.40 S&W for Coyote defense

[Bc1223]

I have a dog that was recently attacked by a coyote, who came over a 6 foot fence into my back yard. Now the dog is only out when I'm with him. I was carrying a .22 loaded with JHP's, but the more I learn I have since been carrying my Sig .40 with federal JHP's. As I've learned, the coyotes are quick. If it comes down to it, I want to make sure I can stop it in it's tracks.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

At self/dog defense ranges,the .22 is more than adequate for coyotes. A .40 is no garantee to "stop it in it's tracks",only a hit to the CNS will do that and in that case caliber wont matter much.

 

[Zombiphobia]

you might want to consider getting your dog a rabies shot. They're not approved to prevent/stop rabies, onces infected, in canines, as far as I know, but it would still be a good preventative measure, considering the circumstances you mentioned.

A Coyote, jumped a 6-foot fence and attacked your dog.... thats an oddly aggressive coyote.

 

[wrs840]

In the "backyard", I'd be more concerned about whether the backstop was adequate for the caliber than if the caliber was adequate for the coyote.

Les

 

[goon]

If forced to use the .22, get rid of the JHP's and go with a solid that will penetrate. I once saw a JHP fail to stop a feral cat. Not something I'd want to use for anything other than ventilating cans.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

I once saw a JHP fail to stop a feral cat. Not something I'd want to use for anything other than ventilating cans.

Don't underestimate a good HP round. At "backyard" ranges the coyote wont know the difference.

 

[rcmodel]

If your coyotes are anything like our Kansas coyotes?

A .22 starter-pistol blank in the air and they would be leaving a vapor trail behind them on thier way into the next county!

rc

 

[bhk]

I would think that getting a defensive shot at a coyote with a pistol in your backyard is less likely than being struck by lightening on a sunny day. As rcmodel stated, coyotes are really spooky and I doubt they would come anywhere close to your dog when you are in your dog's presence. I hunt coyotes a lot, and they are one of the wariest of all creatures. Deer seem like dullards compared to coyotes.

Now, if you are in an area with an 'urban' coyote problem, things may be a little different. But if you are in an urban environment, touching off your .40 is a mighty poor idea.

 

[gym]

I personally think Coyotes sould be banned from carrying any caliber. I just don't think they are well informed enough to make that kind of decision. "i had to"

 

[Zundfolge]

If you're concerned that .40 is not enough gun for coyote keep in mind the Governor of Texas recently saved his dog from one with a .380

 

[madstabber]

I think a shotgun would be your best bet loaded with some 00 buck. If you don't have one I would just use the gun your most accurate with.

 

[X-Rap]

Check your laws and regulations, I live in what is called unincorporated county so I can shoot with out problem except my HOA says otherwise and coupled with the safety liability of houses on both sides and 1/4 mile across the gulch in the back I'm kind of screwed.
I am seriously looking at one of the high powered air guns because we have every thing from bobcats to mountain lions pass through the neighborhood.

 

[Webbj0219]

Had a friend in Nevada that used to snipe coyotes from his porch with a rifle. He had a big farm and the coyotes were one of the pests he had to deal with. Only thing he complained about was the law that you had to leave it where it lied when you shot it. He was saying you need a license to pick up the carcass. But you could shoot it as a pest. okkk? I guess that makes sense.

 

[Bc1223]

Of course that is a concern. There is a small canyon behind us, so no homes. I'm always cognizant of what's beyond my target.

 

[19-3Ben]

Depending on the subspecies, a coyote is generally going to weigh in somewhere between 25-50 lbs.

Think about it. A 40 S&W is powerful enough for use on people, that MOST police departments in this country are using it, and I'd say a good number of CCW and HD weapons are sold in .40 S&W. Defense against a person means needing to stop an animal in the 150lbs + (all the way out to many hundreds of pounds for really fat guys) range.

So yeah, if anything it's overpowered for a sub-50lbs animal.
When I take my dog out at night, I usually have a Kimber Pepper Blaster, and either a 9mm or a .380 on me because we have yotes around here. I'm not too worried.

 

[ritepath]

My BIL killed a 160# wild pig last fall with his issue 40...it took 3 rounds but it went down after running about 30 yards. Coyotes aren't that hard to put down from what I've seen.

 

[dogtown tom]

http://texasguntrader.com/index.php?a=15&b=79370

 

[gym]

^ very cool

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

A .40-cal. JHP should kill a coyote quite effectively ... if you can hit it. They are a relatively fast moving, small target, and there is an additional risk of hitting your dog.

 

[Marshall]

Around here in Oklahoma a clap of the hands and a yell would do it. Like others have said, they're very weary creatures.

That said, as with anything rabbid, it can be a different ballgame. Check your laws, if legal, I would advise a shotgun.

Sorry about your dog.

 

[jlrhiner]

They don't always run away. Right after my stroke, I was sitting at my sisters and got 4 shots at a coy over a three hour period. (I was using a .22mag rifle and couldn't steady my left hand). It was bound and determined to get a chicken from the barnyard and was not going to be denied. One miss was so close he pooped a 2' string, but circled around and returned. I wouldn't bet my life on them running, be prepared to put it down.

 

[RimfireChris]

A .22LR would be fine at backyard ranges, if you're worried you could get some of those Aguila Sub-Sonic Snipers, they're heavier, but they might not be very accurate outta your gun.

 

[Tinker]

Never shot a coyote, but a few years back a 40lb. dog made the mistake of hemming up one of my expensive dairy goats. He had her by the nose when I finally got to my .22 rifle. Ventilated his lungs with a single shot (Thunderbolt solid .22). He only made it about 30 yards and fell over. I'd expect about the same result on a coyote.

I don't think you are going to get a shot with a sidearm unless the animal rushes you. You may want to consider studying coyote hunting/trapping to thin your area out. Less predators in the area will ease up the food base. Hopefully that will lessen the chance of your dog being in that food chain.

On the same note.....I recently watched a coyote hunter on TV (Outdoor Channel, maybe??) He sets up, calls them in. No cammo...just sits still and calls. He used a 12Gage if he can call them in less than 40 yards and a scoped rifle for reaching out. The guy is talented. You might want to check it out. Maybe someone here can name the show.

 

[TNboy]

I smell troll.

 

[KBintheSLC]

The .22 is plenty for a yote at that range.