31 replies to this topic

[SkyWalker209]

As some of you guys may have already put together, I'm quite new to the predator hunting scene. I currently own an SKS, Mosin Nagant 91/30 and a Mossberg 500. The SKS has a Tapco stock with 4x32 scope mounted on the bolt cover. The Mosin is sporterized, its barrel was shortened to 20 1/4", the wood stock was switched to an ATI and has a 3-9x32 scout scope. The Mossberg is really more for home defense and has two barrels measuring in at 18 and 28 inches. However, it has a 6 position Blackhawk Knoxx stock. Now that you know a little about my weapon choices, which one would YOU use for coyotes? Any input would be appreciated.

[Arc Light]

IMO if you have the money to buy a new rifle in a caliber more suited for Yote Hunting that is what I would do . IMO those rifle calibers are over kill , the gauge is good for killing yote's , just not at farther ranges . There are some good rifles chamber for Yotes out there and at decent prices , just shop around...

[SkyWalker209]

I was really hoping somebody would say that. I'm thinking the Savage Axis in .223 would work well. And it's on sale at Big 5 for $350 right now. Now....... any suggestions on how to talk my wife into buying a new rifle?

[BPS]

Its always easier to ask for fogivness, than it is to ask for permission.Lee

[A17Shooter]

Sometimes that 'forgiveness' thing is paid for over a loooong time.

[DirtyDave]

the savage 223 from big5 is a good rifle. My Dad bought one last year. It shoots 3/4 MOA with 55gr v-max. Only complaint is the crappy trigger.SKS will work fine, so will the mossberg with the 28" barrel and some #4 buckshot

[SkyWalker209]

What do you think my effective distance would be on that 28" barrel? I'm thinkin 40-50 yards. BTW, I might change the stock back to its original if I put the longer barrel on, otherwise I think it'll look like a "tactical musket." LOL

[Thumper Dunker]

For the shot gun 30 -40 yards.

[DirtyDave]

What do you think my effective distance would be on that 28" barrel? I'm thinkin 40-50 yards. BTW, I might change the stock back to its original if I put the longer barrel on, otherwise I think it'll look like a "tactical musket." LOL

I suggested the 28" barrel because it most likely has a Modified choke. The 18" is a Cyl bore. The Mod will give you a tighter pattern, thus more range. Barrel length has some affect on velocity, but the pattern size is more important.

[dangerranger]

I sold one of my SKSs to a local kid who claims to be wrecking the local coyote population with it. Hes out feeding early morning and late evening, so he sees a fair amount of them. his family raises cattle, dairy goats, and exotic rabitts. they have one variaty of Giant Hare that get to be 75lbs. anyway I wouldnt shy away from the SKS if yours shoots accuratly. DR

[Frank]

IF, the SKS accuracy is good, then it may work fine. My other concern would be the noise & choice of bullets. I can recall shooting only one SKS, and man that thing was so loud it was incredible. Also, one would have a hard time hitting a bull moose at 100 yards with the one I shot. However, if accuracy is good and the noise level tolerable, & you like it, then that pretty much covers it.Me personally?? There's only one Brand of rifle, in either 223 or 22-250... which would be a whole LOT more fun & enjoyable to shoot and hunt with... to me anyhow.Anyway, All the best & Happy Hunting

[.22guy]

any suggestions on how to talk my wife into buying a new rifle?

Jewelry.

[tawnoper]

I'd shoot whatever rifle you are most comfortable shooting.While accuracy is nice, when it comes to calling coyotes tack driver accuracy is not needed for the majority of shots you'll get.

[Shoot-it]

If that mosin nagant has a scope and you can get some good 100 yards groups use that.

[Bmoore]

Savage Axis in 223, 22-250, 243 or even 25-06. You can drop an 85 dollar rifle basix trigger in it and have one dandy of a calling rifle. Then maybe put a redfield or Nikon Prostaff 3-9 scope on it when you get the funds and it will be set to jet. Turners outdoors has them for 319 right now.

[tonyd]

My Mossberg 12ga with 28" barrel, modified choke, Hevi-shot BB 3" load, is good to 50+ yrds, Iv'e nailed smaller game, Rabbits, squireels, a bit further, but I think with a Yote the longer distance would not be a kill shot.TonyD

[SkyWalker209]

Thank you all for the input. I think I'll give my SKS a try first. It has decent range, good accuracy and that's the rifle I'm most comfortable with. I feel the Mosin may be way to much for a coyote. Again, thank you, you guys have a lot of useful info.

[MichaelJob]

If you're looking to maximize the range in your shotgun buy some Dead Coyote #4 buck and then put a extra-full turkey in or buy the Carlson Dead Coyote choke I've got some good patterns out to sixty yards and killed stuff out to fifty easy.

[DirtyDave]

Thank you all for the input. I think I'll give my SKS a try first. It has decent range, good accuracy and that's the rifle I'm most comfortable with. I feel the Mosin may be way to much for a coyote. Again, thank you, you guys have a lot of useful info.

There is no such thing as TOO DEAD for a coyote. I handload for my mosin using horandy SP 110gr bullets and they are fricken awesome. The PRVI 150gr SP's are cheap and work well for the price.

[ShooterJohn]

I shot coyotes with my .300 Win mag and they died just fine.

[hump]

lol so would a 338 win mag be to much for a yote ?lol id go for the savage in 223 .once i get more money in my toy fund ill be getting one, that rifle looks good from all that i have read about it.my mossant is pretty acurate but its so damn heavy still all stock . the 7.62x54r is a little hard to find hunting rounds for it as you cant use fmj to hunt with but it should be an ok choice to slay yotes with .

[SkyWalker209]

I was gonna use my SKS but my Mosin is a little lighter. I got a pic below, let me know what you guys think. Plus I haven't removed my bayonet from the SKS, I read (I think on this site) that you can't have one on if you're hunting.

[hump]

i fit a similar stock to a friends mosin just like that one .it did take alot of the weight off of it .if you have hunting rounds and its sighted in take that old girl out and drop you some yotes .but thats just my opinion

[peeker seeker]

One you like to shoot and feel good with and can hit the target . As for the buying a rifle get so many she don't know if its new or not.

[vitalik1582]

I used my Mosin Nagant on my first ever coyote hunt. Called in three yotes and I took two of them. Open sights, no mods, worked excellent, brought them down instantly! I'd use it again

[Shoot-it]

That looks nice I like it! Is there anyway to mount the scope above the action?

[rdsii64]

Put the 28 inch barrel on the shotgun and keep the shots under 50 yards and the coyotes don't stand a chance. If you have the funds, a rifle more suite to hunting coyotes is in order. Caliber is a matter of personal preference within reason. A 22-250 or a 243 will flat turn them inside out but those calibers are known to have short barrel lives. A 223 is enough and with a good quality barrel can go to six to eight thousand rounds and still hold minute of angle accuracy. The trade off is that it doesn't have trajectory and energy of the other two calibers. Don't think the 223 is a slouch. Ask shooter John what a 40 grain vmax at 3750 fps will do to a coyote. In any respect, get out there and have some fun along the way.

[knox35]

So does this mean I should not use my 30.06. Or should I make an investment into something else.

[Tuolumne85]

Who cares what caliber it is I have seen my .204 leave worse wounds than a .300 win mag on dogs. I can assume most people aren't gonna sell the fur on the dogs. If you want a cheap gun that's gonna kill coyotes in the kinds country your gonna be hunting go get a single shot h&r with a bull barrel in .17 hmr or a .223 that way you can reach out a little bit further than with the shotgun. The mosin should be suitable for now though. If you end up loving it and it's gonna be something your gonna do a lot of then make the investment. It's really easy to spend a lot of money on this sport and for the most part your not gonna be shooting over a 100 yards locally so a flat shooting small caliber isn't necessary.

[theduracellbigd]

Go shotgun 28 inch barrel with 3 inch Dead Coyote heavy shot T and you are good to 60 yds., trust me I have done it.