What type of gun?

[woof]

I've read the thread and am a little surprised no-one has picked up on the "stroll through the neighborhood" comment. Do you really want to carry a long gun when you are out walking your kids? Also the part about distance. From what you've said it sounds to me like you are willing to let someone else deal with the cat, as long as it stays 50 yards or more away from you. So long range ability may not matter. I would agree with the one poster that suggested a revolver. I would look at some .357 or even .38 revolvers that you can fit in, say, a fanny pack. Then go try to arrange to shoot a few of them and see which is more comfortable. About the only gun bigger than a .22 that my wife likes to shoot is a smaller J frame S&W .38 special.

 

[Never No More]

You dont tell a novice to buy a hand cannon, geez.

I concur with a 12 gauge 870 pump. Easy to use. Point and click.

They can use buck shot for close in, and slugs for far away.

Id say get an SKS over any handgun. Then at least you can spray and pray.

 

[Prettywoman]

Well, thank you everyone. This is a lot of information to digest so I am going to read and reread. I certainly do need training. The last thing I would want would be a gun related accident and this is the reason that I do not currently own a gun in the first place.
Woof, no, taking a gun with me while I push a baby stroller around is not optimal in my mind to say the least. I guess we'll just have to skip our strolls until this lion is caught. My main concern for right now is safety on our deck as well as going to and from our car.
I live in Colorado where mountain lions are very common. I imagine that one of my neighbors will shoot the thing or the Dept. of Wildlife will catch it and euthanize it soon. They normally stick to their own natural prey but for some reason, this one has a taste for dogs and is not afraid to come very close to houses, etc.
Thanks again for the information.

 

[woof]

OK, even walking to and from your car, you are not going to carry a long gun. I empathize with newbies posting questions here because you do get a huge range of opinions. Most of them basically think you should have what they have which in many cases, is all they know. My best advice to you is this - the best gun is the one you are most comfortable with. Only you can decide whether a long gun is right for you or if you should have a handgun. Yes this lion will be killed but there will be another. This is a long term decision for you, take your time. Listen to people who have no vested interest. Most important, work with whoever will let you shoot some guns and see how they feel. You know you don't become Dirty Harry or Jack Bauer just by buying a gun. You need to practice with it and become proficient. IF a long gun will work then I second the marlin lever in .357. I love mine, but they are pricey. I still think a smaller revolver sounds best. The idea of an SKS is absurd, look up a picture of this thing. It is a clanky old Russian made military surplus rifle. You may as well have a flintlock.

 

[Timthinker]

Prettywoman, I must agree with those who urge you to test fire different types of firearms before purchasing one, if this is possible. Doing so will enable you to decide what gun you can handle best. Next, seek qualified instruction on how to use your firearm properly. These two suggestions should help you to defend yourself against any type of predator.

Speaking for myself, I would prefer a lever-action rifle or a repeating shotgun to deal with a mountain lion. If you decide on purchasing a hangun, then I strongly recommend a revolver since it is more "user friendly" in a threatening situation. The final decision is yours, and feel free to disregard my firearm preferences if you find something that suits your needs better than my proposed choices. Hopefully, your neighbors will kill the cat before any more problems arise. Good luck.


Timthinker

 

[BlindJustice]

SInce prettywoman hasn't offered a budget or an
approximation of physical size, athletic history I would
advise training, and the website offered for education
for a woman rookie to firearms.

And I'd second the .357 lever gun - a Marlin, as well as
a Ruger GP100 4 inch bbl. for the same ammo as well as
.38 spcl. for training - sometimes especially with two young
children a pistol in a hip holster is always there whereas a
long gun might not be. ALso, training for the kids about wild
animals in the rural country.

.

 

[amprecon]

Things happen when people least expect it. I recommended a SKS or .30-30 lever gun in my earlier post, but that will be most useful if you get the drop on the perp. Most people won't be going to and from their car and house lugging groceries and a rifle or shotgun. The best defense is to recognize your surroundings and keep your head on a swivel, the sooner you see a threat the more time you have to take the appropriate action, whether it means using that time to employ your weapon or to get to safety.
As fast as most predators are, every millisecond counts. It will be most difficult for a non-trained person to employ a pistol against a fast moving target and be effective enough to stop the attack, but better than nothing I suppose, maybe the report will be enough to deter it, but I wouldn't want to rely solely on that.
But if you do want a rifle, I would still recommend the SKS or .30-30 lever action, the SKS is not a high-end quality rifle, but it wasn't designed to be, it was designed for warfare. Either way, it is a very effective semi-auto rifle and way, way more effective than a flintlock, especially if you miss with your first shot. The recoil is not bad either. I see that others have recommended a 12 gauge shotgun with slugs and that would be fine but you will definitely be affected by recoil, it is harsh. The .30-30 kicks harder than the SKS and the SKS is relatively soft. However a .357 or .44mag lever gun which I also have seen recommended would also be a very good choice, recoil would probably be the least in this option.

 

[Old Fuff]

Prettywoman:

I don't know where you live, but in southeastern Arizona where I am, we also have lions and black bears. I used to know a Government hunter who's job it was to hunt down and exterminate "troublesome" lions. He would use a pack of dogs to chase and tree the big cat, and then shoot it down with a little Marlin lever-action carbine chambered in .32 rimfire. Now this probably won't mean anything to you, but it will to many other readers.

The .32 rimfire cartridge is a VERY low powered one...

He pointed out to me that a lion is thin skinned and has a high-strung nervous system. When shot in the right place they came down right quick, and the little, low powered bullet did little damage to the valuable pelt - which he got to keep.

He opined that a lion is built much like a human being, and any cartridge that would work for one would do well on the other. "Cats," he said, "don't require a lot of power, but marksmanship is important."

You can easily stop a big cat with a handgun - if you are a good shot. Getting to be a good shot takes time and practice, so you would probably be better off for the time being with a short barreled rifle or shotgun. Neither has to be the most powerful, and given your experience I would avoid the more powerful cartridges and consider a carbine chambered either in .357 or .44 Magnum. Both are revolver cartridges, but when fired in a carbine the recoil is modest. Either will stop a lion cold.

Or you might prefer a shotgun loaded with buckshot. Each time you shoot a number of balls go out the barrel, rather then one bullet.

Any competent dealer can explain these things to you, but you don't have to go overboard in the power department. I would note that I believe some of the advice you are getting is coming from individuals who ever saw a lion in the wild, let alone shot one.

Bears are another matter.

I might add... Talk to some of the Fish & Game Department officers in your area. They often can give you some helpful hints.

 

[cpttango30]

Being new to firearms. I am glad to see you are taking the proper steps to protect your family.

I would go with either a 12 or 20ga Mossberg 500 or a Remington 870. If all you want to do it use it for protection from this mt lion and other nasty critters out there in a rual area. I would most likely go with a shorter barreled shot gun maybe a slug shot gun. There is no way a mt lion is getting up from a good shot to the chest with a 12 or 20ga slug.

I am not a fan of synthetic stocks but they have their place, and this is one of them. Easy to care for tough as nails it makes for a good starter shotgun to learn with.

Both models I refer to are under $400 MSRP but you might be able to find them both for around $250 to $300 in a store.

Now on to ammo. I would sugest a good slug you have 5 shots so I would also go with some 00 or 000 buck to follow it up with. Maybe load it with one slug, 2 00 buck, 2 slug.

Being a person that is new to firearms then you might want to look at getting Remingtons Slugger® Managed-Recoil™ Rifled Slugs (This is if you have a smooth bore). If you want to follow up with some buckshot then try Remingtons Express® Managed-Recoil™ Buckshot

I went with these ammo choiceses because they offer less recoil than many of the other full power slug and buckshot loads out there.

I would also try to buy from a gun store and tell them you are new to this and see if the guy behind the counter would go over the functioning of your new kitty popper with you. It would be even better if they had a range to let you live fire a few timed before going home. Good luck and I hope you know once you buy one you will buy more. That is always the way it starts.

 

[revjen45]

If you have the extra money I would suggest a .22 rifle or even a good quality air rifle in addition to your cat killer. This would not be for use on the threat, but for cheap preactice. Air guns and .22s are quiet and economical which allows you to build your skill. From your description you live in a rural area where you might be able to shoot a .22 without annoying or endangering the neighbors. Just be sure you have a good backstop behind your targets.

 

[UhKlem]

Tools for new shooters

While a 12 gauge pump shotgun with a short slug barrel with rifle sights is a good multi-purpose tool, there are a few things to look out for. One, make sure the stock fits you. Some makers have 'youth' models with shorter stocks if you are of smaller stature or have short arms. A big person can handle a short stocked gun easier than a small person can handle a stock that is too large for them.

Also, Federal makes a line of 12 gauge ammo they call 'tactical'. These rounds are loaded to deliver less recoil, but at practical distances they still deliver effective energy to the target. It would be best to borrow someone's 12 gauge to test how you react to the recoil with these lighter loads. Otherwise a 20 gauge might be better (smaller shell and less recoil; with shotguns the smaller number is a bigger bore and more to handle).

If you want to develop good shooting habits, a .22 rimfire rifle in a semi-auto or bolt action is probably a good place to start. Hitting a vermin with several rounds of accurate .22 fire is more likely to stop a stalk or attack than missing with something bigger. The ammo is cheap enough that you can practice and gain confidence. Starting with a long arm (rifle or shotgun) will be less frustrating than jumping into pistol shooting. You can generally get into rifle or shotgun shooting for less than the cost of a good pistol or revolver. Many used guns have little wear or use so don't write off looking at used guns.

Make sure whatever you choose, it fits you and you are comfortable with how it works. When you go to a guns store, you may want to take a male friend with you; some salesmen can be real jerks when dealing with women. Paxton Quigley has a great book 'Armed and Female' that has nicely organized advice and explanations.

As you get closer to making a decision you can always post again for more specific advice or insight.

 

[ilcylic]

I've read the thread and am a little surprised no-one has picked up on the "stroll through the neighborhood" comment. Do you really want to carry a long gun when you are out walking your kids?

If there's a mountain lion walking around that might try to eat my kids? (Well, in my case, my nieces and nephews, but whatever.) You're darn right I'll carry a long gun around.

 

[Ala Dan]

Welcome To THR Prettywoman My Friend-

Obviously, you don't want to walk a'round the neighborhood with a Marlin
336 .30-30, or a Remington 12 gague shotgun with a 18.5" barrel; as that
would draw lots of attention~!

A reliable sidearm seems like a must. With that said, I would seek out a
new in the box [or used but not abused] 4" barrel Smith & Wesson model 19,
.357 magnum. The reason I say choose the .357 magnum, is the fact that it
is very versatile. Load it with the less powerful, and less expensive .38 SPL's
for practice; and the 125 grain jacketed hollow point (JHP's), or the 158 grain
jacketed soft point (JSP) .357's for possible animal attacks. I don't know in
what part of the country you live ; but the .357 should be enough for a cat
the size of a mountain lion.

 

[Pilot]

I like the ideas of a sturdy revolver with a four inch barrel, like a Ruger GP100 in .357 magnum. This will allow you to carry on hikes and also serve you well around the house. Like others have said you can practice with cheaper .38 Special ammo which also has less recoil and muzzle blast.

 

[Erik]

The advice to consider a Marlin 336 .30-30 or a Remington 12 gague shotgun with a 18.5" barrel is sound for the home.

Ala Dan's is sound for anywhere.

Erik, whose responded to cats in the vicinity of children with a convenient handgun rather than a less convenient rifle or shotgun. Convenient as in on hand. No need to shoot the cats as it turned out. Yes, cats.

 

[68'chevelle]

I would use a 12 gauge and if that didn't stop it I would get my Marlin .444, it would stop it

 

[Brian Williams]

Never No More
Senior Member

Some of this is a load of BS
You dont tell a novice to buy a hand cannon, geez.Why not, providing they get training, The US Military used a 45 for a long time and many of those newbies did very will with that hand cannon, besides a 357 today is hardly a hand cannon.

I concur with a 12 gauge 870 pump. Easy to use. Point and click.

They can use buck shot for close in, and slugs for far away.

Id say get an SKS over any handgun. Then at least you can spray and pray.

Never look to go the spray and pray option, learn to use a gun correctly and accurately, spray and pray could easily hurt something else than what you are trying to defend against.

Hi, Prettywoman, Make sure you know what you are looking for when you visit a shop and do not let them choose a gun for you, do it your self and make sure it fits you and you get the needed accessories, belt and holster for a handgun and sling for a long gun.

A lot of THR suggests a 12 gauge, I prefer a 20 gauge youth model and reduced recoil loads.


BUT My first choice for the situation is an 1894C Marlin in 357 with a good revolver backup. Good luck finding a Marlin 1894 but you will love it once you do. A godd revolver is any 357 by Ruger or S&W that passed the checkout in the revolver section.

 

[GunTech]

Unless the shooter is going to practice a lot, I cannot reccoment a handgun unless absolutely necessary for carry. It takes a lot more training to reliably hit a target with a handgun than a rifle or shotgun. Personally, I wouold look at a shoprt barrels pump gun like an 870, or even a 'coach gun' a short double barreled shotgun. You donlt want to shoot at something too far away, and you don't want you bullets going a mile into soem neighbor's house. I'd pick something like 00 or #4 buckshot. at 100 feet either will kill a big cat, or wound it substantially, and the patter will compemnsate somewhat for poor aim. Buckshot also has a much shorter range and won't endanger the whole neighborhood.

You might even want to put heavy birdshot as the first round. This will discourage most animals.

YMMV

 

[Silent]

I also live in Colorado bear and lion country. If the cat is as big a problem as you say the DOW should be notified and will take action ( hunt it down and kill it). If you live in a highly populated area (such as Boulder) the authorities are pretty aggressive. If you live in a rural "neighborhood" your neighbor most likely won't care if you stroll armed. Keep in mind though that the bears and lions lived there before you did. You might consider a shotgun with rubber bullets which the DOW will sometimes provide. This is a less lethal means of dealing with the problem. There are also pamphlets the DOW distributes about living in bear and lion country which you and your neighbors should read. I would be very cautious about shooting any "threat" from more than 25 yards as you may be unable to justified doing so. As one well known trainer says "every bullet has a lawyer attached to it".Lots of people will say to do this or that never having done it themselves. Get some training, the Colorado hunter safety class is cheap and has lots of good information. Get professional training from a certified trainer. Practice, stay alert, be careful and enjoy living in Colorful Colorado.
BTW I hunt an carry a firearm at all times.

 

[kiwibird1]

I would also recomend the 870 pump. But I would also recomend that you take a safety course of some sort and get yourself a handgun and a concealed carry permit for personal protection while on your strolls.

 

[Legionnaire]

Prettywoman, you said:

I am planning a trip to the local gun store this weekend and will print out your response. I seriously know not one thing about guns but I am fed up about being afraid of this mountain lion so I am going to learn to use one. First time for everything, I guess.

Did you get to the gun store? How'd it go?

 

[telkontar]

870 Pump shotgun -- comes in a youth model. I'm smaller-framed and it may fit you better, too. The smaller gun is also lighter to carry. A shotgun allows a better chance to hit the target.

My home in eastern washington got "marked" by a cougar this summer -- came right on the deck. Locals apparently gathered a posse to remove it. Younger cougs seeking territory may be a little more aggressive and brazen.

As you have probably noticed, there are a lot of things to consider and opinions vary considerably. Do you have any neighbors who could mentor you and give you a test drive before you hit the gun shop?

 

[mgregg85]

In the privacy of your own home or on your own land, a good shotgun may be ideal for you. I think buckshot would be the best but slugs may also work. If you intend to walk around with the weapon, then a handgun in something like .357 magnum or more should dispatch the cat. Smaller calibers may succeed in scaring it away or angering it. One gun you may want to consider is the Taurus 4410 "The Judge". It is relatively cheap and can shoot .45 LC or .410 shotgun ammunition. The .45 LC should be more than enough on the cat and if you have snakes the .410 could come in handy too.

 

[pinstripe]

I would suggest a sks. Not terribly expensive, dang reliable, and 10 round magazine. This carbine doesn't kick real hard, and ammo is cheap. If you ever want to get rid of it, you will have no problem and you won't have a lot of money tied up in it. Just my thought.

 

[Pigspitter]

if you want a cheaper gun get an sks or ak variation.