Originally Posted by
AirBear
Since we have a lot of gun experts on this thread let me ask a quick question: I live on a .82 acre pie shaped lot in a suburban subdivision. Over half an acre is backyard. I have neighbors on both sides and behind me. We're seeing coyotes within 1/4 mile of here. I have a 6 foot fence but that won't stop a coyote. I have small pets in the back yard although we bring them in at night.
What would be the best weapon to use on a coyote without endangering my neighbors? The furtherest I'd have to shoot would be maybe 200 feet. In the 80's I owned a cheap shotgun and a .22 rifle, but gave them away when I went overseas, too much hassle to get them into the country I was based in. Never bothered to get new weapons when I xfer'd back. When I was young I did some skeet shooting and also qualified as expert on the Air Force's old .38 revolvers flight crew carried.
Not enough land for anything other than a cheap shotgun and shot won’t go out to 200’. Shotfall fan is usually 250-300 yards, 410 probably less is safe. Check local regs on discharging a firearm on your property. I’m on 7 acres, nearest house is 200’ away and won’t consider firing a rifle here. I have carried a shotgun, though. At short range, it’s amazing what 1 ounce on shot will do when it’s still hanging together at distances measured in feet.