Armored farmer
Member
The OP says he's not a hunter, it doesn't matter how much meat he ruins shooting those silo rats with his .30-30.
Of course, a .22 must come before the centerfires...
Of course, a .22 must come before the centerfires...
not a hunter
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snake284
Member
Or a Stevens Model 200 in say .223, 308, or 30-06, or whatever caliber you like. The trigger's going to Suck, but that can be remedied by a good gun smith. The rifle's cheap being around $330-$350 with tax OTD. It's a great rifle for the money and most are very accurate.
Since I raise lamb I agree with the recommendations of a nice lever action Marlin or Winchester since I Winchester 94 in 30/30. My Winchester 94 rides most days with me on my ATV.
I do not recommend Remington rifles because of quality control problems with new production. If you haven't purchased a new Remington in last 18mos you haven't experienced the decline. I also had the thrilling experience of using their products in various garden spots on the planet in the USN. I just don't like and dont trust their rifles in cities or on the beach. Also Remington may not be around 24mos from now with its financial problems.
A rifle from Savage or better yet a current model Winchester Model 70 would work. I have a Winchester Model 70 in .308. Highly recommend the Model 70 in caliber that works for you. Current Winchester Model 70 is as good as the pre 64 and in some cases better.
Unless zombie attacks are an issue or the earthquake and nuc problems in Japan send Godzilla and his monster buds on the prowl an AR is really not reeded. But if you really have to have an AR save your money and sell a few extra head and get the best either a FNH SCAR 16 or SCAR 17. I have a SCAR 17.
If the problem is predator control for your livestock I recommend investigating livestock guardian dogs(LGDs). Find a breed that works in your area I have Polish Tatras and make sure you get pups from working lines and not AKC lines. LGDs work 24/7 and do a much better job then humans. I only hunt predators if they are a real nuisance and accept I may lose a few head to them. Predators serve a useful purpose and help keep the deer pop and frat boys in check. Lime disease is a bigger problem then predators.
Va herder
I do not recommend Remington rifles because of quality control problems with new production. If you haven't purchased a new Remington in last 18mos you haven't experienced the decline. I also had the thrilling experience of using their products in various garden spots on the planet in the USN. I just don't like and dont trust their rifles in cities or on the beach. Also Remington may not be around 24mos from now with its financial problems.
A rifle from Savage or better yet a current model Winchester Model 70 would work. I have a Winchester Model 70 in .308. Highly recommend the Model 70 in caliber that works for you. Current Winchester Model 70 is as good as the pre 64 and in some cases better.
Unless zombie attacks are an issue or the earthquake and nuc problems in Japan send Godzilla and his monster buds on the prowl an AR is really not reeded. But if you really have to have an AR save your money and sell a few extra head and get the best either a FNH SCAR 16 or SCAR 17. I have a SCAR 17.
If the problem is predator control for your livestock I recommend investigating livestock guardian dogs(LGDs). Find a breed that works in your area I have Polish Tatras and make sure you get pups from working lines and not AKC lines. LGDs work 24/7 and do a much better job then humans. I only hunt predators if they are a real nuisance and accept I may lose a few head to them. Predators serve a useful purpose and help keep the deer pop and frat boys in check. Lime disease is a bigger problem then predators.
Va herder
Rancho Relaxo
Member
I, too am a beef producer. While a 30-30 is iconic, the amount of training needed to shoot off or near a horse is substantial. I leave my coyote rifle in the pickup and concentrate on riding. I have an excellent CZ 527 American .223 that has served me quite well for coyote and ground squirrel duty. I have shot over 20 coyotes with the rifle and most of the coyotes just collapse, maybe 5 have run a short distance. I have never needed a second shot.
Rancho Relaxo
Member
Maybe I should have clarified... If you have a rifle in your pickup and stop to shoot a coyote or a ground squirrel, I don't consider that "hunting".
If not hunting, and only one rifle, you seem to be looking for an all around tool. My second best suggestion is a short barrel 357 mag in a lever action. This will allow you to fire loads from Buffalo Bore heavy 357 mag down to cat sneeze (quiet) loads of 38 special. Best suggestion is a TALO Handirifle in 357 mag selling at Davidsons right now for $253 replacement guaranteed for life through your local dealer. Get on the reamer list at GBO and ream that rifle out to 357 maximum. This should not affect accuracy for 38 special or 357 mag but brings a whole new dimension to this gun. (you are going to want good peep sights to go with it) From beer cans, to jackrabbits, to snake shot, to knocking down a 200 pound hog, this set up will do a lot. It is a break open single shot, tough as a boot and a side saddle stock will carry up to six different rounds with another in the chamber. Weight under 7 pounds, barrel 18.75", overall length about (?)36 inches. Fun, just about the most you can have with your clothes on.
Just an old man's suggeation,
blindhari
Just an old man's suggeation,
blindhari
Tamlin
Member
C'mon, guys - we all know rats won't go down on the first shot unless you use at least a 45-70. 
Ringer
Member
Agree with this. Also a .357 lever would be a good all around rifle. A bolt action .308 sounds good too. Other than that need more info from OP.
I'm not a hunter either. I own a Ruger 10/22, a Browning lever action .22, a couple SKS's, an AK47, and have an AR on order (from Spikes Tactical). I'm missing the .308 bolt and the .357 lever, one or both, will come hopefully sooner than later.
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