Forums36
Topics40,962
Posts557,962
Members18,501
|
Most Online3,612 Jan 10th, 2023
|
|
7 members (FishinRod, Fishingadventure, 4CornersPuddle, Bigtrh24, Boondoggle, Bill Cody, Ponderific2024),
1,109
guests, and
322
robots. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 241
Member
|
OP
Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 241 |
I will readily admit that this has little to do with pond management, but I value you guys opinions and I need to control some turtles and scare off some comorants. Im looking to buy a .223 rifle. It's shells are relatively cheap and it does pretty well at long distances. My question is, does anyone know of a good, reliable one that cost little enough that I can purchase it and stay married? I like the Ruger Mini-14, but that sucker is 450 dollars. Prefer semi-auto, but cheap. Anybody know of a good reliable brand of gun. I want a thousand dollar weapon for two hundred.
Nick Smith
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 494 Likes: 1
Lunker
|
Lunker
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 494 Likes: 1 |
You might want to look into getting a .22 Magnum. Relatively cheap shells, (Second only to standard .22 rimfire really), decent range, respectable velocity of 2000-2200fps, and fairly quiet as well. A decent example should be available used for around $200. Very effective for small 'game'.
Owner/Builder of Ottawa Canada's first official off-grid home. http://www.mygamepictures.com - Hosting your outdoor adventure, fishing, hunting and sports related pictures!
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 20,043 Likes: 1
Hall of Fame Lunker
|
Hall of Fame Lunker
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 20,043 Likes: 1 |
Pottsy, Have you tried a used weapon? Does it have to be brand new? Does Ebay sell guns?
If pigs could fly bacon would be harder to come by and there would be a lot of damaged trees.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 20,043 Likes: 1
Hall of Fame Lunker
|
Hall of Fame Lunker
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 20,043 Likes: 1 |
If pigs could fly bacon would be harder to come by and there would be a lot of damaged trees.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,892
Lunker
|
Lunker
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,892 |
Nick, I agree with Pottsy. I use a scoped .22 magnum that reaches out 80 to 100 yds. It is more accurate than I am and does an excellent job on all kinds of varmints. Plus, if I do miss, the ricochet off the water isn't quite as scary. Go to the next Dallas Gun Show. I picked mine up used and added a cheap 4 power scope, all for about $125.00.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 470
Member
|
Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 470 |
Agree with the .22 I use an old marlin semi and it does wonders on the squirrel population that raid my pecan trees every year. And does a good job at giving snappers lead poisioning.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 352
Lunker
|
Lunker
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 352 |
I use a Ruger 10-22. Cheap, accurate and semi-auto.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 171
Member
|
Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 171 |
I had a used H&R 22 mag semi auto for a while. It pinched shells occasionally, but was fairly accurate. You can also buy bird shot shells for it.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 45
Member
|
Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 45 |
I've got the same problem with a blue heron. My son suggested a 22 Magium for the job. We put a scope on it, but getting a shot is the problem.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 241
Member
|
OP
Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 241 |
Thanks guys. I had not considered a 22 Mag. I have a Ruger 10/22 but shooting all the way across the pond, it drops too much. I remember as a kid fishing with a friend and shooting his 22 Mag at turtles. I was amazed at its long distance accuracy. I will definately look into them. Yes, used is ok. I live within a mile of Big Town Convention center. So I will wait on the next gun show.
Nick Smith
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 28
Member
|
Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 28 |
Nick, Just purchased a new Roger 223 bolt action (stainless steel, composite stock) before Thanks giving for $450. It came with a $50 rebate, and $50 value of scope mounting rings included. I added a $90 scope.
This markedly added to my current forest land predator fire power (a 22 LR Remington semiautomatic with scope)
Yes, it was about $150 more than I wanted to pay for a gun, but if your marriage is so fragile that $150 over is going to make or break it....you are skating on thin ice and you may as well break through now. (Ok it might not be a bad idea to spoil her with a particularly nice Christmas gift to protect yourself)
The gun is already starting to pay itself off with the game bird predators that I had heretofore been unable to control, and now do.
In the long run this gun is not going to cost me but pay me in saved game birds that I stock for hunting purposes. It's a business expense, and tax write off.
Having said all this.....your use of a gun to shoot anything in the water is very risky and highly frowned upon if not outright illegal. The richochet is extremely variable and dangerous. The higher powered guns obviously are going to carry the higher risks.
My use of the 223 may not be a fair comparison with what you intend to do with yours.
Good luck. Bullhead Bob
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 28
Member
|
Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 28 |
Meant Ruger 223 not Roger!! BB
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 28
Member
|
Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 28 |
Nick, Make that a Ruger 223 (not Roger).
BB
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 188
Member
|
Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 188 |
In the rimfire world you might also look at the .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (HMR) It's new this year and basically a .22 mag necked down to take a 17 grain .177 bullet. Muzzle velocity is around 2600 fps. Ruger and Marlin chamber guns for it, and the Marlin won't set you back too much. Downside is that the extreme demand for this new chambering makes guns hard to find and Hornady is making ammo as fast a possible to try and keep up with orders.
The light bullet might be the best option when shooting around water to prevent or reduce dangerous ricochets. I would still exercise a lot of caution when shooting at water, as most recommend against it.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 241
Member
|
OP
Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 241 |
At the angle I will be shooting, ricochets will be into a large open field behind the lake. So I can do it and be safe.
Nick Smith
|
|
|
Moderated by Bill Cody, Bruce Condello, catmandoo, Chris Steelman, Dave Davidson1, esshup, ewest, FireIsHot, Omaha, Sunil, teehjaeh57
|
|