Hey guys, first post here on the forums. I've lurked a bit over the last couple years and now I want to jump in with both feet. I'm 18 and just graduated high school and now doing fall semester stuff. I got my hunting license a few weeks ago and I'm trying to put together a do-it-all rifle. My targets will be prairie dogs up to coyotes and maybe small deer if I draw out next year. I'm on a budget so I'm trying to put this together with as few dollars as possible. This is what I'm thinking...
Ruger American Predator in .22-250
Hawke Varmint 2.5-10x44 w/ Weaver rings
Harris HBRM-S bipod
I don't know how many of you will be familiar with Hawke Optics. They are big in the high powered airgun industry (another one of my hobbies) and they make great budget optics. I've owned everything from their cheapest 4x32 to their flagship Sidewinder series. Great scopes IMHO.
I know some of you will say .22-250 is not humane for small deer, but I have several friends and a grandpa that use this caliber as their all around rifles. I'm not new to shooting and I consider myself a good marksman and I am aware of the limitations of the caliber.
Other than that, not much to discuss. I'm just wondering what your thoughts are? I live in Utah so there is a lot of flat sagebrush shooting as well as heavy forest. The primary targets will be coyote, jackrabbit, and 'coons. My goal is to be able to accurately take game up to coon size at 400 yards, coyote at 300, and small deer at 200.
Anyway, thanks for the information I've gleaned so far. Looking forward to this new hobby!
Ruger American Predator in .22-250
Hawke Varmint 2.5-10x44 w/ Weaver rings
Harris HBRM-S bipod
I don't know how many of you will be familiar with Hawke Optics. They are big in the high powered airgun industry (another one of my hobbies) and they make great budget optics. I've owned everything from their cheapest 4x32 to their flagship Sidewinder series. Great scopes IMHO.
I know some of you will say .22-250 is not humane for small deer, but I have several friends and a grandpa that use this caliber as their all around rifles. I'm not new to shooting and I consider myself a good marksman and I am aware of the limitations of the caliber.
Other than that, not much to discuss. I'm just wondering what your thoughts are? I live in Utah so there is a lot of flat sagebrush shooting as well as heavy forest. The primary targets will be coyote, jackrabbit, and 'coons. My goal is to be able to accurately take game up to coon size at 400 yards, coyote at 300, and small deer at 200.
Anyway, thanks for the information I've gleaned so far. Looking forward to this new hobby!
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