shots are not always that close in Texas, I shot 6 last night and they were all200 yards or more, just depends, I had one run up behind me so close I couldnt find him in my scope. as far as guns, my .17hmr kills many a hog at 100 yards. my favorite calibers are .22-250, .270,.308, 6.5 x 55 and 7mm-08. I use AR15s, AR10s, M1A, mini 14, mini 30. my favorite pistol is a Ruger BH Bisley in .45 colt but .44 mags go with me sometimes....I got so many hogs...so little time. sometimes there are so many in a pasture, there is no way I can count them. sometimes I catch em under a feeder and open up with a semi auto and lay em out.