Compact Coyote rifle?

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K

KenW.

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I'm not much of a rifle guy. I was a number of years ago but got into handguns big time. I do own a German Voere .243 Win with a nice Lisenfeld scope, but the rifle is just too much to take on desert ATV-based coyote hunts.

What rifle would be a good one to transport on an ATV while going after these predators? I'd like a .223 so I don't have to stockpile any more calibers than I already do, but am open to suggestions. Something that's fairly compact and durable is best. I've been considering the Mini-14, but I think I'd want a folding stock for compactness.
 
How about an AR? They can be had in any color of the rainbow and are tough enough to take the riding around on an ATV. In my experience an AR is more accurate than a Mini. Mags are cheap and easy to come by and you can tailor the rilfe to fit whatever need you may have.
 
I'd even consider a scoped rifle-caliber handgun.

I am issued an AR for work but have to take care of it and not beat it around like my polaris would. Can't put optics on it either. The platform is great, but I dont need another one in the cabinet.
 
Minis can be tough to scope and mags can be expensive but I like mine. It is accurate enough as long as I do not overheat it. Might not be a bad way to go since the AR is off the table. Keltec makes the SU16 though I have no experience with one.
 
Oh, Sorry, I just saw .223 in your first post and suggested the RRA Coyote Carbine; I missed where you said you didn't need another one in the cabinet. I tell you something my Grandfather got at an auction that's is just cool as heck; It's a Remington model 7615 Police Pump action .223. It's all matte black and takes AR-15 Mags. I've been lusting after it ever since he brought it home from the auction that day. I think that would be a fun rifle to scope, and see how it performs. He won't scope it: old fashioned open sights guy born in 1929.

But that gun is pretty much the same dimensions and barrel length as a standard Remington 7600; it's just been decked out Law Enforcement style. I think it has a baked on parkerized finish. The barrel is fluted too(I think); been awhile since I saw it. I think I'm going to try to trade him something for it.
 
Keltec makes the SU16 though I have no experience with one.
Click to expand...

For lightweight, compact, portable and NOT an AR, that would be my recommmendation. They're actually pretty accurate, and it'll take your AR mags.

27" long when folded, 4-1/2 pounds empty

keltec_su16_c.jpg
 
16" AR, telescoping stock. Less expensive than a Mini, more accurate, more compact, more reliable, and easier to scope. No need to look any further.
 
+1 on the CZ 527 carbine, light weight, short, accurate and has a set trigger for the ones out there at longer ranges.
 
That CZ 527 is pretty awesome, and I definately wouldn't mind an excuse to buy one, but the Kel-Tec SU-16 might be your best bet for your intentions. It feels pretty high quality, but I've only held one.
 
Tight groups are nice, but have little relation to hunting needs so long as the first shot goes where intended. My Minis always did quite nicely for that. I never had any vibration problems with a K4 and a B-Square mount.

In general, most of my shots on coyotes, driving the back-country jeep trails, were inside of 200 yards; more commonly no more than 100.

Drifting away from the .223: There won't be all that many shots on coyotes, for starters. There just aren't all that many coyotes! So, for the money, odds are that finding a Remington 742K in .243 or a Winchester 100 in .243 might not be all that expensive. Saving a couple of hundred bucks on the rifle buys a fair amount of ammo...
 
16" AR, telescoping stock. Less expensive than a Mini, more accurate, more compact, more reliable, and easier to scope. No need to look any further.
Click to expand...

What AR are you buying at lower than the $700 Ruger price range?
 
Another enthusiastic vote for the CZ 527 carbine...seems like it would be tailor made for your request. I have had one for several years and even added another one in 7.62x39. Love it!
 
Another vote for the 527 it's a really cool little mini Mauser. I recently bought a Rock River 18" ATH AR. That is about as compact and accurate a yoddle dog swatter as one can get. If you don't want to fool with the expense and weight of an AR the CZ 527 is REALLY hard to beat for the money.
 
If you want something quickly accessible, you might consider a scoped handgun in 10mm, 400 corbon, 357 sig, or revolvers in the quick middle-bore calibers like 357.

The advantage to those is that in most states you cannot ride atvs with any ammo in the gun, and here in Colorado they have to be locked-cased on top of that. However, handguns are legal to carry one in the chamber in most states and would be much quicker on acquisition, not to mention easier to pack, you don't even need a spot on your quad!

Otherwise, my 580 series mini is sweet, has ended many a prairie dog from 100+ yds. Just need to put on a butler creek orso if you want a folder. Oh, and comes with the scope rings (just make sure to lock-tite them at the receiver nuts ;) ), and I use a Nikon Monarch on it. Never had any problems with magazines from Ruger, up to the 30 rounders.
 
Yes, the Mini-14 is a great coyote rifle. We were hitting 12x12" size targets consistently at 350 yards with opne sights. It's also light enough and short.
 
another vote for the Mini. ive taken many 'yotes with mine... scoped and iron sights
 
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