Good farm rifle? - Page 2

PatientWolf · February 1, 2013, 02:18 PM

Onde other you could consider if you will be looking at not much more than 100yds would be a Marlin 1894 SS. 44 magnum, lever action and in stainless, it is a fun rifle that does a great job.

wild willy · February 1, 2013, 09:30 PM

I have several lever actions and I have several bolt actions with detachable magazines And I hunt with both.Pushing a button and dropping a loaded mag in your hand is a lot easier than working thru the action of a lever or unloading thru the loading port.

Cemo · February 2, 2013, 09:02 AM

You don't need to be a big hard kicking 30 cal bullet to kill a coyote or other varmit. A .223, ,22-250, .243 or 25-05 or similar calibers would be all you need. The .223 or .22-250 loaded with a bullet designed for deer hunting will be very effective on them. If your likely hood of hunting a lot of deer out of state is very high, then the .243 or .25-06 would be a better choice IMO. One thing to consider .243 ammo is easy to find and so is .223 (but not so much now with the current panic buying due to the gun ban scare). I have a Thompson Center Contender in rifle format with a 16-1/4" barrel. It has taken several deer and none required a second shot.

kutz · February 2, 2013, 10:28 AM

Ruger American on this ranch,in.270 good for prarrie dogs, cyotes, deer & elk

YankeeSpirit76 · February 2, 2013, 10:44 AM

I have the Marlin 336 you spoke of but, mine is in .35 Remington, not 30-30. It's like the 30-30's big brother. Awesome rifle for the farm.

WCGS · February 2, 2013, 12:10 PM

Our animal pasture extends about 500 yards from our house, so I purchased a Remington 700 SPS in .308 caliber so I could reach out to the far end of the pasture to thin out the coyote population. I'm 3 for 3 in the past year. The great thing about this gun is I can use it for groundhogs, deer, and the occasional raccoon at any reasonable distance and still have the power to knock anything down. The major drawback is the weight, but the added advantage of the heavy barrel allows me to treat it a bit rougher on the farm. Attached is a picture of my first kill with it at 450 yards.

Lifetime NRA Member
US Army 2/14th 10th Mountain Infantry (peacetime)
FFL Type 1

hard3 · February 2, 2013, 12:27 PM

Remington has the 770 available in Walmart have seen them as low as $299 with a 3-9 Bushnell . In 243,270,7mm mag ,30.06 and .308
In southern Illinois, .308 ammo is not readily available , but all the Walmarts have 30.06 and 270. most have 243 ammo and 7mm mag.
I just bought a .308 before the craziness started , now can't find ammo in this area for reasonable prices

JoeDorn · February 2, 2013, 01:19 PM

I have a couple of hundred acres in wildlife management and run around the place in a Honda Big Red UTV. I have a 12 gauge shot gun or a Win 94 .30/30 at my side depending on the current situation with a two gun rack on the back if I might need to change on the fly. I also have a stainless steel 1911 in the storage area by my seat for close encounters of the poacher or rattlesnake kind.

I have been looking for a pre-Remington 336 in .30/30 or a Browning BLR in .270 (stainless) to take the place of my older Win 94 since the guns live in the open to the weather UTV 24/7.

I choose .270 since my scoped zombie guns are in that caliber and .30/30 for my iron sights since I have been shooting it for the last 60 years.

I also have a 10/22 and Browning BL-22 for light duty and fun.

I prefer lever actions since they give speed and reliability.

My grandsons look after the coyote population with AR's in different calibers. Currently we do not have a pig problem but with our mixture we can choose the gun du jour.

With the above choices, if I had to go to one gun, it would be the .30/30, in either Win 94 or 336...

coyota1 · February 2, 2013, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Remington has the 770 available in Walmart have seen them as low as $299 with a 3-9 Bushnell .

hard3, I wouldn't recommend a 770. They are a "throw away" rifle.

Old Grump · February 2, 2013, 01:49 PM

When I was a kid on the farm in Wisconsin the gun of choice was a 30-30, When I was in New Mexico 270 was pretty popular. Pick your likely range and game and match it up. Better to be slightly over gunned then undergunned. Right now I am happy with my 22, my 32 Win spcl and my .308. I cover anything I am likely to find in my back field and any one of them will work for most of my shooting.

publius · February 2, 2013, 01:50 PM

When I saw the title of the thread I was going to say Ruger American in .308 and I see you are already considering it.

Ozzieman · February 2, 2013, 02:14 PM

Living in Indiana, I shoot a lot of ground hogs. my suggestion would be the 243 in a bolt action. I have permission to shoot hogs on some fields that are over 1000 square archers. Ground hogs over 400 yards are not uncommon.
But I have found it very difficult to get within a 200 yards of a coyotes with the flat land we have.
The 308 is a great round but the 243 will be flatter and with light varmint bullets the chance of rounds bouncing off the hard dirt is reduced.
I use a 6mm Remington which is a slightly higher power round than the 243. It’s so flat shooting that it can follow the curvature of the earth.

Although I don’t use it for deer (heavy barrel) I would in a second with heavier bullets. (120GR)
If you’re going to carry it on a tractor or farm truck then get something with a plastic stock and stainless.
The Remington 770’s a nice choice. And they do make it in 243.
http://www.remington.com/products/fi...model-770.aspx

Zachary H. · February 2, 2013, 02:23 PM

Thanks for all the replies. I'm liking the looks of the .25-06. It's one round you can still get ahold of despite the current unpleasantness. What is a good low-end rifle in that caliber? My guns stay mainly inside; I just grab one as I go out the door, so stainless isn't a necessity.

Zachary H. · February 2, 2013, 02:25 PM

Coyota1, What do mean by "the 770 is a throw-away rifle"?

Hunter Customs · February 2, 2013, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Thanks for all the replies. I'm liking the looks of the .25-06. It's one round you can still get ahold of despite the current unpleasantness. What is a good low-end rifle in that caliber?

Check out the Savage combo guns (rifle and scope) or the Stevens 200 if Savage still offers them.
Later on if you want a better trigger in the gun buy a Rifle Basix trigger, they are not hard to put in the rifle and you can get a clean breaking trigger with a decent pull weight.

Best Regards
Bob Hunter
www.huntercustoms.com

coyota1 · February 2, 2013, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Coyota1, What do mean by "the 770 is a throw-away rifle"?

They seem rattly and cheap.

2damnold4this · February 2, 2013, 03:42 PM

Welcome to TFL, WCGS. Nice yote.

Revoliver · February 2, 2013, 03:52 PM

If you're looking for one rifle to do it all (farm protection and hunting all over N. America) then I would go with something chambered in .308.

L_Killkenny · February 2, 2013, 04:37 PM

Quote:

They are rattly and cheap.

Fixed it for ya.

Quote:

If you're looking for one rifle to do it all (farm protection and hunting all over N. America) then I would go with something chambered in .308.

Yep, .308 will kill anything that walks the lower 48 but there's abig difference between doing the job and doing the job well. Now not any one gun or cartridge does every thing great but .308s and their ilk are more gun than anyone needs and most would want for everyday duty.

coyota1 · February 2, 2013, 04:50 PM

Zachary H, I bet you are more confused about what you want to buy before you started this thread, but I still say look for a good used Marlin 336 in 30 30 cause that's what I'm looking for. A very versatile rifle/caliber.

boattale · February 2, 2013, 11:37 PM

The ultimate farm rifle is a .243 Savage 99 box magazine with a 2x7 Leupold. But good luck finding one. After that, any decent bolt rifle in a mid caliber with a good scope on it will fill the bill. I personally like Ruger firearms.

Meeteetse · February 3, 2013, 12:36 AM

Personally I suggest a good bolt gun in .308 and a good .22. Covers all the bases and allows more practice time around the farm or ranch with the .22. The .22 works around my place and the coyotes, feral dogs and other varmints don't know what hit them. The .308 has worked for me on deer, elk, antelope, a bear and two moose. Great all around cartridge.

Josh Smith · February 3, 2013, 03:05 PM

Hi Zack,

I use my Mosin for danged near everything. Coyotes here in Indiana, hogs when they make it up this way, and if I go out-of-state I'll use it, my bow, or my sidelock muzzleloader for everything else.

If you're around north-central Indiana, I'd be glad to let you shoot it and see what you think. It looks mostly milsurp but is modified for precision and handling.

Regards,

Josh

FairWarning · February 3, 2013, 05:08 PM

Ruger Scout .308 or Mini 30 would fit the bill.

I consider .223 a bit light for deer, but otherwise a Mini 14 would take care of the other tasks.

medic15al · February 3, 2013, 05:09 PM

Look at a T/C Venture in your choice of Calibers. 5R rifling wicked accurate and a great value for the price!

http://www.tcarms.com/firearms/venture.php

February 2, 2013, 09:02 AM	#28
Cemo Senior Member Join Date: July 25, 2010 Location: Central Missouri Posts: 245	You don't need to be a big hard kicking 30 cal bullet to kill a coyote or other varmit. A .223, ,22-250, .243 or 25-05 or similar calibers would be all you need. The .223 or .22-250 loaded with a bullet designed for deer hunting will be very effective on them. If your likely hood of hunting a lot of deer out of state is very high, then the .243 or .25-06 would be a better choice IMO. One thing to consider .243 ammo is easy to find and so is .223 (but not so much now with the current panic buying due to the gun ban scare). I have a Thompson Center Contender in rifle format with a 16-1/4" barrel. It has taken several deer and none required a second shot. __________________ Cemo Life Member NRA, VFW. Vietnam Vet, Hq Trp 1/1 Cav & H Trp 17th Cav., 1967-68.

February 2, 2013, 10:44 AM	#30
YankeeSpirit76 Member Join Date: January 30, 2013 Location: Bradley County, Tennessee Posts: 24	I have the Marlin 336 you spoke of but, mine is in .35 Remington, not 30-30. It's like the 30-30's big brother. Awesome rifle for the farm. __________________ .".....that whensoever the general government assumes undelegated powers, its acts are unauthoritative, void, and of no force....." -Thomas Jefferson,Kentucky Resolutions of 1798

February 2, 2013, 01:19 PM	#33
JoeDorn Member Join Date: May 24, 2010 Location: Belton, Texas Posts: 26	I have a couple of hundred acres in wildlife management and run around the place in a Honda Big Red UTV. I have a 12 gauge shot gun or a Win 94 .30/30 at my side depending on the current situation with a two gun rack on the back if I might need to change on the fly. I also have a stainless steel 1911 in the storage area by my seat for close encounters of the poacher or rattlesnake kind. I have been looking for a pre-Remington 336 in .30/30 or a Browning BLR in .270 (stainless) to take the place of my older Win 94 since the guns live in the open to the weather UTV 24/7. I choose .270 since my scoped zombie guns are in that caliber and .30/30 for my iron sights since I have been shooting it for the last 60 years. I also have a 10/22 and Browning BL-22 for light duty and fun. I prefer lever actions since they give speed and reliability. My grandsons look after the coyote population with AR's in different calibers. Currently we do not have a pig problem but with our mixture we can choose the gun du jour. With the above choices, if I had to go to one gun, it would be the .30/30, in either Win 94 or 336... __________________ Joe Dorn, W5VEX Belton, Texas NRA Benefactor, GOA, SAF & TSRA Lifer

February 2, 2013, 01:49 PM	#35
Old Grump Member in memoriam Join Date: April 9, 2009 Location: Blue River Wisconsin, in Posts: 3,144	When I was a kid on the farm in Wisconsin the gun of choice was a 30-30, When I was in New Mexico 270 was pretty popular. Pick your likely range and game and match it up. Better to be slightly over gunned then undergunned. Right now I am happy with my 22, my 32 Win spcl and my .308. I cover anything I am likely to find in my back field and any one of them will work for most of my shooting. __________________ Good intentions will always be pleaded for any assumption of power. The Constitution was made to guard the people against the dangers of good intentions. There are men in all ages who mean to govern will, but they mean to govern. They promise to be good masters, but they mean to be masters. --Daniel Webster--

February 2, 2013, 01:50 PM	#36
publius Senior Member Join Date: January 25, 2005 Location: Mississippi/Texas Posts: 2,505	When I saw the title of the thread I was going to say Ruger American in .308 and I see you are already considering it. __________________ "Suppose you were an idiot, and suppose you were a member of Congress, but I repeat myself." Mark Twain

February 1, 2013, 02:18 PM	#26
PatientWolf Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Location: NC Posts: 946	Onde other you could consider if you will be looking at not much more than 100yds would be a Marlin 1894 SS. 44 magnum, lever action and in stainless, it is a fun rifle that does a great job.

February 1, 2013, 09:30 PM	#27
wild willy Senior Member Join Date: March 8, 2006 Posts: 404	I have several lever actions and I have several bolt actions with detachable magazines And I hunt with both.Pushing a button and dropping a loaded mag in your hand is a lot easier than working thru the action of a lever or unloading thru the loading port.

February 2, 2013, 10:28 AM	#29
kutz Senior Member Join Date: September 24, 2012 Location: Arizona Posts: 393	Ruger American on this ranch,in.270 good for prarrie dogs, cyotes, deer & elk

February 2, 2013, 12:27 PM	#32
hard3 Junior Member Join Date: March 13, 2011 Posts: 9	Remington has the 770 available in Walmart have seen them as low as $299 with a 3-9 Bushnell . In 243,270,7mm mag ,30.06 and .308 In southern Illinois, .308 ammo is not readily available , but all the Walmarts have 30.06 and 270. most have 243 ammo and 7mm mag. I just bought a .308 before the craziness started , now can't find ammo in this area for reasonable prices

February 2, 2013, 02:14 PM	#37
Ozzieman Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2004 Location: Northern Indiana Posts: 6,117	Living in Indiana, I shoot a lot of ground hogs. my suggestion would be the 243 in a bolt action. I have permission to shoot hogs on some fields that are over 1000 square archers. Ground hogs over 400 yards are not uncommon. But I have found it very difficult to get within a 200 yards of a coyotes with the flat land we have. The 308 is a great round but the 243 will be flatter and with light varmint bullets the chance of rounds bouncing off the hard dirt is reduced. I use a 6mm Remington which is a slightly higher power round than the 243. It’s so flat shooting that it can follow the curvature of the earth. Although I don’t use it for deer (heavy barrel) I would in a second with heavier bullets. (120GR) If you’re going to carry it on a tractor or farm truck then get something with a plastic stock and stainless. The Remington 770’s a nice choice. And they do make it in 243. http://www.remington.com/products/fi...model-770.aspx __________________ It was a sad day when I discovered my universal remote control did not in fact control the universe. Did you hear about the latest study.....5 out of 6 liberals say that Russian Roulette is safe.

February 2, 2013, 02:23 PM	#38
Zachary H. Member Join Date: January 27, 2013 Posts: 18	Thanks for all the replies. I'm liking the looks of the .25-06. It's one round you can still get ahold of despite the current unpleasantness. What is a good low-end rifle in that caliber? My guns stay mainly inside; I just grab one as I go out the door, so stainless isn't a necessity.

February 2, 2013, 02:25 PM	#39
Zachary H. Member Join Date: January 27, 2013 Posts: 18	Coyota1, What do mean by "the 770 is a throw-away rifle"?

February 2, 2013, 03:42 PM	#42
2damnold4this Senior Member Join Date: August 12, 2009 Location: Athens, Georgia Posts: 2,526	Welcome to TFL, WCGS. Nice yote.

February 2, 2013, 03:52 PM	#43
Revoliver Member Join Date: September 4, 2012 Location: USofA Posts: 80	If you're looking for one rifle to do it all (farm protection and hunting all over N. America) then I would go with something chambered in .308.

February 2, 2013, 04:50 PM	#45
coyota1 Senior Member Join Date: April 6, 2008 Location: West Michigan Posts: 663	Zachary H, I bet you are more confused about what you want to buy before you started this thread, but I still say look for a good used Marlin 336 in 30 30 cause that's what I'm looking for. A very versatile rifle/caliber.

February 2, 2013, 11:37 PM	#46
boattale Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 2012 Posts: 118	The ultimate farm rifle is a .243 Savage 99 box magazine with a 2x7 Leupold. But good luck finding one. After that, any decent bolt rifle in a mid caliber with a good scope on it will fill the bill. I personally like Ruger firearms. __________________ Its all downhill from here. Except the parts that are uphill.

February 3, 2013, 12:36 AM	#47
Meeteetse Member Join Date: January 1, 2012 Location: Wyoming - Texas Posts: 69	Personally I suggest a good bolt gun in .308 and a good .22. Covers all the bases and allows more practice time around the farm or ranch with the .22. The .22 works around my place and the coyotes, feral dogs and other varmints don't know what hit them. The .308 has worked for me on deer, elk, antelope, a bear and two moose. Great all around cartridge. __________________ All it takes for tyranny to succeed is for good men to do nothing.

February 3, 2013, 03:05 PM	#48
Josh Smith member Join Date: November 5, 2000 Location: Wabash IN Posts: 740	Hi Zack, I use my Mosin for danged near everything. Coyotes here in Indiana, hogs when they make it up this way, and if I go out-of-state I'll use it, my bow, or my sidelock muzzleloader for everything else. If you're around north-central Indiana, I'd be glad to let you shoot it and see what you think. It looks mostly milsurp but is modified for precision and handling. Regards, Josh

February 3, 2013, 05:08 PM	#49
FairWarning Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2008 Location: GA Posts: 1,149	Ruger Scout .308 or Mini 30 would fit the bill. I consider .223 a bit light for deer, but otherwise a Mini 14 would take care of the other tasks. __________________ Mauser Werke, Schmidt-Rubin, Colt, Walther, HK, Weatherby, Sig Sauer, Browning, Ruger, Beretta, etc, etc....a few friends of mine

February 3, 2013, 05:09 PM	#50
medic15al Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2007 Location: Pell City, AL Posts: 123	Look at a T/C Venture in your choice of Calibers. 5R rifling wicked accurate and a great value for the price! http://www.tcarms.com/firearms/venture.php __________________ NREMT-P AL State EMT-Paramedic ACLS, BTLS, PHTLS, 1991-2006