Help me choose a bolt gun...

[RNE228]

This... Decent scope will cost as much or more than your $600 rifle...

Same as in photography or microscope; good glass costs, but it does make a difference.

You will want to put good optics on it so that rules out the cheap junk scopes.

[Calif Hunter]

Leave the .17 HMR off the list for coyotes as the effective range on yotes is too short with the rimfire. A .223 or .204, even a .17 Rem, will work out to 300 yards. Further than that, I'd go with a .22-250 or .243/6mm of some version.

[milotrain]

This... Decent scope will cost as much or more than your $600 rifle...

Same as in photography or microscope; good glass costs, but it does make a difference.

Everyone likes that axiom because it's easy. PLENTY of good scopes for less than $500 that will work excellently for the intended purpose.

[RNE228]

It's a general guideline that is generally in the ballpark, but not a rule.

Just like the mower for my tractor; general guideline is 5 PTO HP per foot of rotary mower. So my 6' rotary mower generally needs about 30 PTO HP. I could get away with less, but can tell you I like having 35 PTO HP to turn that thing.

IMHO, there are more decent budget minded scopes than in decades past.

Everyone likes that axiom because it's easy. PLENTY of good scopes for less than $500 that will work excellently for the intended purpose.

[TMB 1]

The triple duce passed 300 yards sounds like a bad idea, why even bother when it's so close to the 223. Your budget puts you in compromise territory, and a 223 with a 1:8 twist is a good one.

1 in 8 twist would be most accurate with heavy bullets and would be fine if you don't care about the pelt. 222 has 1 in 14 twist that is better with lighter bullets that are better for saving pelt, also probably the reason manufactures still offer 223 with slower twists

If you want to shoot them at 500 yards then 22-250 but with it at closer ranges odds of destroying pelt goes way up even with light bullets.

[Divernhunter]

There is a big difference between some $500 scopes and the junk ones such as BSA, Truglow and a few of the others that are usually less than $100-200.
I can get a quality scope(Leupold) for about $200-300.
I am not saying you need a Leupold MKIV or a Nightforce, but they are great glass.

As I said do not buy junk as you will usually regret it. Cheap junk and less expensive quality glass are not one in the same.

[verrlara]

I have separate budgets for the gun and for the scope. This topic was to find a good for the price rifle that can be deadly, accurate and hopefully fur friendly on coyotes, bobcats and hogs.

I have a nikon monarch or was it a prostaff? dun remember.. I might be able to get off my .223 wylde ar15 that I put on consignment before leaving colorado. In which case I would have more money for the rifle. Too bad about california and ar15s or I would just grab the ar and have it brought over. But thats another bag of worms.

[RNE228]

Bring the AR minus the stripped lower. Get a stripped lower and bullet button here in Ca....

[Fjold]

I have a 10" twist 22.250 and use it out to 500 yards or so. The 243 and the 6.5x284 is used after that.

JMHO (and yes, I own one), the 17 HMR is barely a 100 yard gun, the 17-20 grain bullets are t0o light for anything bigger than a ground squirrel after that.

[verrlara]

The AR would have to have several things modified on it before it could come to california. It would be too much of a pain in the ***. Its easier to cannibalize it for the scope, rings and bipod.

[mwunsch]

I think .243 is the right answer. Widely available, good ballistics, and enough bullet weight to put them down right now.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

My dog gun is a BAR Lightweight Stalker in .243. I can't think of a better set up for me. Knocks every dog down right there and is plenty big for hogs and deer.

[verrlara]

Well since I was able to cannibalize the scope off my old rifle that is on consignment I was able to combine my scope and rifle budgets. Right now I am looking at a savage varminter low profile in 223 which I will likely replace the stock on and replace the barrel, but will all together be a good buy

Savage model 18465

[eric n]

Well since I was able to cannibalize the scope off my old rifle that is on consignment I was able to combine my scope and rifle budgets. Right now I am looking at a savage varminter low profile in 223 which I will likely replace the stock on and replace the barrel, but will all together be a good buy

Savage model 18465

If you plan to make stands and walk any distance, don't get it. Its way to heavy. I had one.
Its a great rifle, extremely accurate for factory and the stock is good, no need to replace it. Good for squirrels and punching paper. Did I mention its heavy?
If you can, go to a gun store that has a wide selection of guns and pick them up, shoulder them, and feel how heavy they are. I sure liked my tikka t3 lite for stands

[verrlara]

I doubt I'll be doing much hunting in this year at least. I mean I'd like to, but I need to get in shape first. Im a ugly fat chick... at the moment and lugging this thing around might actually be helpful. Currently its probably more steel gong ringing and paper punching.

PS. Pic is of myself and my gun instructor. Taken at the rifle range at Great Guns Shooting Sports in Nunn, CO.

[Subotai]

^Don't say you're fat and ugly. There's nothing wrong with you! You look fine.