Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations High speed device for turtle control

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.

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'.

Pottsy,
Have you tried a used weapon? Does it have to be brand new? Does Ebay sell guns?

Whoops. I meant Nick.

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.

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.

I use a Ruger 10-22. Cheap, accurate and semi-auto.

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.

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.

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,
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

Meant Ruger 223 not Roger!!
BB

Nick,
Make that a Ruger 223 (not Roger).

BB

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.

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.