. Which I am almost certain would never happen.

I normally hunt at my cousins' farm about 15 minutes from my house. They pretty much live for hunting. They ask people to shoot coyotes since they scare off deer.

LeeNetworX

12-16-2008, 02:24 PM

I find the tail thing charming :lol:

Being of Irish descent, I do not. :beers:

z06boy

12-16-2008, 05:00 PM

I shot a skunk the night before last...didn't know what else to do. :idk:

I guess I just felt like throwing this in. :lol:

I had a trap set to catch squirrels and have caught a few. Caught one Opossum...turned him loose and ran him off.

A few Raccoons have come around but the trap is too small. I thought it was too small for this bigazz Skunk...he was cramped in there for sure.

The squirrels keep getting into the wife's birdfeeders and up on the 2nd story deck so I've been trapping them and relocating them.

Caught a skunk...wtf do you do with one of them ? I didn't know how to get him out without him spraying me...my dog or my wife's (mine now) cat. :panic:

I have a fenced in yard in a residential neighborhood believe it or not. :lol:

A few Coyotes have been in the area but not in my yard as far as I know. The dog and car are inside unless we just let them out for awhile.

I snuck up on him with a .38 snub-nose...one shot to the head Soprano style. :lol: He was on the other side of a retaining wall so I was able to get close without him seeing me.

Seriously though...if I could have figured out how to get rid of him without shooting him I would have.

He did spray a little...phew !!

*edit* Oh yeah this is a shotgun thread...oops. :lol: Ok I could have used my Remington 870 Express 12 ga. with 26" barrel or my Mossberg Persuader 8-shot 12 ga. but figure it would have been a bit too messy...and smelly.

Cutty72

12-16-2008, 06:08 PM

My thoughts are this: if it isn't posing a direct threat to you, your family, or your pets, don't shoot it. Try scaring it off, clean up your property so it isn't encouraged to return (no garbage, clean your outdoor grills, take care of any rodent populations, etc), but don't punish the animal for a problem you created for it. They were there hunting mice and hares way before you, your house, and your Jack Russell showed up.

You quoted me so I figured I'd reply.

Born and raised on a cattle ranch. We always had dogs growing up. Also, there were always coyotes around. They would grab baby calves any chance they got, sometimes even sick or hurt adult cows.
Our dogs were all midsized dogs (australian shepeards) and there were times they came back cut up from fights with coyotes.

For those two reasons, I will always shoot a coyote I see. For our sake and all the neighbors. I'm not worried about them attacking me, but rather the cattle and dogs.
And yes, I'm legal with it.

Adeptus_Minor

12-16-2008, 07:41 PM

Another dog to love and no murdering required!

Killing animals is not "murder".
There are more and less ethical kills, but if it doesn't pay taxes, it doesn't have "rights".

Now, think of it this way, we aren't suggesting that you call in coyotes to shoot.
However, if they are unintelligent enough to come into range...especially shotgun range, they are fair game in my book.
That means they've become too bold and need to be eliminated before they start making a practice of hanging out in your yard. They are not good neighbors.

Rider

12-18-2008, 12:17 PM

What if you catch some neighbor kids egging your house, overturning your garbage cans, keying your cars, etc..? They're minors, they don't pay taxes...

Most people don't view the world and its inhabitants the way I do. If things worked my way, I'd blast the kids (leeches) over the coyotes any day of the week. Fortunately for my neighbors, the law hasn't really swung in my favor yet.

Anyway, back on topic: picked up a new-in-box Browning BPS High Capacity on Gunbrokers.com for $355. With $20 shipping and the $20 transfer fee (a local pawn shop is accepting the shipment for me), I'm still coming in under the gun's $424 MSRP. The dealers here all wanted to charge me $50 above retail to special order it, so I think I'm making out pretty good. I've read that Browning limited the High Capacity to 2,000 pieces, probably why no one local has one in stock.

Hopefully I will be picking it up sometime around the first of the year.

Then they get a shot in the ass with some rock salt. :whistle:

There is a BPS High Capacity sitting on the shelf at the Gander Mountian in town here. $424 MSRP marked down to $374 + tax OTD. But then you'd have to ship it.

Amorok

12-18-2008, 12:39 PM

Neighborhood kids fucking around on my property get a low powered shot from my BB gun, the same as stray dogs. It's a little brutal and the parents are pissed, but I never have to go after the same kid twice. And I live further out, so coyotes are a concern. I'll shot them whenever I see them, those things will kill your children.

Gas Man

12-18-2008, 01:48 PM

High powered paint ball guns could always be an idea to deal with pesky neighbors or their fuckin shit head kids.

Rider

12-18-2008, 02:20 PM

High powered paint ball guns could always be an idea to deal with pesky neighbors or their fuckin shit head kids.

Air soft at 700fps can sting like a bitch too.

Gas Man

12-18-2008, 08:50 PM

But these sting and leave a good paint mark!!

Plus they're awesome for the front of a jackasses house.

t-homo

12-18-2008, 08:57 PM

ericr

12-18-2008, 10:51 PM

Previous owner of my property built a berm of earth against a hill to use for target practice. Who do you think I'd have to contact to check on the legality of using this? Hunting is one thing, but round after round of target practice may offend even my distant neighbors.

If you are in a city limit, you'll have to check the ordanances they have on firing weapons there. If you're not in the city you can shoot all you want, doesn't matter what the neoghbors think about it as long as you're not raining lead on their property.

As far as predator control goes, since you're asking all these questions about guns, shooting and hunting in general, it's almost like the new rider arguing that a 600 or bigger supersport is a good beginnner bike. Not trying to really rag on ya Triple but I've been shooting since i was big enough to hold a gun, had my first 22 at 7yo and hunting by 10 years old, and I'm 42 now btw. I know all about what coyotes can and have done and what's documented. Ok, GA has not had a documented child kill by a coyote. Here's another fact for ya...GA did not have a coyote "population" worth mentioning 20 yrs ago. They were not here first, they migrated from the west and have decimated wild game and livestock populations along the way where they were not controlled by humans, and occasionally killed a kid. They populate like rats with big sharp teeth and adapt to any environment, they even live in major downtown citys. You're entitled to your feelings on shooting coyotes and you're welcome to choose not to. Don't think you'll convince anyone with any hunting experiance that it's a bad thing though, we all know better.

Enjoy the heck out of your new shotgun though man. What barrel and choke tubes does it have or did you get a slug barrel on it? Remember, to shoot slugs through a standard barrel you'll need a cylinder bore or rifled slug choke tube. Anything tighter will be stressed by shooting slugs though it and damage could occour.

t-homo

12-19-2008, 03:28 PM

20 inch barrel is pretty short for hunting with. My benelli is a 26 inch barrel and my bros Mossberg has a 28".

ericr

12-19-2008, 11:44 PM

Ok, that's a good slug barrel but it appears to be a smooth bore, doesn't mention rifled barrel, so you'll have the best accuracy with "rifled slug" loads. It will make a good close quarters self defense gun loaded with buckshot also but with a cylinder bore barrel it won't be good for hunting with shot loads beyond maybe 20-40 yards. You could pattern it on large cardboard sheets to see how shot loads do at different ranges but it will have more spread at distance than a tighter choke would.

The nice thing about shotguns is you can get different barrels. You can buy a longer, interchangable choke tube barrel for small game or bird hunting and swap them out when you want.

Slug and buckshot loads are expensive compared to skeet or trap type loads. Buy some cheap 2 3/4in, #7 or #8 or smaller (larger number) shot loads for just shooting and getting used to the gun. 2 3/4 in shells can be shot in it and are cheaper and have lighter powder loads so they're more pleasent to shoot a lot with too.